A hero’s journey is not defined by the end but by the grueling path of trials and tribulations they take to reach said goal, in turn showing their indomitable spirit and fearless character. But Image Comics’ Twig focuses on the people working behind the scenes to help the hero carry their load. Twig and Splat’s world-saving journey takes them through wondrous lands as they push on to protect everything they hold dear from evil. Twig #5, written by Skottie Young with artwork from Kyle Strahm, colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu, and letters from Nate Piekos of Blambot, is the grand finale that brings the unsung heroes into focus.
Joined by a new friend, Lobee, Twig and Splat continue their journey toward the heavenly moon when they are stopped short in their tracks by the cutthroat poacher from earlier. Now, balancing on a narrow, rocky bridge as the rain comes down hard, Lobee sacrifices themself so that Twig may complete his mission to save the world. Saddened by the death of his friend, Twig realizes the heart he was searching for all along was not a physical one but courage. With renewed focus, Twig and Splat return to their adventure.
Peril has followed Twig from the day he left the tranquility of his home. While the series was missing a recurring antagonistic force, this issue fulfills that wish, giving Twig and the team something more than a momentary distraction. Twig learns one valuable lesson, taking the story to a flashback sequence in a true moment of character development. Like a well-balanced meal, Splat’s pragmatism and sass have nicely countered Twig’s naivety thus far. Yet, it is the newly introduced Lobee, a gentle giant, who steals the show in every scene they appear. Writer Skottie Young gives his anthropomorphic characters a human side, connecting with the reader’s sentimentality to show that emotions are a sign of character, not weakness.
If Kyle Strahm’s otherwordly illustrations are the heart of the series, then Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s magical color work is the book’s soul. The issue opens with an overcast purple sky as bullet-like rain droplets fall upon teeth-shaped rocks, with Lobee’s horn shining like a warm beacon. As Twig makes the final ascent, the mesmerizing lights create a surreal beauty. Twig #5 trusts the artwork to do most of the storytelling, and it is highly successful in doing so, swaying readers through some poetic renditions. As if the characters were not lovable enough, Strahm brings out the big guns with the big, bawling eyes and snuggly faces spreading the warmth around.
Laced with fomenting drama and flowing emotions, Twig #5 brings the buzzing series to a stirring stop. The story has something for everyone. For casual readers, this is an animated series in the making, for gamers, this is a spectacular platformer, but for comic book creators in the making, this is fine art. Young finally reveals the importance of Twig’s journey and, in turn, lets him find his worth in the world. With Splat and Lobee at his side, the titular hero manages to discard his doubtful self, slowly and surely growing into the role thrust upon him. Twig #5 ends on a hopeful note, declaring a return that is sure to put a smile on fans’ faces.
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