The mere concept of Super-Secret Crisis War is enough to drive not just kids crazy with giddy excitement but the kids within the rest of us as well, no matter how buried. IDW should be applauded for deciding not to take the easy way out, instead deciding to put great talent on the book in writer Louise Simonson and artist Derek Charm to make this something worth celebrating beyond the elevator pitch. This crossover of various Cartoon Network properties, pitting heroes against villains in a battle that puts multiple universes in grave danger, has been tons of fun. The latest issue, #4, keeps this up, delivering the most exciting art and action the series has seen thus far.

Similar to the current Samurai Jack comic series, this fourth issue is very visual, depending heavily on the downright awesome art from Charm. This issue is filled with two page splashes and spreads; in fact, only four of the 20 pages in this comic are standard one-page layouts. This would be tiresome if it wasn’t nice to look at, but that isn’t a problem here at all. Particular sequences, like Dexter ripping off and hacking the head of a robot, using it as a weapon, as well as Aku slivering all around a certain spread, prove themselves to be very satisfying. The coloring is done immensely well, offering some surprisingly dynamic shading and bursting variety in its palette, both improving upon past issues.

The plot is creeping towards its climax in this issue, with the heroes finally confronting their villains head on. The solid characterization of past issues is still here, Dexter’s arrogance, Samurai Jack’s nobility and all. Ed, Edd and Eddy find themselves in a more pivotal position than expectations would allow, providing some funny, interesting story-telling. The plot is also becoming a little more multi-faceted than a simple heroes vs. villains structure, but not so complex that it ever feels tedious.

Delivering the highest quantity and quality of action so far, Super-Secret Crisis War #4 is great. No chapter of this story has managed to fall flat, and I doubt that trend will be bucked.

Story: Louise Simonson Art: Derek Charm
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

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IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review