Review: SONATA #4
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer:Â Â Brian Haberlin and David Hine
Artists: Geirrod van Dyke and Brian Haberlin
Colors: Geirrod van Dyke
Letters: Frances Takenaga
Reviewed by: Carl Bryan
Summary
“Some Grimkats carry dropping disease. Doesn’t affect them but they can pass it on to humans. We had a couple of people on our expedition get infected. They died!” – Korby, a delusional old man accompanying Sonata, Pay, and Treen.
“THE SHADOW OF DEATH” The mysteries deepen as Sonata finds romance with one enemy and makes friends with another. In the Valley of the Sleeping Giants, where other allies have turned traitor, it’s starting to look like no one is getting out alive.
Positives
Brian Haberlin and David Hine provide an excellent introduction to the world of Perdita. This fourth issue puts Sonata, Pau, Korby (show has finally put on pants), and Treen in a bloody battle with Grimkats. Cute if by themselves, but vicious as a pack, these creatures provide a conflict both physically and morally for Pau and Sonata. Pau’s upbringing involves killing anything that gets in his way or threatens his safety. Sonata is a pacifist who can defend herself, but sympathizes with creatures on Perdita.
Unfortunately for Sonata, her sympathy for all creatures gets her into trouble as the Grimkats are filthy creatures who in self defense sprout quills that cut Sonata. Infection is fast, and as Korby indicates “fatal”!
However, before that, Pau and Sonata share a moment where Pau misreads his attempts at affection, but is quickly assuaged in that Sonata has to have it on her terms. Opposites do attracts which will no doubt set off fireworks for both Rans and Tayans.
Speaking of fireworks, it appears that Treen’s tribe has set up an natural ambush for the search party composed of the Rans and Tayans. Will adversity bring these two societies together or drive them apart? Only time and some future issues will tell as this is shaping up to be a futuristic “West Side Story” or “Romeo and Juliet”!
Again Haberlin and Hine are “inspired” by all literary mediums in crafting the world of Perdita. The only thing better at this point is an interview with them to ask for a key to all of their Easter Eggs they hide in each issue!
Negatives
Again…none here! Haberlin and Hine are constructing their own canon. I like it and I think it is well worth a try. Treat this comic as an “aha” read as you will find literary treats, pop culture references, and some clever ways of telling you to not touch poop (dropping disease)!
Verdict
I’m getting used to a new (old) universe). Sometimes it is a nod to Shakespeare. Sometimes it is Star Trek.  Again, a reader can recognize elements from a lot of different comics, stories and movies. But it works and works well! As a reader, consider adding this to your collections! Consider adding Issue 1 to your collections. And be on the lookout for issues 5 and 6. It’s a fun ride already!
