Skip to the End #4 Review

Skip to the End #4

Writer: Jeremy Holt
Artist & Cover Artist: Alex Diotto
Colorist: Renzo Podesta
Letterer: Adam Wollet
Publisher: Heavy Metal

Review by Anelise Farris

It’s always sad when a comic series comes to an end, especially a series that is as unique as Skip to the End. When anything involving Nirvana, Kurt Cobain in particular, is released—film, novel, comic, what-have-you—I don’t hesitate before scooping it up. And when I heard that Jeremy Holt and Alex Diotto’s Skip to the End not only involves Nirvana but also science fiction, I was immediately intrigued. It has been a ridiculously fun ride, with each issue impressing me more and more, and Skip to the End #4 is no exception.

Skip to the End #4 draws the story of Johnny to a close. Johnny is a former bassist of Samsara (a fictionalized Nirvana) and an addict who has been working to make peace with his past. Gifted with a Dolorean-esque guitar, Johnny has been able to relieve moments from his past—just to realize that some events are inevitable and that time is beyond our control. And, with each issue Johnny has been slowly taking steps forward, not only in his recovery from addiction but also in leaving the past behind and moving on with his life.

This final issue, appropriately enough, is about closure as Johnny and his sponsor Emily illustrate the importance of community, sharing our stories, and the music that—like Nirvana—brings so many together. While this issue answered some of the questions that were raised in previous issues, others were left unanswered, and it ended exactly as I hoped it would—with a bit of mystery and lot of heart. And, the pairing of the compelling and simultaneously heavy and light-hearted writing along with the sharp, minimalistic art make this one of my favorite series of the year.

The Verdict
Buy it! Skip to the End #4 is a satisfying conclusion to the sci-fi Nirvana comic that had me hooked from day one. Not only does it speak to the continuing legacy of Kurt Cobain but also, in broader strokes, to the importance of recovery and facing our inner demons.