‘Tekken #4’ Review
Written by Cavan Scott | Art by Andie Tong | Published by Titan Comics
A few observations as we reach the final issue of this series. While up to now it hasn’t been the most intellectually challenging of books, which is just a posh way of saying there’s a lot of fighting, it has certainly had a sense of fun about it. Cavan Scott clearly took the line that there was no need to reinvent the wheel, and that most people who would seek out the book would do so for the characters fighting each other more than a grandiose storyline. It has certainly spotlighted certain characters, but sometimes perhaps at the expense of others, which has led to , especially for new readers I would imagine, a confusing read at times. Right, Cavan Scott, let’s see what this last issue has to offer.
‘It’s a Trap’… Star Wars has made those words immortal, but ones readers last issue found themselves shouting at Jin Kazama as, following the trail of Artifact 333, he walks straight into grandfather/ huge badass Heihachi Mishima’s HQ and trap. The good news for us is that we finally found out what Artifact 333 was, and it was in fact a she. An angel, called Angel, who can neutralise the devil gene in Jin. The bad news, for pretty much everyone else, is that Heihachi has found a way to download those angel powers and abilities into himself, becoming a super powered and supercharged badass. I smell a boss fight.
Can’t have a grandfather and grandson throw down without Kazuya Mishima of course, son of Heihachi and father of Jin. Rather like most powerful families they all hate each other of course. Kazuya has also arrived at the scene, and has realised Angel is also present. First though, he has to see off Paul Phoenix, Yoshimitsu, and Nina Williams, themselves engaged in fighting Heihachi’s guards. Come on, keep up. One bloody confrontation later, Kazuya is last man standing and off to join the fight between his son and father. With Heihachi on the verge of winning, as Jin continues to keep the devil locked inside, it is Ling Xiaoyu who comes to the rescue, freeing Jin and Angel. Angel, though, is not happy.
Jin, in the past, had hurt Angel while being controlled by the devil inside, and Angel wants him dead. Big time. She ‘turns’ all the others to fight as her angels and kill Jin, Heihachi, and Kazuya and wipe out the Mishima family. Jin defeats her and her army by doing what he didn’t want to, and unleashing his demonic power. Angel though isn’t done, and during the final boss figh…er, climactic showdown, tells Jin that he is not tied to the demon forever as he believes, but is capable of banishing it himself. No-one else can do it, but he needs to really wants it. Angel and Jin both disappear as their confrontation leads to a huge explosion.
A great resolution to the book, and the best issue so far. Story and action were combined in equal measure, most characters got at least a cameo in, and the story was both resolved and left with a hook to continue. I guess that part lies with the buying public. Although I would like to see a little more of the supporting characters, when it came down to it the story, rather like most of the original Star Trek‘s really being about Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, was bout Jin, Kazuya, and Heihachi. Their conflict drives everything, and always will. Andie Tong’s art was again perfect for the book, all loose pencils and free and easy use of panels and layouts. That sense of motion was on every page, which helped give the story extra spark and energy.
So, has it been a good book? On balance, yes. I had my doubts early on, little too much punching and kicking and not enough story, but when that evens out you see Cavan Scott and Andie Tong have done a good job. Will it be back? I’d say yes, it deserves a sequel. So, as the winning characters in the game sometime say.. ‘That Felt Good….Next!’
**** 4/5
