Xombi #4

Written by John Rozum
Art by Frazier Irving

I'm very bummed out by the fact that Xombi is not going to survive the DC Relaunch.  This is by far the best superhero-ish comic that DC is producing, and the way that John Rozum is laying groundwork to re-establish David Kim's world, has the most potential for years of interesting stories.

This issue is almost all talk, as Annie, the woman who had freed a monster in previous issues, explains her life story, and how she has come to be both a tool for Roland Finch, and the best hope for defeating him.  She tells of twenty-seven floating strongholds, like the one she was born on, populated by immortals with advanced scientific and artistic knowledge.  Finch has taken over Annie's home stronghold, with her unwilling assistance, and now has a chart which will lead him to all of the others.  Kim (the Xombi) and his crew of super-powered nuns and large golem are going to try to stop him.

While most of this issue consists of Annie's narrative, Rozum still squeezes in some nice character moments, and helps build on what has to be the most interesting and original supporting cast in comics.  Frazier Irving's work is always genius, and he continues to please as he designs the unique looks of a few of the strongholds.

I really wish this title was going to last longer.