Hotshot #13 (Unforgiven Part 4 of 4)

Written and illustrated by Mike Watson; Colored by Veronica Smith
(July 2025, Freestyle Komics)

Synopsis

Hotshot Issue #13 brings the “Unforgiven” story arc to its conclusion. This installment features Hotshot addressing the aftermath of avenging his mother’s domestic abuse, alongside managing a city-wide catastrophe in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

Swinging for the Fences

Hotshot Issue #13 concludes the “Unforgiven” arc, the series’ most emotional story to date. Seriously, the cover says it all: Hotshot’s on a gargoyle, in the rain, at midnight. In this installment, he grapples with avenging his mother’s domestic abuse and the fallout of a city-wide catastrophe he fumbled in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

Per usual, Mike Watson takes bold swings with his storytelling. Each issue consistently delivers a pivotal point, regardless of the action’s intensity. This particular issue, for instance, foregoes dramatic fight sequences yet brims with cinematic imagery. Watson once again demonstrates a firm grasp of the superhero narrative by inserting emotionally charged exchanges and shocking revelations that keep the reader deeply engaged.

As a fan, even small interactions got me hyped. Like when Hotshot dubbed Fivestar with the line, “Unlike you, I don’t have the luxury of revealing who I am.”

Furthermore, the funeral scene—where a family mourns the death of two victims of the Columbus catastrophe—is another standout for me. The striking camera angles create a captivating visual that I won’t soon forget, solidifying my argument that “Unforgiven” is Hotshot’s defining chapter.

Too Close to the Sun

Ambitious swings also come with significant misses. While the funeral sequence was phenomenal, other page layouts felt crowded and rushed as Mike attempts to conclude several major plotlines in one issue. I take issue with other artistic choices as well, but to be honest, nothing truly overshadows the impact Mike has created in this installment.

Looking forward, I hope Mike chooses to stay in this pocket a while; sticking to engaging, personal story arcs rooted in real world situations. And take the time to handle his signature art style with a little more care. But ultimately, I’m genuinely proud that he has concluded this story in such a way that he can confidently hand this volume of Hotshot to any newcomer as a testament to how great the character truly is.

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