The Good
This action packed issue also has some very big developments for our heroes. This issue goes beyond four unlikely heroes that team up to fight some demons; this issue focuses on the idea that hell could completely engulf the world. This issue deals with the temptation of Daimon Hellstorm who is fighting against the call of Blackheart and the resilience of Johnny Blaze. It's hard to believe how much has happened in this story arc considering we are only four issues in. What's even crazier is the fact that there has been a pretty consistent balance between action, plot and character development. The story does not feel at all rushed and this is evident in issue 13.4. Although the story is being featured in the VENOM ongoing, this definitely does not feel like a Venom story. While this might bother some people, I am okay with it. Venom gets enough panel time (and has evidently been bonding with Red Hulk) that it is okay that he isn't the center of the story.
We have some great art by Lan Medina in this issue that really reflects this vision of Hell that feels consistent with popular culture. I definitely enjoyed it.
The Bad
This issue has a lot of action and a lot going on, but the idea might feel a little bit too big and far out there. That's not to say it was a bad issue or a bad concept, I just think there are certain issues that seem a little bit, well, unbelievable. I know, unbelievable for a comic book? Silly me. I guess my complaint is that some of these characters generally feel grounded in reality, and this series has been the furthest thing from that. This doesn't mean it's bad in any way.
The Verdict
There is so much action, so many changes and so many "WTH" moments in this book that I was sometimes taken out of the story. That's not to say there was anything wrong with the pacing or the story itself, it's just some moments left me thinking things were pretty crazy. Having said that, this is still a really fun book. The story has been consistently good, (not blow-me-away phenomenal) but solid. It's been a great introduction to Alejandra's character and I felt the way the team works together flows really well. I've definitely been enjoying it. The final moment in this issue will definitely excite you.