Mister Miracle (1988) #4 – "The Charge of the Dark Brigade!"

Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Artist: Ian Gibson
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: September 1988

The 1988 Mister Miracle series took a different approach from Jack Kirby’s original Fourth World saga, incorporating humor, domestic life, and an offbeat tone that made it unique. Issue #4, titled "The Charge of the Dark Brigade!", continues to explore this balance of superheroics and suburban struggles while maintaining high-stakes action.

Plot Overview

Scott Free, the greatest escape artist in the universe, faces a deadly new challenge as the Dark Brigade—a terrifying, shadowy force—comes after him. At the same time, he’s still dealing with the pressures of married life with Big Barda, his powerful and no-nonsense wife. The issue weaves between these two worlds: the larger-than-life conflicts of Apokolips and the more down-to-earth problems of daily life.

One of the standout elements of this series is its ability to blend absurdity with sincerity. DeMatteis’ writing gives Scott a real sense of vulnerability—despite being a New God, he often feels like a regular guy just trying to keep up. This issue reinforces that theme, showing that no matter how powerful he is, there’s always something (or someone) trying to trap him.

Artwork & Tone

Ian Gibson’s art leans into expressive characters and dynamic movement. The action sequences feel fluid, and the exaggerated expressions add to the book’s humor and charm. The colors and designs maintain the cosmic feel of Mister Miracle’s world while also making room for the more grounded, comedic elements.

The contrast between the cosmic war elements and suburban life remains one of the series’ strongest aspects. One moment, Scott is dodging an apocalyptic nightmare, and the next, he’s arguing about mundane household issues with Barda. This mix of the extraordinary and the ordinary gives Mister Miracle a unique identity compared to other superhero books of the time.

Final Verdict

Mister Miracle #4 is a fun, action-packed issue that continues the series’ trend of blending cosmic adventure with quirky domestic humor. DeMatteis’ writing makes Scott Free feel relatable, while Gibson’s art keeps the story visually engaging. It may not be as dark or philosophical as other takes on the character, but this version of Mister Miracle remains an entertaining and unique take on the Fourth World mythos.