Review - Bonnie Lass #4

All good things must come to an end is what they say. Well, not quite because what really ends these days? Bonnie Lass #4 is the final issue in an initial four issue run completing "The Legend" storyline, introducing us to Bonnie Lass, Benjamin Lass and Trick Fischer. The final issue is all sorts of action-packed, trading some of the past issues' humorous dialog for some more humorous panels. And Monet? He's still around as well. Michael Mayne (co-writer and artist) and Tyler Fluharty (co-writer) continue the high seas adventure with the frenetic Bonnie Lass.

The fourth issues throws you right back into the crew's battle with the Leviathan. This issue features guns, maelstroms, Ether and hooks, all with Bonnie Lass at the helm. Bonnie Lass' ability as a captain is best on display here, as she's faced with a life or death situation on the high seas. The Leviathan takes them on a ride a lot further than they probably bargained for, but in the end it all works out for them. The issue ends clearly setting up a new arc with the possibility of a treasure even more powerful than the Eye of Leviathan, which was the focus of this arc.

I really like how Bonnie worked alongside Ben and Trick. Their actions really make you feel they've done stuff like this before and that they're a completely cohesive unit despite this being only a four issue arc. It's impressive that Mayne and Fluharty have managed to create such a dynamic family in only four issues where you feel you've followed them forever. Monet really didn't play as big a part in the finale as I would've hoped, but I suppose that ultimately the main villain was the Leviathan.

This issue was definitely action heavy and almost seemed to be making up for the few action sequences peppering the first three issues. That's not to say that the previous issues were either too dialogue heavy or too action heavy; rather, there was a balance within those issues. The fourth issue was pretty much 90% action and 10% story, but it works for the conclusion of the series. The main reason it works is because it fits Bonnie's character. Dealing with the Leviathan puts Bonnie's best characteristics on display and really helps to complete her as a character.

There aren't really any surprises here as far as art goes. There are a few panels that are a little too "cutesy" or anime-ish if you ask me, but they still fit within the defined style. After reading the fourth issue and looking at it with the other three the book has a feel of old school Japanese RPGs from the Playstation 2/Dreamcast generation. Skies of Arcadia comes to mind most quickly, sharing both a similar art style and the pirate aspects (despite Skies being in the sky).

Overall, the Bonnie Lass series is entertaining and relatively lighthearted. This isn't a series that will challenge a social norm or present a hero with dual identities. Instead, it's a throwback to more simpler tales of piracy, swashbuckling and mythological sea creatures. It doesn't take itself too seriously, which really helps to make it more enjoyable. A great first arc that definitely has me intrigued for more, if Mayne and Fluharty are so inclined. The issue should be available on comiXology and iVerse today and interiors are below.