I have a granddaughter now. Like Emmett, I pretty much would follow her to hell to bring her back too if she was taken from us. That’s what this 4th issue delves into. A trip to hell. Balegrim has taken something very precious to Emmett and he wants her back.

I’ve heard rumors that this is only a 6 issue series. Rumors , I say because like butt holes it seems everyone has one. There might be a hint to that in this issue as (minor spoiler) the trip to hell isn’t near as long as you’d think it would have been. It does the job but I could have stood to see more exploration of this version of hell. There’s a bit of foreshadowing of things to come in the form of a dangerous looking animal surveying the scene so maybe there’s another trip back there in the works.

I’ve liked that Donnie Cates has kept the cast of characters in this book relatively small so that you get a decent fleshing out of their personalities and insight into what makes them tick. There’s a really compelling 3 page run in the book that examines our characters relationship with god and how that can be judged and questioned in the face of strife .Some really good dialogue here. The development of the “non god” relationship between Roy and Janey has been an interesting and necessary subplot to the book.

The main hero of this chapter is Valofax in that he is able to be the strategist and warrior that we forget Emmett is not really ready to be. Interesting nod to “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” here also. We’re also reminded in this chapter that although Emmett has the power of the gods now, he still has ties to his humanity that can be used to hurt him when need be. I think is an important plot point for this hero to have.

A majority of the media spotlight has been shone on Donnie Cates writing for giving this book the popularity it deserves .However, Geoff Shaw’s art has played a huge part , by being able to convey  a combination of the country simplicity and regal war of the gods feeling of Donnie’s words .His wispy attention to detail in facial features covers every nuance of the characters emotions during the story, and his beautiful renderings of contrasting landscapes, whether the barren slate of hell, or the rustic home style of Texas have brought such a warm and  unique feel to this book. The shades of shadowy dark inking used in this book lends a sense of foreboding to the story that has worked since issue #1.

Book 5 is due out May.17th.Highly recommend this.

Story: Donny Cates

Art: Geoff Shaw, Jason Wordie, John J.Hill

Colorist: Jason Wordie

Letterer: John J Hill

Hi Folks, just a few thoughts on the latest issue of “God Country” that I just completed. Chapter 3 was very much a lull before the storm chapter……. and then that storm showed up. The pacing for this book has been very well done. Hats off to Donnie Cates for able to tell what is becoming an epic tale with just the right amount of hills and valleys.

These are not perfect characters. Which makes them even more endearing and relatable to the reader. Valofax, which is basically a talking sword, has a social awkwardness you might find in a 12 year old boy, instead of a living weapon that has seen the lives and deaths of millions across the Cosmos. That age old awkward, generational  relationship that some fathers and sons have is on full display here also .It just happens  to be playing out during a time of gods and demons. Donnie Cates nails this back and forth dialogue so wonderfully that I can’t help but wonder if it is coming from life experience.

We had a new member of the cast show up this issue in the evil of Balegrim. His show of force was just enough of an introduction  to sow the seeds of curiosity on how he plays into all of this bigger picture. At this point in time I have no idea where the story is going next and I am looking forward to that aspect each month now. Minor spoiler for this story. It’s going straight to hell……..I think. Either way…….As a grandfather, I too can relate to the one thought that was blazing through Emmett’s head “You do not F*ck with the grandkids”….

Geoff Shaw’s  art continues to help set the tone for a great look for this book. When I see his work the terms “Rustic”, “Grainy” and “windswept” comes to mind and his characters sharp features help convey the story panel to panel. He’s got a solid future ahead of him. Jason Wordie also has kept the colors of a darker nature . The darker black inks have been plentiful  to help convey the almost somber feel that the tale has sometimes.

If EBAY is any indicator people are beginning to show a lot of interest in this series. If you find a copy in your local store I would scoop it up as I suspect it may not be there much longer. Numbers were hitting $50.00….. sold for the 1rst issue on line.

Issue #4 is slated out April 19th.This is a good story. Please check it out if you have a chance. Cheers.

Writer: Donnie Cates

Artist: Geoff Shaw

Colorist: Jason Wordie.