Elementals #4
Published and © by Comico, June 1985
Title: “The Mean Seasons”
Synopsis: The Elementals spend a year in the custody of Saker, learning his secrets before a team member manages to escape.
Writer (plot): Bill Willingham
Writer (script): Jack Herman
Penciler: Willingham with Bill Cucinotta, Dave Johnson, Mike Leeke and Rich Rankin
Inker: Rankin
Review: Elementals continues to be one of the top books of its time. Creator Bill Willingham (with an assist from new scripter Jack Herman) does some tremendous world building, patiently developing both characters and back story. Strong characterization and thoughtful narrative structure keep the story from lagging. There is also limited use of narration and thought bubbles, giving Elementals a more modern feel. Willingham also shines as an artist, though a raft of pencilling assists lead to inconsistencies here. At the time of publication, an extended delay between issues blunted this series’ momentum, but it’s an excellent read in retrospect.
Grade: A-
Second opinion: “Issue #4 carried the ‘heroes in captivity’ motif to its logical-yet-seldom-seen conclusion.” – R.A. Jones, Amazing Heroes #86, Jan. 11, 1986
Cool factor: Just about everything. This series is firing on all cylinders.
Notable: Pages 21 and 22 are printed out of order.
Character quotable: “Because I am the ultimate predator of mankind. Those that survive – the strong, the fit, the swift, the genius – they will be worthy of the future of humanity.” – Saker, rocking a serious god complex
Editor’s note: This review was written Sept. 8, 2025.
