Manifest Destiny #4 Review

Looks can be deceiving.

As we enter the fourth chapter of this wild road-trip of Lewis and Clark, we are introduced to two new players - one of whom is a major historical figure.

While there is familiarity to the main cast, Dingess still manages to probe and poke them to create new avenues that explore them and keep the reader invested.

The supernatural side takes a backseat until the final pages, where it comes back with a vicious snarl.

The art remains superlative. The claustrophobic environment, the uneasy figures and finally, the little touches here and there make this a true work of art.

SPOILERS FOLLOW..........

Clark has to decide whether they stay behind for their mysterious guide or not. Ultimately, Lewis is able to convince him that they need to return to the boat, with or without her.

Lewis' journal notes provide key insights to the man and by extension, Clark. Dingess gives the picture of a realist by nature but somewhat cowardly - contrasting well with Clark, who is stubborn, smart and courageous.

Clark decides to splinter the group into two fractions - one that will be a diversion for the buffalotaurs (Dingess coined it, not me!) while the other will head for the boats.

There are no pretensions here. Clark is a honorable captain and he lays it all out for his men. He is able to get an excess show of hands but before they leave, two new visitors arrive.

It's the people that Clark has been expecting.

Toussaint Charbonneau and his wife, Sacagawea arrive with the heads of the buffalotaurs camped outside and though by flashback, we see it is Sacagawea who does the deed, Toussaint Charbonneau takes credit.

Further we learn Sacagawea is pregnant (which really adds to her bad-ass style) and she and her unborn child are to be 'exchanged' for payment from Clark. While Toussaint and Clark debate, the headwoman overhears their conversation. The slave overtones are reinforced when the black member, York is put down by the convict Jensen when the latter veers towards perverted speak.

The head woman of the village urge Clark to dispose of Sergeant Floyd, who was infected during the attack. Floyd seems to realize what is happening, and tries to flee the group after seemingly killing a fellow soldier, only to be captured.

As he is wiped by Clark, his transformation completes and we get a truly unnerving sight.

While we don't get to see Sacagawea in anything substantial, she is going to be an important player later on (going by what I know from Night in the Museum, lol) so Dingess is teasing a trailer here until he gets the right platform for her. Still it's disappointing her entry last issue didn't get the coverage it deserved.

There is no problems as such with Lewis and Clark. The journals provide enough to get us into Lewis' head and the actions help us in understanding Clark.

The flora fears took a brief 'calm before the storm' moment before Floyd turned. Next issue is going to be something else.

SPOILERS END...........
This is a much needed breather issue after the events of the last three issues, and Dingess manages to provide character touches to the cast. The addition of two new members create a new dynamic for the story.

Robert's art brilliantly complements Dingess' work and the atmosphere is captured perfectly.

So, I give it 8.0 out of 10

+Some great character touches
+Brilliant art
+A much needed breather issue
+The last page!

-Plot doesn't progress much
-An important scene gets short-shifted