Up until now, the group’s been reacting-- barricade, shoot, survive, repeat. But page four is where the reality of limited resources finally punches through... bullets run out. And once that happens, everyone’s choices get a lot uglier.

I really wanted ’Zug’s opening to feel strong here. He’s big, dependable, and absolutely the kind of person you want between yourself and the undead... but even that kind of presence has limits. Watching his revolver go dry felt like an important tonal shift. It’s not just “can they survive?” anymore-- it’s “how long can survival even last?”

A’isha continues being exactly who she needs to be under pressure... calm, practical, and immediately inventorying what’s left. One of the things I’ve really enjoyed writing with her is that she doesn’t waste energy panicking. She processes, adapts, and keeps moving. We'll definitely see this more in the future storylines, too.

And then there’s Ran.

This page mattered a lot for her because this is one of the first big reminders that Ran’s not a cop, not a soldier, and not some chosen hero archetype... she’s a detective making ugly judgment calls in impossible situations. Her decision here isn’t brave because she’s fearless-- it’s brave because she knows the odds and moves anyway.

Also... yes, “I’m the fastest, and I’ve fought them before” is doing a lot of heavy lifting emotionally. Ran is injured, exhausted, and very aware this plan is terrible... but she’s still the most qualified person in the room.