Art by: Alan Quah and Cat Staggs
Colours by: Chris Fenoglio
Letters by: Neil Uyetake
Published by: IDW PublishingÂ
Issue 4 of the comic version of the excellent Orphan Black story is all about the clone Cosima. For the uninitiated Orphan Black is a tale of dark science, Machiavellian intrigue and a healthy dose of cloned females. The catalyst for the story is that the monitored clones become aware of one another.
As with previous issues of the book, Orphan Black #4 remains faithful to the source material, the array of characters is accurately portrayed and expertly rendered.
The issue kicks off and the scientist clone, Cosima, is quickly to the fore. The issue builds around her, around her relationships and the monitoring team who show just what effect being a close monitor can have on them. As with the show, the complex nature of the story, of the different elements, are laid out.
In terms of the bare story, the pace is set perfectly for this issue, taking us from start to dramatic end, via the machinations of the Dyad group, by way of Cosima’s ex/monitor, and the band Pythagoras. Well, it would be a geeky name to fit in with Cosima’s scientist background. In keeping with the well placed plot for issue 4 the characterisation and associated dialogue is also spot on. The feel of Orphan Black is very in keeping with the show, which is a boon for fans.
Given how quickly and how fluid the story in the show it, converting this to sequential artwork is a natural progression. Orphan Black isn’t your typical story, and with the limitless variability of comics, the medium is a good fit. Saying that, the creative team behind the book need to maintain a high level in all departments. The story has to reflect the richness of each clones authentic characters while mapping the full extent of the events that surround them all. It is an intriguing mix.
As issue 4 wraps and the stage is set for Cosima, we know much more about her due to the events in the book, and from here on her character needs no further set up. It’s been done very thoroughly and with varying amounts of drama, we are satisfied with the portrayal. A solid job from the creative team on this issue, long may it continue.
