Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Who Is Jake Ellis? #5 of 5
Image Comics
Edmondson & Zonjic
Who Is Jake Ellis? wraps up with what amounts to a very slow issue. While the conclusion generally leaves the book in a good place for a follow-up series and some of the plot threads are tied up I found the overall ending to be too different of a vibe from the previous four issues. I was definitely entertained with the mini series and I liked the hook for arc but the ending wasn't enough to push this book in the "can't miss" category. This review is not spoiler free so this is your warning.
This issue picks up right in the middle of the action as Jon and the voice in his head, Jake, are out for answers. These first few pages don't have anyone chasing them which makes you wonder what the rush is for, but as they attempt to navigate the building they are in, they find Jake knows less information than he has before.
Previously Jake is always a few moves ahead of Jon or the opposition. He knows when Jon should turn, duck or run. However, now that power fades. Turns out that Jake is getting closer to an area where he can no longer communicate with Jon. This area is some sort of hospital ward occupied by an older man who knows all about Jon.
It's at this point where the issue falls into a very bland state. Instead of getting a lot of answers or a rush of people running into the room to try to capture him we get a whole lot of not much. Jon attempts to ask questions but the questions seem to be all over the place and seem to not focus on some important things, such as who this man is or how Jon came into contact with him. At least Jake's body is revealed but all of the other dots are only loosely connected at the end. It seems by the book's end Jon's purpose for living is to run away. It's just an odd ending to this cloak and dagger spy thriller.
Zonjic brings the goods for the finale. He nails the expressions of the characters as Jon begins to interrogate the "doctor". For the most part when the issue's dialogue seems to fall part, it's the artwork that helps keep my attention focused.
I'm not sure I plan to pick up the next mini-series for this character. I believe this issue was compromised solely to prolong the franchise, which is a shame. It just seems like this issue was supposed to the payoff but essentially ends like the Wizard of Oz where there is just some little guy behind the curtain. I liked the series and plan to re-read it but the conclusion left something to be desired based on the level of storytelling in the first four issues.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
