Event comics attempt to create an impact with world-altering ramifications. Original Sin seems to have such a small scale in it’s own book. Everything appears so self contained with the teams of heroes. The story boasted big and lasting impacts to the Marvel universe, but nothing of relevance has seemed to happen as of yet.
Original Sin #4 picks up right after the major twist of the previous issue. In an effort to avoid spoilers: a major character does something really graphic to another major character. The rest of the heroes are in an effort to find out who sent them on their mission of finding The Watcher’s murderer. While the others are trying to payback the protagonist who betrayed them.
It was safe to assume that the twist of the last issue was a red herring. All impact is washed away by the following issue. It’s kind of an insult to fans as the result was probably what everyone expected but hoped it wouldn’t be. The cliffhanger/twist of this issue is so obvious and pointless that it seems strange that they bothered to emphasize it in the comic at all. The character betrayal is also pointless as he never explained why he did it and it doesn’t make any sense. It was solely to give a stronger impact to the previous issue’s ending. Also, rather than have him explain himself we have to go through the dance of him being misunderstood when the whole dilemma can literally be solved with three words. Nothing is developed about the story, it’s an epilogue of the previous issue. It seems like a rather pointless chapter in Original Sin.
The book does have some redeeming qualities. Writer Jason Aaron continues to give the characters strong personalities in a comic that is so dense with characters. None of the protagonists are just background characters. Almost every character has very little time in the book, but they are so distinct it doesn’t feel like their inclusion is pointless.
The best part of the book is by far the art. Mike Deodato gives a gritty life to such an absurd story. It’s dark and moody, while also presenting a more realistic portrayal of comic book characters. It definitely makes the comic a stronger read.
Original Sin #4 can easily be skipped. People will flock to it because the previous issue’s cliffhanger. The sheer disappointment of it and the fact that it doesn’t progress the miniseries makes it worth skipping. It’s not bad, it’s just pointless in a series that is short but has such a grand scale. The art definitely saves this book.
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