After the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense moved into their new H.Q., they quickly found that it had been used to continue several experiments that the Nazis had been conducting before WWII was over. It seemed that one of these had gone terrible wrong and the lone survivor of a terrible accident had survived in a sub basement for over 40 years. Needless to say he was glad to get out. Unfortunately he is also a bit crazy. Meanwhile, Abe Sapien followed a lead about his past to Littleport, Rhode Island where he is currently trapped by the spirit of a woman that either was his wife, or was the wife of the man who created him, but its all very confusing. Plus the spirit has his mind cut off and believing that he is in some 18th century paradise. Anywho, the B.P.R.D. have begun to investigate some old equipment of the experiments only to find that they don’t do anything, when all hell breaks loose. (By hell I mean ghosts flying around and attacking people). If you want to know more details, check out my reviews on earlier issues of The Dead, or read ‘em yourself.

Mike Mignola (writer) is one of my favorite comic writers, and his work in The Dead is not letting me down. His human and believable portrayal of such strange characters is unmatched. It is also fun how he seems to work in “the end of the world as we know it” so effortlessly. The interesting part here is that Mignola is not doing the art. The artwork is done instead by Guy Davis who uses a similar style to Mignola's, but is all his own. I will say once again that though the art may be a little overly sketchy at times, Davis does some truly amazing expressions.

In The Dead #4, the team is suddenly attacked by the ghosts of the dead scientists, who actually seem to not be doing anything accept moaning. That is, until they get to Johann, who is also a spirit. But whatever is happening to Johann will have to wait, (besides, it seems that some spirit is guiding him to build some sort of contraption that he will probably need to save the world, so my guess is that he’ll be okay) because crazy old Nazi guy has strapped a strange machine to his chest and is trying to use the Spear of Destiny (yep, that thing causing trouble again) to open a door way to Heaven. After blasting all of the operatives away except for Liz, Roger, and Captain Daimio, he explains that this was his original experiment, but that the others tried to stop him and caused the explosion, which trapped him for 4 decades. He also informs them that he led them all here for a reason, because they had all died at least once and come back; they would somehow be necessary to open the door to Heaven. Sadly, it seems that the crazy kraut is one door over because he is promptly turned inside-out and replaced by a massive, disgusting, bug-like thing.

The climax to this series promises to be good, and Mignola is never one to disappoint. So go ahead and pick up B.P.R.D. The Dead #5 when it comes out next month tell ‘em Fumanchu sent ya, and you’ll get it at twice half price.