This was such a solid and fantastic installment in the series!! The pacing was spot-on and none of the stories felt neglected; the characters continue to grow and develop, all while facing challenge after challenge; the artwork is imposingly gorgeous; and somehow, there is still enough humor mixed in that I don't just gasp while reading this, but also laugh.

The overall balance of characters/arcs was so well done, and I really think that is one of the strong points of Vol 4. Additionally, I don't normal like "voice overs" (like when Hazel gives her ongoing commentary) but it truly felt natural in this volume.

Full 5/5- can't wait to read more!! Part of me wishes each volume was 500 pages, but I'm so greedy for graphic novels like this that I know I'd just read them all WAY too quickly! ( )

Look, this series continues to be immaculate and exquisite as it goes into its tearing your heart out and stamping on it repeatedly arc.

I don't know how it's legal for comics to be this good. ( )

I read the last two volumes (plus everything but the last issue of Volume 5) of this series in a catch-up during last week so it's all in a blur for me. I have so many feelings about all the relationships that take place between these people. The importance of politics, and the staleness of it, when you become too removed from your own wars, if they are being fought a world away from you, only mentioned in your news. The families, both the main one, and the two secondaries. The characters who struggle to remain together and those who end up dying too soon. I am still dying to know where this series takes us, especially with some of the ominous "not for years from now" promise the narrator has already given us. ( )

I wish I could just have all of the volumes to the end of the story.
Right now.
The imagination and artwork of this series continue to be impressive. I didn't love a couple of the plots in this installment, though -the other woman and the drugs- and I'm still not a fan of the more explicit sex scenes.
But I really like Hazel's narration, the different creatures (especially Lying Cat and Friendo) and the humor that's regularly injected into the story. And of course I'm pulling for Marko and Alana. And The Will and company too.
I eagerly await Volume 5. ( )

2,9 stars

This was all kinds of disappointing. The only thing I liked were the art style and a couple of the side characters. ( )