When we last left the madness that IS Billionaire Island, the Island’s Corporate Chairman was making a decision. It was the kind of resolution that could make or break a man. But not for the Chairman. He had made his “bones” making tough decisions. Some might have even called them life or death calls. This would be no different. Live or die, it really all came down to what you’re willing to stomach.
The Chairman’s Decision
For Trent, the pseudo Corey Spagnola, it LITERALLY came down to what the Chairman chose. Because it was HIS fate that was being decided. Based on whichever food dish the Chairman, a huge dog in a suit chose: Live or Die. (The circumstances for this can be found in Issues 1, 2. and 3). Unfortunately, for the man on trial, the Chairman chose the bowl to Die for.
A Change of Course
This meant the only decision to be made was the form of execution. This was left to the descretion of the executioner. At least is would have been, before fate or an upset stomach intervened. The Chairman chose that moment to upchuck his deadly entree. All of it. For people who were enslaved by the whims of a dog, this caused a dilemma. Apparently, this had never happened before. What to do, what to do?
Net Worth is All
Meanwhile, Reporter Shelley Bly is still “enjoying“ the hospitality of the slightly deranged Falco Janks. And while she appreciates his helping her, what she really wants is to escape the Island. Escape and report what she knows about AggroCorp’s Sterility Virus plot.
For his part, Janks isn’t too enthusiastic about her chances. Mainly because to get anywhere on the Island, you have to pass through one of their net worth scanners. If you are found wanting, you will find yourself off the Island easy enough. Just not in the manner you were hoping for. That means if she is to have ANY chance, he would need to go with her.
Return to the Hamster Wheel
Back at the Hamster Wheel, the rest of the occupants are questioning the returning Flynn what the outside world was like. (He had escaped in issue 2-3 but decided life in the Wheel wasn’t so bad). He told them they wouldn’t believe it and they are so much better off where they are. This came as no surprise to Business Woman in training Lacy Peters. She refuses to believe those in power don’t know what they are doing.
However, the board meeting elsewhere on the Island might have made her change her mind. They are discussing Mr. Trent’s fate since the Chairman upchucked after his decision. The Island Charter explicitly states that the Dog’s decisions are final. But did his regurgitation indicate a change of mind? Too bad they can’t ASK him. While they pondered this, Cantos suggested a temporary solution. Thus Trent became a resident of the Hamster Wheel.
After he was thrown in, the rest of the inhabitants wondered if he too had worked for Santos. Far from it. Trent had no issues telling them his intentions. He was there to KILL Rick Santos.
Conferring with the President
Speaking of Santos, he is lounging in his pool along with his Economist. Of course his Economist is still wearing his business suit. Can’t let a little thing like chlorine and pool water keep you from looking tight.
Santos is talking to the President (who looks like Kid Rock). The end of days is surely upon us now. The President wants to know what the plans are for the coming wave of agricultural disaster approaching them. Santos once again recommends the use of his Sterility Virus. It will control the population once and hopefully lessen the amount of starvation.
Protecting the Presidential Library
However, the President is concerned about the side effects that have been linked to the virus. He cannot have a scene like Angola. The public would burn down his Presidential Library. (Good to know his priorities are in order). Santos assured him that the side effects are real. But if they do nothing, and starvation hits full force to a uncontrolled population, he can imagine what would happen to his Library then.
With that in mind, The President asks for an alternative. Santos suggests a Lottery. Everyone would get a ticket with a one in one-hundred chance of winning. If you win, you are transported to one of their self maintained climate controlled cities. The losers would no longer have to worry about starvation and they would help contribute to the Solution. They would become food for those lucky ones who drew the right ticket. How fortunate for them.
A Radical Idea
At that moment. Santos Economist chimes in with a radical thought. If they just taxed those Billionaires that made the most money, they would have enough money to build the self contained housing for everyone. What a stupid idea. Well apparently Santos and the President thought so. His economist was hauled away for such audacity and the President chose to loose the Sterility Virus.
No Laws for the Wealthy
Now that Falco Janks has decided to help Miss Bly (after saying a tearful goodbye to his mannequin wife), he tells her how it works on the Island. There are no laws on the Island, if you have the net worth to back it up. If you don’t, as in Miss Bly, it’s a Police State.
Because of this, she must enter the drone flight facility through the service entrance (doggy door). However, Jank’s doesn’t realize that he must have his ID with him to access the Flight Drones. Since he doesn’t have it (he blames his “Caddy” Miss Bly), they are grounded. But he does pick up a free pen.
A Billion Shortcuts
As they sit and ponder their next move, Shelley talks about the strange dichotomy that exists on the Island. Millions upon millions of dollars were spent on the place but she was able to escape the Hamster Wheel using a Spork. Jank’s isn’t surprised. He agrees there are numerous design flaws on the Island. He should know, he built it. And while no expense was spared, they refused to pay for the small things. It is ironic that Men who can lead huge corporations, fail at things such as simple math.
This last point was proven as Trent continues to attempt to escape the Hamster Wheel. Making a great deal of noise in the process. Flynn tells him he should stop and accept whatever deal Santos and the rest offer him. At that moment, Santos opens the curtain as his place and the Hamster Wheel are adjoining. He tells them he’s got a deal for them. Quiet down and he’ll continue to keep changing out their sawdust. What a nice Hamster owner.
He then questions about the number of “Hamsters” he has. He thought there were more. Lacy quickly assured him there are five, just like before. He accepts this without thinking that with Mr. Trents addition, it should have been Six. Miss Bly is missing. Simple Math.
Back with Miss Bly and Janks, he uses his newly acquired pen to pick the lock of the door to the Flight Drone deck. He allows her to enter as this issue ends.
Thoughts
This issue is ripe with transparent satire. Nothing more so than the idea that it is better to allow millions to suffer than to make the rich have to pay their share. Fortunately we don’t have THOSE situations now.
It is also more than sad but true how many times shortcuts are made, even in the most expensive projects, because they suddenly choose to pinch a penny. When those choice are made would seem to make one think that they are using the Chairman decision making process…or Congress.
Speaking of that, they should thank Trent for showing them that they need to make accommodations for when their Business Dog upchucks on a decision. Maybe they should cut down on how many of those type of decisions he needs to make. Just saying. Nothing worse than a fat Chairman. Continued great writing by Mark Russell.
Art and Color Work
Billionaire Island has been consistently strong in its visual appeal. That is due to the exceptional work of Artist Steve Pugh and Colorist Chris Chuckry. Issue 4 is no exception. Tight storytelling through the panels and spot on color work would draw my attention due to the art alone. Mix that with biting satire and it’s a winning combination.
Extras
A couple of great short stories in this issue. Dog and Hotel are both stories with a twist, with Dog having a bit of Twilight Zone appeal. Nice work by the authors Michael Penncavage and Carol Lay. You should always check out the extra stories Ahoy adds on. Never know when you’re getting a glimpse at the next big thing in writing.
And what would it be without another recipe entry in Pickle’s Pantry. Never turn down a good cookie recipe. Even if it IS from an impish blue guy.
If you haven’t been following Billionaire Island from the beginning, it’s not too late to catch up. It’s tight, well done satire about subjects you will recognize. Once you have read them, let us know what you think here at Geek Vibes Nation.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
