Ed Hiccox searches Tunisia for the rebels after having scuttled the YourLife servers in the last issue. When he does come across Sirine, he finds that Tunisia is a very dangerous place. Back in the States, Nate Graft reveals that the loss of the servers is directly attributed to Ed’s actions. We have to see if he’s doing this as a part of a greater plan or if he has turned on his lifelong friend. Agent Ori describes Ed’s actions as terrorism, so the government’s position on the genius is none too friendly.

Out of his comfort zone, Ed must design a way to help Sirine and the other freedom fighters. He’s got rudimentary equipment, but his intellect is as sharp as ever. On the battlefront, Ed realizes that his actions can have fatal consequences.

Under Agent Ori’s supervision, Nate traces the world for signs of Ed and other evidence of sve_Urs3lf’s actions. We also see Nate making a very curious maneuver that could either betray Ed or save his life.

We will have to wait to issue four to see…

Marcus To continues his high level of illustration. Simple details are brilliantly expressed while difficult ideas such as Ed’s pattern recognition come through with noted clarity. His pencils help to translate a rather challenging story into a very readable tale.

Hacktivist #3 does read like a bridge issue. That is, it does not have the pacing or intrigue of the previous two issues. The issue does connect the first start of the arc with the huge climax anticipated in the final part of this miniseries.

Issue 3 is, by no means, a dip in quality. The chapter serves a very utilitarian purpose. Overall, the concept of this book is compelling, so while this issue has some third act problems, it does an excellent job of setting up the anticipated conclusion.

Our two protagonists have endured some amazing challenges that have taken them fully from their positions at the start. We now get to see how Ed and Nate will return everything back to the start—or as close to it as they can get.

Score: 4/5

Writers: Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly Artist: Marcus To Publisher: Boom Studios/Archaia Price: $3.99 Release Date: 3/26/14