Old memories should remain buried in the past
Creative Staff:
Writer: Erica J. Heflin
Art: Marc Rosete
What They Say:
After years of torment at the hands of Wonderland and its many psychopathic denizens, Calie Liddle finally claimed a victory. By defeating the Queen of Spades, Calie assumed leadership of Wonderland. And now she cares for the realm that once existed to torment her family. With the White Rabbit and a newly reformed Cheshire Cat by her side, Calie seeks to transform the tainted realm to its former glory … But it will not be an easy task.
This is the story of Calie Liddle … White Queen of Wonderland.
Content (please note that portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The Ace of Spades brings his plan to fruition as he digs up an old ally from the past. Who ever said that the dead should remain buried has never met this usurper; he has a vision for this new servant, and it is not a pretty one. For this former ruler has now become a pawn, his path is set and his new master shall now command he who was once a king to do his bidding. He who was once a monarch is now nothing but an automaton to do what he is told, imprisoned within his own body by the En Passant and unable to disobey this false sovereign. Oh, how the mighty has fallen.
But he is not the only one who has delusions to further their own agenda against the White Queen, for an enemy from the Liddle family past has also come to Wonderland. This one dreamt of being with Calie’s mother, the original source of the madness within the family. Alice was the one who lead him down the rabbit hole, but it was he who closed it behind himself. And now, he finds that this world is the only place where he can be alone with his fantasy: to be the sole protector of his true love. She may be gone, but her daughter will suffice until she can find a new guardian – someone who is a better shield than he was. Perhaps he was not worthy.
In Summary:
Erica Heflin may have introduced new pawns in this issue in the form of the undying Red King and Oscar the Butcher, but why spend most of the story to flesh out the latter and not the former? The King seems to be more interesting, but he is just glanced over in lieu of Oscar and his twisted tale of love for Alice; then when he does get to Wonderland and finds out that she is not here, he goes after Calie instead? After all that devotion for her mother, he surrenders his love for the daughter? As if this twist wasn’t enough, his story is cut short because he doesn’t measure up to Cheshire’s standards. Very disappointing for all that set up just to kill him off. Why waste the story on a throwaway character?
However, Marc Rosete’s artwork does save the story from mediocrity. The madness of Wonderland, especially the initial confrontation of Ace and the King, sets the mood where you can almost smell the dank atmosphere of that world. Even if you take the text off the page, the sinister glance of those cold pits Ace calls eyes are haunting and the story doesn’t need words to describe what is happening to the characters. Although Oscar’s depiction seems like most other serial killer stories, it still warrants some attention since it just shows that no one, even a delusional stalker is safe from the madness of the Liddle family.
Aside from Oscar, it is strange that the last few issues were used to bring in the Squire and Drew and yet, they are ignored for this tangential story. When last we left them, Squire was set for execution and Drew was branded as the Ace of Spade’s new minion. However, we see no trace of either in this issue. Why weave them into the main story if you just leave them to the side for someone who seems to be of no consequence? Hopefully, they will return once all of this monotony is finished.
Grade: B
Rating: 16+
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: September 2nd, 2015
MSRP: $3.99