SHAFT #4 (11 March 2015, Dynamite Entertainment) ∗∗∗∗∗
Shaft Created by Ernest Tidyman
Written and Lettered by David F. Walker
Illustrated by Bilquis Evely
Coloured by Daniela Miwa
Cover A by Denys Cowan, Bill Sienkiewicz and Ivan Nunes
Shaft returns to Harlem in search of Marisol DuPree, who holds the key to the murder of his girlfriend Arletha Havens. He comes across Bumma Brooks who takes him to meet businessman Vernon Gates. Gates is looking to trace a package, which holds incriminating material and which Marisol obtained from the recently deceased Jimmy Style. Gates asks for Shaft’s help in finding the package. On leaving Gates’ office Shaft picks up a tail who Shaft overpowers and knocks unconscious. He learns his tail is a police officer. Later, returning the Arletha’s apartment, he manages to find a lead to Marisol’s whereabouts…
The story is working nicely toward the concluding two chapters with different factions hunting for Marisol and the package she is holding. Walker has paced this tale expertly and Evely’s art work remains consistently impressive. The suggested playlist includes the Bar-Kays excellent Son of Shaft and Ray Charles’ interpretation of Over the Rainbow. In fact The Wizard of Oz is used as a metaphorical reference throughout this issue.