‘DCeased’ #4 ‘Nuclear Option’ Review: A Heartful Hair-Raiser

There are only two DC comic book storylines that have ever made me feel scared and frustrated at the same time—Final Crisis and Blackest Night. But it looks like I’m about to add a third entry to this exclusive list in the form of Tom Taylor’s absolutely terrifying DCeased series. The fourth chapter, titled “Nuclear Option” came out this week, and the bar is set very high, leaving most of us clueless and desperately clinging to that faint glimmer of hope.

DCeased #4 starts off with a foreboding calm as Captain Atom and Ray Palmer/The Atom neutralize the Anti-Life virus. But it all turns to naught as Palmer himself gets infected while examining the pathogen. It’s a harrowing start, given the overly emotional tones that the previous issue gave us. Writer Tom Taylor goes on to raise the stakes, as the world’s remaining superheroes answer Lois Lane’s call on top of The Daily Planet. I’m not going to drop major spoilers from here on, because an issue like this needs your own eyes to experience things as it unfolds.

‘DCeased’ #4: There Will Be (More) Blood

Taylor once again captures the essence of DC’s beloved heroes, even adding major stakes to the backdrop of fear and finality that Darkseid has unleashed to the world. DCeased picks up from the remains of “Red Sea,” with more lives taking up the body count faster than the Speed Force. The writing is exceptional, as always, sporting Taylor’s signature heart and love for these characters. Of course, tearful moments are present and never fails to leave all choked up with feelings. Taylor doesn’t go deep into their psyche, but you can see how the story progresses based on how they react on the surface.

DCeased #4 goes great lengths to cement itself as one of the best DC event series in a while (arguably, since Final Crisis). It doesn’t leave you fast-tracking your reading as every page has something fresh and exciting to offer. If you are an absolute fan of zombie franchises, DCeased will surely make the cut (although Cyborg will beg to differ in this issue).

But along with the story’s great writing and pace comes a small problem that ticks me off to a pinch. I’m not that much of a fan of the artwork, but then again it works well into the story’s fabric. Some panels feel a bit overwhelming, although it’s likely that you’ll feel that way because the pace and essence of DCeased #4 wants you to feel exactly just that.

Notable highs: Mera taking refuge at Themyscira, the awesome bit between Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, and Alfred and Damian’s touching reunion. DCeased #4 then drops a cliffhanger that would shame Negan’s Walking Dead Season 6 finale cliffhanger. The ending is very bold, leaving you praying to all the gods you know for safety.

Overall, DCeased #4 is a massive step up in the game that is DC’s current storylines for 2019. I can’t wait to see this one through.