Cult of the Lamb #4 Advanced Review: All Hail Lamb

Cult of the Lamb #4

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Alex Paknadel

Artist: Troy Little

Publisher: Oni Press

Release Date: October 23, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Cult of the Lamb #4 caps off its first story arc with an issue packed with action and emotional twists. With its charming characters and gorgeous art, this series continues to be one of the best video game adaptations in comics right now.

Cult of the Lamb #4

Review

Writer: Alex Paknadel

Artist: Troy Little

Publisher: Oni Press

Release Date: October 23, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Cult of the Lamb #4 caps off its first story arc with an issue packed with action and emotional twists. With its charming characters and gorgeous art, this series continues to be one of the best video game adaptations in comics right now.

Rating

9

Good

Because of its charming art style and addictive gameplay loop, Cult of the Lamb was one of my surprise favorite video games in 2022. Now, two years later, its comic book adaptation hits me with just as much of a surprise. While I've never been one to dive into licensed comics too much, this series by Alex Paknadel and Troy Little for Oni Press is genuinely one of the most fun comics I've read all year. It's charming, playful, dark, and made with so much love for the source material that, despite how much I love the game already, this comic series has made me fall in love even more with its story and characters.

With Cult of the Lamb #4, the comic hits the end of its first story arc, going out with an emotional rollercoaster of an issue that sets up what’s coming next. Keep on reading for my full review of the latest issue!

Overview of Cult of the Lamb #4

Battered and bruised, Lamb returns to the Darkwood, determined to kill Bishop Leshy with whatever ounce of power they have left. But little does Lamb know, Nana has plans to help them win the boss fight. With the sacrificial knife in hand, Nana makes the difficult choice to do what she believes is best for Lamb and the rest of the cult.

Image: Oni Press

Review

As far as comic book adaptations of video games go, Cult of the Lamb is undoubtedly high on that list right now. It captures the same quirky style and charm of the game while adding so much depth to the lore and characters. It’s been a trip seeing how Lamb’s character has expanded from a silly silent protagonist to a benevolent cult leader. Their relationships with other characters like Nana and Ratau have been a highlight in the series, providing a deeper connection with other cult members. Cult of the Lamb #4 especially shows how those relationships play a big role in making the story more emotional and exciting to read through.  From start to finish, Alex Paknadel does a phenomenal job of expanding the game narrative, giving this comic’s story plenty of heart.

Another impressive aspect of the comic is how it builds on the game’s key moments and expands them into a more detailed and fleshed-out story. I came into this series thinking it would speedrun through the whole game's story in just a handful of issues. But now that we’ve hit the end of the first story arc, it’s made clear that the creative team is taking its time to deliver a well-thought-out retelling of the game’s full story. As a big fan of the game, I can't wait to see the rest of the story play out the way this comic is doing it.

Image: Oni Press

I also must say that Troy Little's art is spot-on for this adaptation. The characters look like they were taken straight out of the game, yet have an added depth and expressiveness that makes reading the comic so much fun. Nick Filardi's coloring also gives the visuals a very unique feel compared to the game by adding texture to the surroundings and characters. The comic also does not hold back on the violence, making it feel like something straight out of Happy Tree Friends. With the solid writing and fantastic art throughout the series, you can’t find a more faithful video game adaptation than this. 

Image: Oni Press

Final Thoughts

Cult of the Lamb #4 caps its excellent first arc with a surprisingly emotional issue. The creative team of Alex Paknadel and Troy Little have knocked it out of the park, delivering a comic great for fans of the game and newcomers alike. Cult of the Lamb perfectly captures the game’s charm, humor, and surprising darkness while expanding the world in meaningful ways. With its gorgeous art, compelling storytelling, and perfect balance of cute and macabre, the series is such a stand out that I can’t for more once we hit the next stage of the story. All hail Lamb and everything about this wonderful comic book! 

Why You Should Read Cult of the Lamb

• It's one of the best video game comic adaptations in recent memory, expanding the game’s world and story without losing the original essence.
• The art and colors perfectly translate the game's unique style for the pages of a comic book.
• Whether you're a fan of the game or new to Cult of the Lamb, this comic offers a fun story that anyone can enjoy.