An expedition to explore an alien artifact turns into a desperate fight for survival; and President Blades orders a special forces team to take down the most unlikely target imaginable. In the fifth issue of Letter 44, writer Charles Soule‘s political sci-fi thriller, we get a hell of a turn of events, in both the special forces’ mission and also what happens with the alien artifact. So much packed into one single issue.

In the last issue, we’re left with some of the astronauts making it on to the alien artifact. It’s a moment I felt would come much further down the road of the series, being built out for at least the first half of the year, if not a whole year. Instead, we’re thrown right into it. This issue though shows us more of this alien world, and how easily things can go wrong in first contact. It’s an entertaining turn of events that are believable and at the end leave us with even more questions as to where things will go next.

Then back on Earth, Blades has figured out something is up within his administration and also sends a special forces team on a mission. Who or what is the target of the mission? We find that out at the end of the issue, and that’s rather fascinating. Also, how Blades deals with the snakes among him is fantastic as well. It all feels like something that might happen in the real world.

And that’s the excellence of the series, Soule is able to make this fantastical event(s) seem realistic through actions that all are believable in how they play out. Also, the guy packs each issue with so much. Any of this might play out an issue unto themselves in the hands of another writer.

Artist Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque adds to the amazement of the series as he’s able to deliver art that works with all of these different settings.

Overall, Letter 44 continues to be one of my favorite series mashing up science fiction and politics into a story that’s gripping and unpredictable.

Story: Charles Soule Art: Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque
Story: Art: Overall: Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review