Silent Hill: Dead/Alive #5 (REUPLOAD) - Atop the Fourth Wall

Edited to remove a bit of copyrighted music during the storyline segment.
Will Christabella regain control of Silent Hill? Will Ken learn the secrets of his past? Will Linkara survive with his sanity intact? Oh, who the hell cares - what about the dog?!
Originally uploaded October 18th, 2010.
RUMINATIONS: Aaaand so here we come to the finale. Like I’ve said previously, I trusted my fans to read between the lines (much like Silent Hill often forces you to do) to get the complete picture. However, when you’re being so ambiguous, stuff like this can fly over people’s heads. So here’s the basic story: an offshoot of the Order (the cult from Silent Hill) that worshipped the Entity decided to create a weapon to cleanse the world of nonbelievers. They did this by sacrificing a little girl who had only known love and happiness, forcing her to pour all of her newfound rage and sorrow and betrayal and negative emotions into this weapon. Not being particularly forward-thinking about that prospect, the weapon (AKA the magic gun) turned on them and killed them all. The magic was so powerful that it created its own personality and life in the form of “Dolorem,” the being you see in the episode. The problem is that its revenge was complete - all the people responsible for the ritual were dead, so it needed to project that hate somewhere else. In comes Mechakara and Lord Vyce. Mechakara was around during the events of the first Silent Hill reviews AND he had been in temporary possession of the magic gun to learn enough of the details. Using Lord Vyce’s advanced science and magic, he contacted Dolorem and set about their scheme - by projecting the memories of the event into Linkara, making him think he was the girl’s father and thus want to kill himself. What they didn’t count on was that the true personality of the girl in the gun would come shining through. She WAS still a sweet, innocent, nice girl that didn’t want to hurt anyone, particularly not Linkara, whom she considered her friend and partner. She saved him and dispelled Dolorem.
More details about the girl in the magic gun would be revealed later, but let’s talk about this story in its context for both the storyline and as a general milestone. This was probably the most emotionally-draining episode I had done up until this point, not just because of the dark story, but because of the acting necessary to convey the sadness and regret Linkara had. It was necessary to have a triumphant ending to the story, even if there were hints of other things to come. Most of the props of this episode, however, should go to Iron Liz, who not only had to wear all the bandages and makeup as Dolorem, but also put on a skimpy Spirit Halloween nurse costume. She actually seemed to enjoy the nurse’s outfit more, though, if only because it was more comfortable to wear than the Dolorem stuff.
The use of Saba during the end fight was basically building on what I thought was going to happen in the show - that every major ending fight in the series would feature Power Rangers in some major capacity (particularly reviewing Power Rangers comics). Of course that did not end up happening, but there you go.
Depending on how you look at it, this episode may feature the only time on screen where the Ninja-Style Dancer talks. I DON’T see it that way, since it’s just an hallucination and there’s no way to be certain if that really is his voice or not.
Aside from everything I’ve already mentioned, this episode is a HUGE milestone for the storyline and a must-see. Aside from revealing the origins of the magic gun, it was the first time seeing Lord Vyce in full-costume, featured the Entity voice again, introduced the Absent Grimoire (AKA the Entity book), showed Lord Vyce working behind the scenes to undermine Linkara, AND brought Linksano back into the fray at the end, revealing that his subplot had not just been filler. Linksano’s return in particular was necessary because I had finally thought of how the storyline was going to end and thus I needed an “inside man” to provide details to Linkara and company.
And where does the storyline go from there? Well, that’s still a while off…

[@MicrowavedAlastair5390]

I found a quote to describe these comics. Technically it's about a paper of some sort, but it applies. Student (read: artist of this crap): I don't understand why my grade was so low. How did I do on my paper? Teacher: Actually, you didn't turn in a paper. You turned in a random assemblage of sentences. In fact, the sentences you apparently kidnapped in the dead of the night and forced into this violent and arbitrary plan of yours clearly seemed to be placed on the pages against their will. Reading your paper was like watching unfamiliar, uncomfortable people interacting at a cocktail party that no one wanted to attend in the first place. You didn't submit a paper. You submitted a hostage situation.

[@paulmahoney7619]

In this case Scott kidnapped some images as well.

[@Shadethewolfy]

I love that lol

[@joeywaters5559]

Previous performances were praiseworthy, don't get me wrong, but the acting in this one was really next level. Linkara's anguish and triumphant speech, all the emotions the Dolorem expressed with one eye. Tremendous. Thanks again.

[@Tareltonlives]

Blowing away the fog with a portable fan is one of the funniest bits in the show Love the speech at the end. "I AM LINKARA! WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" Ennio Morricone always works.

[@ninjagregshow9423]

Ironic how at this moment it's used to show linkara's determination but later on it's used to show how arrogant he has become

[@Astrithor]

Hyuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuumaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan... Seriously, The Entity is the only thing from AT4W that ever truly scared me.

[@Bobsheaux]

"A piece of the world is missing." Friggin' foreshadowing... *shudders*

[@Someguywhocooks]

27:35 my absolute favorite part, especially when you said “i’m that guy with the hat” with Ecstasy of Gold playing in the background, i always watch that part when i’m nervous and for some reason, it works.

[@TevyaSmolka]

plus this was a very dark origin for the magic gun

[@ricardoparente5824]

"Her story may not have such a happy beginning but that did not make her who she was, it is the rest of it- who she chose to be"

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@ricardoparente5824 indeed

[@HBarnill]

21:05 One of the best Linkara moments ever.

[@megamania7106]

OK, Here is a way to make this killer spreading the evil of Silent Hill plan sound somewhat believable. 1. Find some random unknown guy. 2. Have him kill public figures. 3. Have him write Silent Hill in blood at the crime scenes. There, that's all your plan needs. Granted, there are still problems with this, but it's better than the plan in this.

[@nightwingjosh8491]

Glad this is re-uploaded, one of your best stories and acting

[@Tahkaullus01]

21:55 cue for one of Lewis Lovhaug's best written scenes. 31:50 teaser for his absolute best.

[@ethanedwards3357]

And there's your picture for the Nightmare Fuel page on TV Tropes! ...Also, why are my eyes watering?

[@Djinsin]

Still one of the BEST storyline segments ever.

[@LizardOfOz69]

Who knew that what was in one time a kickass moment can be also setup for some serious ego issues.

[@LaNoLaCola]

Linkara’s silent hill reviews are wanted: dead or alive

[@mikesworld6064]

Officer, I believe that I might have a lead on the videos that you are searching for, and if I can trace the signal just right, they appear to be...DEAR GOD! The reviews are coming from INSIDE YOUR COMPUTER!!! Dun-Dun-DUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNN!!!!! 😱😊

[@TheSkully343]

We must make sure. Use the Tricorder function of your Nintendo DS.

[@TheAllSeeingEye2468]

brilliant acting in this

[@TheScribe1.0]

31:53 this is the first time we hear that screeching voice of the lost beast Missing Number.

[@BaronSengir1008]

A piece of the world is missing...

[@hunterterrell5735]

Thank you for the rumination description Linkara, prior I understood the Magic Gun alter before, but I was confused how Mechakara and Vyce played into it and I thought it was that alter that implanted those thoughts, but thanks to it I now realize it was them instead of the alter. Thank you 😊

[@angelthefirst1971]

Dude that was badass

[@БогданГоранов-п9х]

I agree with linksano. Now i can watch a funny review AND get a series at once.

[@TheSkully343]

32:02 Just figured I'd ask but does anyone know the name of this beautiful little music piece? Its really quaint and I love the synth vibes man.

[@AT4W]

It's music from Star Trek: The Next Generation, specifically near the end of "Best of Both Worlds."

[@TheSkully343]

Thanks man! I appreciate it.

[@ninjagregshow9423]

Maybe it's because I haven't played the games (nor do I have any inclination to) but I have so many questions about silent hill; what is the "other world"? Is that where silent hill is located? I thought it was an actually physical place to get to, what's with the fog and sirens? How does silent hill decide who, where and when to take there? Silent hill enthusiast, go!

[@BrandonRaske]

the only silent hill game i ever played was downpour

[@TheSkully343]

Greetings! I'll be your Silent Hill Enthusiast for tonight. The Otherworld is basically distorted version of reality where a person's nightmares bleed over into reality. The town of Silent Hill itself was a hot spot for native American rituals which soon brought interest to the Cult that sought to bring their God into reality using psychic individuals like Alessa Gillespie to bring about heavenly paradise for those who follow their teachings. Its all very Stephen King. To answer your other question the fog and sirens are reflective of a state of disorientation and lack of clarity in one's own mind, therefore a sign that the distortions of reality are faint, but not yet fully awakened until the Otherworld is brought about (more noticable in the games where the Cult has a bigger role like in Silent Hill 1, 3, Origins and Homecoming) How Silent Hill chooses its victims is a bit of an odd duck. If you're connected to Cult rituals whether by happenstance like Harry Mason or Henry Townshend or if they're directly after you for something like in the case of Heather Mason or Alex Sheppard its usually under the Cult's influence which is why Silent Hill goes after you. Other times its usually Silent Hill's spiritual powers calling to individuals who've lost their grip on life and forces them to confront their inner torment to either make them better people who live on to make things better or to suffer the consequences of their actions until they can struggle no more like in the case of people like Travis, James or Murphy Pendleton.

[@sarrowthehedgehog]

One of my favorite parts about the storyline is that the spirit of his gun calls him her partner and friend

[@Cdr2002]

Ken’s parents birthed him to use him… in a Silent Hill story. How on-topic

[@noahmagana137]

10 years of the dead/alive finale

[@graverobbingcleric2745]

MUSING: The magic gun, based on design and backstory, most likely came from Diamanda Hagan. She has a similar gun, and shares an intense Fascination/Disgust for him. Was the gun meant as a gift/Curse for Linkara?

[@stevenstice6683]

It might answer the question of "Where'd he purchase that?"

[@Cdr2002]

A DVD answers how he got it

[@graverobbingcleric2745]

@@Cdr2002 To quote Linkara, 'That's cool, it probably shouldn't have been in a Tie-in issue...'

[@Cdr2002]

@@graverobbingcleric2745 my take is that if it were easily accessible it would remove the joke

[@andreworders7305]

Ninja dancer talks? EDIT: Oh right, things that aren’t really there.

[@sta3po]

Dallas? Linkara, am I the only one of your fans old enough to get that reference?

[@RichardWatt]

No, you are not alone.

[@andreworders7305]

How did the parents know Ken would become an actor? Why is his Dad dressed up as an aviator?

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

1:14 wow thats poetic and haunting.

[@andreworders7305]

Huh? I thought he was busy getting his marshmallow filling pulled out?

[@mattyoung4990]

that line from the absent grimorie those who are dead are not dead there just living in head they are coldplay lyrics

[@AT4W]

Yep. I just liked them at the time. Sounded good.

[@mattyoung4990]

@@AT4W cool

[@Megafighter3]

19:04 Linkara making an unintentional JoJo's reference.

[@animeking1674]

HOLY CRAP, that's the biggest mind trip that he made that guess entirely on random

[@kelvingoce7587]

I think Dougray Scott is trying to say that Hollywood is evil

[@andreworders7305]

The Dog is best boy

[@marcherwitch9811]

everytime i rewatch these i think about those academic non-euro medieval books that cost 50 quid a pop and just for a moment i wonder if this writer - he has said the guy's name a dozen times and i still fon't remember it - has just...like... never bought a book... sincerely snd without judgement...

[@andreworders7305]

29:08 Soooo, Dusk Maiden of Amnesia then?

[@TevyaSmolka]

this was really funny :)

[@chelsiirvine8970]

No it's sad

[@TevyaSmolka]

chelsi irvine I know but I meant the part when linkara goes against the evil nurses again

[@15oClock]

In hindsight, I could've picked something better to watch while my throat was sore. I mean, I'm catching up for the next review, but a horror review while I'm sick? Maybe wasn't a good idea.

[@DirectorOfChaos9292]

Laughed too hard at Linkara's rage? XD

[@15oClock]

Aegislash Excalibur No, just horror in general doesn't seem a good idea when you're sick.

[@Merit2397]

Wow, just wow. While I like the magic gun storyline Linkara cooked up, I have a hard time sitting through the reviews themselves. Not becasue I disagree with him on the Dead/Alive arch, far from it I agree whole heartly, it's because the colors and artwork clash and makes for a horrible viewing experience. As a result, I just skip to the storyline and whatever bits I find funny.

[@dusktiger112]

Agreed the art work gave me a headache, I’m not kidding. I don’t know but it seem the art work and colors were distorted just wrong way to give irate my senses 🤷 😩

[@hansruhlmann454]

20:14 Where does this clip from?

[@disneyfan85]

What did he say at 6:44?

[@andreworders7305]

224:40 empty poster frame?

[@KyleRayner12]

Which TOS episode is that clip from?

[@mousesquisher]

The Squire Of Gothos

[@Shadethewolfy]

"That's like saying a man goes on a killing spree of women sitting in chairs because he was inspired by the Mona Lisa!" ... Who else thinks this comic would be much improved for having Kira show up and murder everyone with his Stand Killer Queen and trap Christabella in a time loop with Bites the Dust?

[@gentlemanlygeeky4088]

What?

[@Shadethewolfy]

@@gentlemanlygeeky4088 Yoshikage Kira is a serial killer in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. He appears in Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable and kills pretty women because he was inspired by the Mona Lisa and likes to collect hands. His Stand is Killer Queen, which can turn anything into a bomb. Killer Queen has two substands: Sheer Heart Attack, which is a heat-seeking bomb and Bites the Dust, which has the ability to create a time loop via explosions. Part 4 is really good :D Go watch JoJo's.

[@gentlemanlygeeky4088]

Sadly, I don’t have the time to binge almost 200 episode but someday I will. To compare, last year I binged the first 2.5 seasons of My Hero Academia.

[@Shadethewolfy]

@@gentlemanlygeeky4088 Oooh, that's impressive :D I'm currently binging Bleach (at the Hueco Mundo Invasion arc) and Fairy Tail (at the Tower of Heaven arc) >.> I should stick to a single show, but it's a problem I have that I binge multiple things at once >.>

[@vicenterivera2136]

con el dibujo no dejo de pensar de que el dibujante intento ser similar al de dave mckeen pero acaba siendo una mala copia.