Sgt. Flag #4 - G-Man Comics

SGT. FLAG No. 4, November 2024

Arguably focusing more upon the trials and tribulations of a reality television show filming crew rather than this comic’s titular character, Rik Offenberger’s script for Issue Four of “Sgt. Flag” quite wonderfully captures all the restrained frustration found inside a super-hero having to do his difficult day-job under the scrutiny of the media’s spotlight. Indeed, such is Rob McFarlane’s increasing infuriation with Will White and Marcus Sherlock’s constant questioning and criticisms, that by the time the colourfully costumed Federal operative encounters an old Afghanistan veteran-turned-weapons dealer, the protagonist's barely contained fury is truly palpable to the reader; “There. Is that enough PG-13 for ya..?”

Likewise the audience should enjoy a fair amount of tongue-in-cheek humour, courtesy of some great one-liners from the rather straight-faced Agent Squires. Much of Christopher’s complaints about the naïve movie-makers exactly mirrors Flag’s own reservations. But when the security G-Man suddenly starts unfolding a giant inflatable splat calculator at the scene of a suicide bomber, and then later gets grumpy when the “idiots” misinterpret his request to prepare themselves for an attack by readying themselves to just film it, it’s surely going to be hard for many a bibliophile not to start laughing at the highly-trained martial artist’s evident impatience.

Equally as well done as all this twenty-page periodical’s pulse-pounding set-pieces, is the American author’s ability to make its more quieter moments feel just as authentic. This prodigious penmanship is perhaps best seen either when White and Sherlock decide to interview some of the other licenced meta-humans who work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation - so as to obtain a better picture as to what McFarlane’s team-mates think of working alongside him - Or after the pair verbally criticise Flag for “drinking on the clock” and for once, the former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant opens up as to the pressure he faces “Every. Single. Day.”

Finally, a considerable amount of this publication’s success also rests upon the shoulders of Gilbert Monsanto, who seemingly pours his heart and soul into making this book feel like a docuseries of some kind. The freelance artist is excellent in imbuing all the high-octane moments with plenty of explosive bang for the buyer’s buck. However, it’s the little things, such as Director Jameson’s obvious doubts as to the bankability of his department’s so-called social media superstar which help make each cast member’s motivations and physical behaviour much more believable.

The regular cover art of "SGT. FLAG" #4 by Stefani Rennee