Shaper #4
Written by Eric Heisserer
Penciled by Ace Continuado
Inked Adelso Coronoa
Colored by Wes Dzioba
Lettered by Michael Heisler
Cover by Felipe Massafera
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: June 17, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

“This is the game. The game is this – Eradicate the Shapers in twenty turns or less. Without time, they have no family, they have no strength. Without strength, their heart is exposed. That heart is Solace. Destroy it, and then will the game be won.”

In Shapers #4, the penultimate issue of Eric Heisserer‘s 5-part series, the heroes’ hearts are exposed, and the game seems to be coming to a close.

As Spry and Niva attempt a daring escape from Caliphate Victus’s ship, their allies begin a desperate rescue mission. However, with Victus’s ability to see “ten breaths in the future” along with the sheer might of his reign, their efforts might not be enough – and the Shapers’ home world still hangs in the balance.

Shapers, thus far, has been – dare I say it – an epic coming-of-age series in the galactic-spanning vein of Star Wars. Thankfully, issue number 4 continues along this exciting path with enough spacefaring and action-packed moments to keep me wanting more. It’s not all about the fast-paced and danger-laden scenes, though. Heisserer has done such a fantastic job at developing his leads in such a short time, that the character moments, particularly with Spry and Niva, come across as genuine and moving, and easily some of the best panels of the issue.

The illustrative team of Ace Continuado, Adelso Corona, and Wes Dzioba have crafted a visually vibrant, beautiful, and vast universe that I could just as easily picture on a movie theater screen. The panel flow is seamless, blending perfectly with the pacing of the writing.

I’m not sure how this series is going to come to a close – especially with the shocking twist at the end of issue 4 – but there is so much potential for more stories set in this intriguing universe, that I sure hope Heisserer and Dark Horse have plans to continue further. If you haven’t checked Shapers out yet, now is the time before it’s game over!