Savage #4 Review: Penciling & Inking

 

Savage #4 Cover A by Marcus To & Rico Renzi

In this final issue of Savage, penciler and inker Nathan Stockman takes us inside the mind of Henry Sauvage, the older brother of the young and popular Kevin Sauvage, aka Savage. Here we see Henry standing in the doorway of Kevin's room, crossing his arms over his chest and frowning. You can almost here him saying "Why does he get all the attention?" 

The green dinosaur toy on the shelf is a nice touch.

 

Henry believes he faked his childhood emotions well. The next panel suggests that even his beloved nanny didn't buy his gamesmanship. He clings to her, but she holds onto his forearms, preventing a real hug.  

Notice the pineapple icon on Henry's phone? Traditionally, the pineapple has been used to symbolize friendship, hospitality, prosperity, and diplomacy. Recently, it's been used on social media to signal a complicated relationship status. 

Yes, I imagine a relationship with Henry would be complicated.

 

Henry Sauvage may not be as particular as Hercule Poirot, but he seems like someone who wants everything in just the right place. Certainly his apartment suggests that. The symmetry in this next three-panel-scene seems like something he would approve of.

The way the fire is burning around him in the background underlines his mood.

 

 

Enough about Henry. See how these dinosaurs are hovering over this poor little sheep? Imagine how scared the poor little sheep--mostly inked in--would be!

And speaking of inking, who's that I see in the background? Could it be Kevin Sauvage, aka Savage, leaping in to save this poor little defenseless sheep?

Henry and Kevin both feel as if the world doesn't value them for who they are. But while Henry's feelings of rejection have led him to destruction, Kevin still insists on being its protector. 

 

I'm guessing this family are grateful to Kevin for saving their lives, their animals, and their farm. Even the dog likes Kevin. And dogs don't care about things like billboard advertisements, magazine covers, or social media.

Great job, Nathan Stockman! Your penciling & inking have enhanced every issue of this series of Savage!

Dragon Dave