Even the smallest of beings can have a big bite … if there are enough.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Joe Brusha
Artwork: Ario Murti
Colors: Ivan Nunes
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
NEVERLAND PIXIES People are dying in a small southern town, consumed by some kind of monster that leaves nothing but a pile of bones behind. When Skye’s magical book leads her and Samantha to the town to investigate the murders they find a trail that leads to one of the realms of power, and to a magical creature like nothing they’ve ever encountered before.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
A plague has been spreading across the world, but not in the normal sense – this infestation devours its victim entirely. However, the new Guardian does not know of its occurrence, since she is too busy being beaten by Samantha in typical morning of training; even as they switch to armed combat, Skye still has much to learn as Shang relates of her mother’s most powerful weapon, her sword called Lysraseri or Light’s Edge. This mystical blade has many abilities and if her daughter is able to master it, she will be able to hold fast against numerous enemies. But fatigue ends the lesson early as she turns in for a hot bath and an early night … if only was it was that simple. Later that evening, a strange portal opens and whisks the novice protector away, and this time it is not her Book which is responsible for this departure. Clad only in skimpy nightwear, the poor girl seems to be unprotected, however, her kidnapper does not know appearances can be deceiving.
With a slight gesture, Skye turns to face her attacker now fully outfitted, only to be addressed by her mother’s name. The beautiful faerie is armed with a cutlass and does not waver to explain when she sees the wrong Guardian standing before her, but only requests that she follow. Once they reach their destination, all they find are the remains of a man, stripped completely to the bone. Not hesitating to act, the woman immediately opens a new passageway, giving the young Mathers pause and finally acknowledging that this is Tinkerbelle. As Belle prepares the next door, Skye asks for clarification as to what happened, but all she will say is that there is a dark power growing in Neverland; if they do not stop it now, this threat will continue to grow as it takes more energy from the Nexus, so the pair must leave now. Without balking, the daughter joins this new ally and they forge forward to the fairy’s former home, now knowing what they will find or if this will end the rampage. However, if this is the only way to end the carnage, the new Guardian has no choice but to see this to the very end … no matter what evil may be revealed.
In Summary:
It is nice to see old friends from the Zenescope universe make appearances to ask Skye for aid, but at the same time, it seems that the position of Nexus Guardian is becoming secondary for these reminders of the previous series. Writer Joe Brusha does create a wonderful story with Tinkerbelle and her former charge, however, while we are bathed in all of this narrative goodness, there doesn’t seem to be much connecting the issues into one cohesive story arc or an idea which will later conceive a new menace. The only uniting premise seems to be people reminding Skye that she isn’t Sela, but thankfully in this instance, it was nice to hear Belle remark that the Earth got lucky to have her as its new protector; however at the same time, this could also be taken as an off hand slight by which the faerie thinks the daughter was only in the right place at the right time, and she, fortunately, had the skills to become a proper Guardian. Then we have Sam sparing and Shang offering to instruct his former student how to properly use her mother’s sword, another scene where it appears no one thinks she is ready for the responsibility of her new position. While Skye on the surface seems to have inherited title of Guardian of the Nexus, in this issue we given the impression she was only a sidekick to Belle, providing support while the main battle raged on. Hopefully, this shunning will be over soon since this is supposed to be her series, not a side story for cameo heroes.
But of course, the most entertaining elements of this issue is the amazing non-stop eye candy by Ario Murti and Ivan Nunes’ organically rich colors. I love how they set up the opening scene, the illuminated skyline of Los Angeles and then descend into the alleys, with a vile purple cloud looming before the moon; the resultant corpse is wonderfully chilling, an awe-struck look echoed through lifeless eye sockets and agape jaw is so minimally grotesque that it is shocking but still simplistic in the gripping image. However the best part of story is when we are re-introduced to the beauty of Belle: her dominating presence with sinister fiery eyes, flowing mane of magnificent auburn hair, daring exposure from a barely tangible costume of deep forest green and golden strips of fabric and that gossamer dual set of wings, accented by mystical symbols, all tie together for a stunning vision of loveliness. But even her alluring composure is dwarfed by the page highlighting our villainess: to be quite honest, I am surprised Zenescope was able to print such a tantalizing image of seduction! We all remember these two faeries from Neverland, but I honestly have to say – evil has never looked so good.
Her pale lavender skin isn’t the first thing you notice, nor the emptiness of her pupilless eyes – it is the sheer lack of clothing! Suggestive isn’t enough to describe her, provocative is too tame, in fact, she could almost be defined as overly stimulating, on the cusp of racy … showing off as much as Murti would dare without it being considered vulgar. I love how Nunes uses the background of darkness, the sickening flow of eminence purple from her minions, and the crimson eldritch energies bathing her hands, all to magnify the wickedness of the character. Those flowing flames seem almost alive as they dance around her sensuous curves and merge with the undulating fire which graces each muscular line of her vulgar form. Sometimes it is difficult to stay focused on the story of this issue, with all of the sexiness which oozes from every page. There is so much cleavage projecting from the front and back in costumes which defy any sense of gravity, at times you have to question as to how they stay attached during these mystical battles, but at the same time, do we really care in the middle of all this gratuitous fan service?
This new series seems to be concentrating more on teaching Skye how to become a Guardian, constantly keeping the training wheels until they have no choice than to allow her to have a baptism by fire. While I can appreciate individualistic stories, the overall view seems lacking, more interested in showing the past than looking forward to the future. And while the Order of Tarot was hinted in a previous issue, that clue seems to have been dropped by the wayside in favor of the phenomenal artwork, as we witnessed in this story. I cannot wait until the dam of evil bursts, at least then we will have something to look forward to instead of waiting for an event which can be finished within the confines of one issue. The appetizer is over too quick and thus leaves us with an unsatisfying taste in our mouths, all while waiting for the snack of next month … I want a real meal.
Grade: A
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: April 26, 2017
MSRP: $3.99
