W0RLDTR33 #5 marks the culmination of the first arc for James Tynion IV’s sci-fi horror series. Choices are made that elevate the stakes and seemingly set the course for the next arc. The cliffhanger ending appears to be so important to the advancement of the series that Tynion himself asked his social media followers not to spoil it for others.

For me, even though I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds, the major reveal felt unrealized in it’s intended impact. It felt like Tynion was trying to bridge the gap between an emotional weight and grim realization, but didn’t lean heavily enough into either to make land effectively. Which I’m guessing was Tynion’s intent as it closely mimics how information has been revealed in his other works, namely The Department of Truth and Something is Killing the Children.

Fernando Blanco’s art and Jordie Bellaire’s colors are again strong. At times the violence in this issue edged on torture porn territory (think Hostel meets The Purge), which felt like overkill and turned me off. However, the scenes set in the future stood out because it painted the picture that things turn BLEAK after the events we see unfold here. Bellaire consistently shows why she’s one of the best colorists in the industry (with an Eisner Award to prove it).

So far through these first five issues, W0rldtr33 has been quite the thrill ride that has followed a typical Tynion (Tynionian?) arc: hook you with a fascinating concept, then peel back a layer or two while simultaneously introducing new elements within each issue, until an arc’s finale moves the story forward even if everything isn’t completely revealed. It’s a credit to Tynion’s ability to craft captivating worlds yet frustrating to know exactly how things are going to unfold. You may not know what’s going to happen, but you know the blueprint it will follow. It’s partially why I find myself enjoying trade paperbacks or collected editions of Tynion’s work more than individual issues. I know I’m not getting a full picture in any given week, but Tynion’s brilliance is abundantly evident when I can enjoy entire arc in one sitting.

We don’t yet know when the next arc for W0rldtr33 will be released but suffice it to say that I’m hopeful it’s coming soon. As frustrating as the wait for answers to his stories can be, Tynion has again created one of the best new worlds of the year and shows why he was an extremely deserving winner for this year’s Eisner Award for Best Writer.

Rating: 7/10