The Expanse: A Little Death #4 serves as the explosive finale to a groundbreaking series that bridges the gap between the major events of the “Starving Years” on Earth and the rising power of the Transport Union. Published by BOOM! Studios, this issue brings us to the endgame of Amos Burton’s path of vengeance. For fans of the television series and the original books, this one-man war against Auberon’s criminal underbelly has been a masterclass in tension and world-building.
The creative team behind this issue is a powerhouse collaboration. Written by Wes Chatham (who played Amos on the TV series) and veteran writer Andy Diggle, the voice of the protagonist is captured with unparalleled authority. In addition, the art by Francesco Pisa and colors by Sarah Stern create a gritty, lived-in version of Auberon that feels like a natural extension of the source material. In this final issue, Amos comes face-to-face with the ominous presence that has been orchestrating every move from the shadows.
What to Expect in The Expanse: A Little Death #4
As we reach the conclusion, The Expanse: A Little Death #4 shifts the narrative from tactical combat to a deeply personal confrontation. The shadow in the dark is revealed to be no stranger; it is a face Amos knows all too well. The connection between “Timmy” and his old Baltimore associate, Erich, takes center stage. Meanwhile, Captain James Holden and the rest of the Rocinante crew find themselves caught in a web of bureaucracy and setups, as the corporate interests of Xi-Tamyan seek to stabilize the planet through martial law.
The full creative team for this finish includes:
- Writers: Wes Chatham & Andy Diggle
- Artist: Francesco Pisa
- Colorist: Sarah Stern
- Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
- Editors: Tim Finn, Sebastian Girner, & Andy Schmidt
This team ensures that the visuals and the dialogue carry the weight of the entire series. However, the true strength of the issue lies in the moral ambiguity of the characters. As Amos confronts the “Big Man” on the farm, we see the harsh reality of “The Churn”—a law of nature that leaves only the cold, hard truth. Collectors will want to check out the various comic book covers for this finale, including stunning variants by Christian Ward and Karl Kerschl that highlight the grit of the Auberon landscape.
Vengeance and the Cycle of Violence
A major theme in The Expanse: A Little Death #4 is the idea that you can’t outrun your past, no matter how many Ring Gates you travel through. Erich’s plan to raise a new generation of “soldiers” on his farm mirrors the systems that created Amos back in Baltimore. This structural threat is far more dangerous than any single villain. In addition, the way Aggie is used as a “trigger” in the story shows the dark side of loyalty and mentorship in a world without safety.
If you are tracking new comics this week, this issue is a top priority. It perfectly sets up the eventual transition to the later novels in the series while providing a satisfying, albeit somber, resolution for Amos. The hobby of collecting these limited series pays off when a creative team lands the plane this effectively. The ending doesn’t just resolve a plot; it deepens our understanding of what it means to survive in the Expanse.
As the Rocinante heads back to the Ring space and the Auberon system falls under the “legitimate” business control of characters like Zhao Zhen and Webb, the cycle of the Churn begins anew. The story concludes with a haunting reminder: you grow up fast or you die.
In conclusion, The Expanse: A Little Death #4 is a phenomenal finish to a story that honors the legacy of its characters. Wes Chatham, Andy Diggle, and the rest of the team have delivered a full-burn experience that is essential reading for any fan of the Rocinante’s crew. It reminds us that in the vastness of space, the most dangerous things are still the secrets we carry from home.
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