It seems like we’ve been waiting for this issue to wrap up the four issue limited series from Top Cow for quite a while now.  But the question is, was it worth the wait?  I’ve been mighty high on the first, second and third issue.  Especially since the third issue had a hell of an ending.  But Velocity #4 doesn’t quite live up to those first three issues.  Something is off here, and I’m not quite sure what.  It’s still fun and the art is amazing, but the ending is a bit goofy, with a twist that just seems like it’s pulled out of thin air and a “boss fight” that’s just not all that entertaining.

The clock counts down to zero as the taut, pulse pounding series races to its conclusion. Carin Taylor, the hero known as Velocity, has been infected with a deadly techno-virus. Thus far she has been successful in saving most of her teammates from the same virus, but now the exertion is taking its toil and the fastest girl in the world may not be able to win this race. The issue concludes the creative collaboration of writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer).

The writing isn’t up to Ron Marz‘s usual quality when it comes to the writing, but Kenneth Rocafort‘s art is amazing as expected.  That’s much of what the draw is for this fourth issue.  The first three kept you on your edge, not expecting what was coming next, but this fourth issue derails.  Rocafort’s art though is why you’d want to pick up the issue.

As a whole, I can’t say I recommend the fourth issue (unless you bought the first three), but when the eventual trade paperback is released, definitely pick it up for the awesome artwork alone.

Plot:  Marz is usually an amazing writer, but something is so off with this issue.  It’s especially shocking since the lead up is so good.  There’s a twist from that third issue that’s resolution is just goofy.  Then there’s a fight that seems like a bad boss battle from a video game (press x, now press y).  It’s a disappointing ending for whats been a great beginning.  Rating: 7

Art:  Rocafort’s art is amazing as expected.  I want to see more and more of his work, the kinetic feel and action of the scene jumps off the page.  This last issue is all his and overall his art definitely enhances the series and fits it’s fast feel.  If you pick up the issue, it’s for his art.  Rating: 9

Overall:  The first three issues are fantastic, but this fourth and final one is a bit of a let down.  It just doesn’t have that awesomeness of the first three.  I’m not quite sure what I was expecting, and maybe I expected too much, but something was just “off.”  What makes it frustrating is, I couldn’t tell you what.  As much as I wanted to praise this limited series, this last issue is a let down and sours it a little.  Overall rating: 7

Recommendation: Read

Page count: 32 pages    Price: $3.99    Release Date: 4/27/2011

Top Cow provided Graphic Policy with an advance copy of this issue for FREE for review.