Review: LONG LOST #4

LONG LOST #4
Written by Matthew Erman
Art by Lisa Sterle
Published by Scout Comics
Release Date: February 28, 2018

“This is a story about home. However boring, normal and gruesome it is.” Long Lost #4 continues the journey of Piper and Frances as they look to connect with their mother while dealing with mysterious super natural distractions. The story continues it’s enjoyable smooth pace as it proves that the journey is sometimes more important than the destination. It’ s not without action but the character development found in Long Lost is rich, natural, and addicting.

Matthew Erman continues to expertly build the story and relationships in this issue of Long Lost. Though the body horror, and mystical components of the story are truly remarkable, what will really hook the reader is the development of the sisters relationship. Though they are in search of their mother what they are finding is a connection between each other and answers about themselves as individuals. It’s stories like this that really capture readers attention because they are so human. It creates a sense of believability that counterbalances the supernatural side of the story in quiet moments. The story carefully builds like lego pieces falling into place until in this issue we get a much clearer view of what is going on. That clarity though only leads to even more interesting questions about their family and hometown. What’s interesting is that we have two young women that are cutting through the b.s. of adult lies, misdirection, and self-importance. We are currently seeing this in the world today with the teens of Parkland doing more in a few days than what adults were able to do in years. Young people have much clearer heads than we as adults collectively do. Erman displays this in the sisters straight to the point approach in dealing with family to discover what has happened to their mother.

Lisa Sterle’s art captures the essence of these young women in their moments together. Facial expressions and reactions show the youthfulness of Piper and Frances even though what they are going through is both physically and mentally stressful. The black and white simple lines and washes give the story such a heavy mood of mystery and misery. There are some really nice textures in this issue as well with ink blots being used during a sickly part of the story. There is a nice balance, though, between the lights and darks throughout the issue that take us in and out of darkness constantly building up a nice tension. As she has shown in the past Sterle excels at portraying the horrors that are infecting some of the characters. Again, this alludes to the darkness hidden within every home. The last page is especially beautiful with a very fluid flow to it. It ends the issue on hopeful moment after darkness started to encroach. There is still a lot to be revealed in the story ahead as Sterle alludes to in her art. Scattered throughout the story, especially as the sisters walk through their hometown are little hints here and there that something else is transpiring in this innocent town.

Long Lost #4 is the continuation of an entrancing story. There is a simplicity in the writing and the art that will endear the characters to the reader as the story builds and reveals. Readers need to make this book a part of their lives to experience the ebb and flow of light and darkness in life.

The Verdict: 9.0/10.0

Related posts

Top