I’m going to start off by telling you once again how sad I am that this is the second to last issue of Undertow, especially after how this issue ends. I was shocked. Physically shocked because I can’t see how there’s a clear wrap up to this story arc with just one issue left. I’m sure there will be because writer Steve Orlando has shown that he’s more than a capable storyteller. I’m just going to jump to Anshargal and his men hunting with Gelal. They manage to climb the mountain after some difficulties and come upon what Gelal calls his hunting ground. They spot some Wooly Mammoths and Gelal goes in for a kill instantly, feeling sucked into the battle the three Atlanteans make their own plan of attack to bring down the Mammoth. Obviously in order for the story to progress they need to kill the mammoth and that’s what they do. The respect the animal and then share a moment with Gelal that was actually pretty cool.
That’s all I can safely say about the story because this is a pretty important issue that shouldn’t be spoiled. The true opening had some of the best dialogue of the series and continued to paint a picture of the history and depth of the world that Steve Orlando has created. That is definitely one of Orlando’s greatest strengths, his dialogue. Every conversation is interesting no matter how simple or the subject matter.
I’m going to miss seeing Artyom Trakhanov’s artwork each month. He’s definitely a breakout talent in the industry this year. His style is distinct and visually everything he does draws your eye in. You want to study the page and soak in all the details. His Wooly Mammoths were bad ass and that entire scene said so much about the characters without saying a word. This is sequential art at its best.
I’m looking forward to the next issue even if it’s the last in the arc/volume. I’ve been looking forward to how this series ends and I’m expecting it to be good. Landings are tough to stick, but so far the creative team has been amazing. Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next volume.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Steve Orlando Artist: Artyom Trakhanov Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 6/25/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital