The issue description is simply, “Eventually every creation myth becomes a resurrection narrative.” This should be a good indication that Theremin from writer Curt Pires and artist Dalton Rose is a bit different from most other comics. Coming from MonkeyBrain, Theremin centers on real life Russian inventor/scientist/creator of the instrument that bears his name Leon Theremin. Where this story diverges from reality is that when a certain note is struck on the theremin, it allows the user to travel through time and space and even to other dimensions. Naturally, Theremin uses this newfound power to become a science assassin and leads an elite Soviet hit squad.
With issue four, Pires inserts himself (or someone quite similar) into the narrative. This issue doesn’t center much on Theremin, but instead on the Pires character, his relationships, and inability to write the in-story version of Theremin #4. It chronicles the failings and triumphs of the writer as he searches for love and satisfaction, deals with exciting work that’s become stale, and finally brings forth something truly meaningful. It’s only with the last couple pages that Leon Theremin comes back into the story, brought back to life by the writer and left imprisoned in a place only spoken of in whispers. 
Theremin began as something a bit out of the ordinary, but this issue really changes the definition of the story. Pires mixes fiction, metafiction, and likely more than a touch of reality into this crazy mix of a story and it leaves me feeling like I know him better as a person somehow. It feels quite personal, all while somehow seeming extremely fitting in the context of the world of Theremin. The issue can leave the reader feeling a little overwhelmed, even making them feel a bit too dumb to appreciate the comic, but what Theremin #4 accomplishes only helps to make the story as a whole more special and vivid, even if it does take an extra read to appreciate it all.
Dalton Rose continues to astound with his art. While Theremin is often more filled with time-travel and laser guns, Rose was equally capable of capturing the quieter, more internal scenes that populated this issue. You could feel the frustration in the scenes where the writer is incapable or even unwilling to write. Rose is also able to capture the small moments of joy that come with rekindling a lost relationship. But, this issue wasn’t without its spectacle as the splash page of the city at night was brilliant and vivid.
Theremin continues to be a singular sort of series, evolving and growing as Pires carves the story from his brain and Rose sets it to pictures. It’s a book that belongs at Monkeybrain. Theremin is definitely not your normal comic and you’re all the better for reading it. Each issue can be found on Comixology for just 99¢.
Art: 10/10
Script: 9/10
Parental Concern: Not for kids. Rated 17+ on Comixology.
