The story behind the comic book The 36 is based on the Kabbalistic belief that there are 36 people in the world upon whom it is saved by their simple existence. As the book states, “In times of need, these people emerge from anonymity to save us.”
This issue changes everything. That’s a phrase that’s commonly stated, but with The 36 #4 creator Kristopher White finds his stride, and the book sings because of it! All of the previous issues of The 36 have been exciting and enjoyable, but with Issue #4, White adds a depth and suspense that pushes The 36 from being enjoyable to being downright addictive!
This issue features White’s typical introduction/message to the supporters of The 36, and it’s clear from his message that he knows this is the issue that will sink its claws into the readers and make them come back for more. He refers to it as “…the heart of the issue…” and it certainly feels that way. Everything has been building to these moments, and the payoff doesn’t disappoint! Also, White gets bonus points for quoting LeVar Burton. Reading Rainbow f—ing rocks!!!
What really works in this issue is the story between Noam and Shira. We’ve been slowly learning hints of their past over the previous issues, but in The 36 #4 White reveals their backstory, including Noam’s sniper skills, how they fell in love, and why Shira is currently in a coma. White doesn’t shy away from the pain here, and the added pathos works superbly.
This issue also includes a number of awesome moments, including an AWESOME cover, a member of The 36 with some truly disturbing electrical powers, a golem vs. polar bear battle, and the arrival of the Leviathan, something that artist George Zapata conveys with the awe factor it deserves (not always an easy feat in the comic medium)!
Issues #1-#4 are available through Graphicly, and you can find out info about the soon-to-be-released trade paperback at the official website, www.the36.net. You can also follow creator/writer Kristopher White on Twitter, @heykristopher.
That’s all for now, comic book sniffers! You can also check out Fanboy Comics’ previous interviews with Kristopher White and reviews of The 36 at the following links:
The 36 #3 Review
The 36 #2 Review
The 36 #1 Review
Comikaze Expo 2011: Fanboy Comics Interviews Kristopher White, Creator/Writer of The 36
Fanboy Comics Interviews Kristopher White, Creator/Writer of The 36
‘Till the end of the world,
-Bryant the Comic Book Slayer
