Never underestimate a girl’s determination … especially when she wants to become a hero.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Meredith Finch
Artwork: Ig Guara
Colors: Triona Farrell
Letters: Cardinal Rae
What They Say:
The battle for the future of Ttereve continues as Thorne is forced to grapple with demons from his past. After a cruel betrayal from a trusted ally, Rose and Ila are separated from their companions and in a fight for their lives. Magic itself hangs in the balance as Drucilla destroys everything and everyone in her path.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
Rose and Ila have arrived at Margaret’s home, daughter-in-law of the wizened woman, but it seems trust is the belief least on the grieving mother’s mind. With the death of her son still fresh, the only acknowledgment she wishes is vengeance, even if it means treachery upon the only person she knows as family. However, as the pair fights for their lives against the Queen’s mercenaries, rebels Will, Fel and Bjark bide their time in hopes of saving their friends. Even as the course of battle turns against the duo, they stand their ground, while backing away from the ruffians by guile and wit. However as Rose grows ever frustrated by her inability to use her powers, Ila reassures her skill will come in time as she learns to trust her own worth and the advice of her khat. But that riddle becomes ever more confusing as the young Guardian is forced to leave her mentor behind as the guys attempt a late rescue, with the girl fleeing into the uncertain night.
After a futile dash into the forest, Rose finds herself lost and seemingly without anyone to turn to until she remembers cryptic Ila’s words. Summoning her will in an attempt to sense Thorne, the confused girl is surprised as she easily makes contact with her feline companion, his guttural voice echoing in her mind; although this minor success would have made most proud, such satisfaction is short lived as a sinister presence overwhelms her joy. Drucilla’s hunter has found his prey, his twisted face grinning in perverted pleasure to know she is the one has been searching for, as marked by her white hair. His gratification is readily apparent as he takes great delight watching Rose struggle against his hulking mass, her outward pacifism seemingly ready for surrender. But as this wild beast closes in for the kill, the defiant Guardian will not give up, dashing off in a vain contest of chase, only making his blood boil more for the pursuit. Every effort she makes to flee is countered by his experience, allowing the sadistic amusement of the Queen’s trapper to enrage into frustration, as he rants of his mistress’ self-worth. It is only the booming thoughts of Thorne which snap Rose back to the present, as he pleads for her help. But can the untried determination of this heroine be proof enough to save both human and beast, or are they both doomed to a grisly fate?
In Summary:
With every issue of Rose, writer Meredith Finch manages to create a new theme which causes the reader to become ever more emotionally invested with this innocent girl. Of course this book is no exception as we reach Millhaven, the town in which the story began with the death of Ila’s family, causing her to travel down a convoluted path of death and destruction, all thanks to Drucilla; now thanks to that demented queen, Rose must face a similar destiny now that she has been marked, which opens the door to an ever more sinister depth to her already fragile psyche. With her being so targeted, it is within this issue Rose will face her first test that will strain her naiveté asking why she is being treated this way. It is amazing how Finch builds up hatred for this young girl, and the most shocking was from Ila’s own family Margaret; to bring everything full circle from the first book helps to solidify the insanity which the mad ruler has wrought over the land, the shame which people feel when someone they know begins to show the signs, and then the white hair seals their fate. It all makes sense why Ila joined the rebellion, but at the same time, it also expands the reasoning why her daughter-in-law feels so much anger, blaming the old woman for the suffering she must live with, all the while ignoring the true source of her pain.
But the most telling scene was when Rose was confronted by the Queen’s hunter: the lies which he spews forth, almost as if he is trying to convince himself of the propaganda which Drucilla has created; she has shifted all of her own misdeeds to blame the Guardians and their khatz, making herself the savior and they the villains. It is only a truly twisted individual who can do such monstrous deeds, blame the pure of heart for their own lunacy ,when they either deny or cannot confront the truth that they are the ones responsible. It seems like she is schizophrenic, but at the same time, she still has the motivation to drive herself to do what she thinks is right. However, this type of shock therapy can also inspire the listener to do the exact opposite: instead of accepting the lies, they desire to prove the truth, and in this case, Rose is galvanized to do so by finding Thorne. It is this spirit which begins to re-forge her personality, not into someone who feels sorry for themselves, but into a woman who will go forth and lead the fight to overcome adversity. This is the kind of hero which Ttereve needs, and it is also the only type who stand against the storm which is to come.
With such a powerful narrative artist Ig Guara does not sacrifice anything to soften the blows which threaten to succumb Rose under Drucilla’s heel. Each panel portrays such a defining reality with cruel harshness, but within those same pages, there is a benevolence which does not waver even under the most difficult conditions. I am astonished how he manages to show so many shifting emotions within the exhilarating drama, from the hatred of Margaret into betraying someone she may have called Mother, into the hesitance of Rose as she must fight for her life; the opening sequence so brilliantly displays the conflicting feelings of the people and the new Guardian, anger on both sides, but one can be considered unjustified while the other is acknowledged as revenge for the death of her own family. But those eyes, they are the keys to this story and unlock the truth behind each face, especially for Rose. The determination as she must face the killers and yet does it with cleverness, the stunned look when Ila tells her she must face this journey alone and finally, the hopeless when the hunter appears … all of these unforgettable visages show the range of Guara’s skill and the depth of his talent. Even if there were no words upon the page, any reader could follow the story – this reflects his ability to illustrate without dependence on the narrative, a noteworthy achievement. Tenderness and earnestness, all surrounded within the cruelty of a deranged world, this artist knows how to affect the audience with his talent by revealing innocence to the hungry wolf nipping at her heels … magnificent.
And yet the first thing which catches your first eye is the softness of the colors, almost as if you are stepping into some convoluted watercolor painting. Triona Farrell knows how to take advantage of tones and shadows, drawing us into the book with a palette so organic that anything her digital paintbrush touches takes on a life of its own. You can almost smell the acrid smoke in the air, taste a metallic tinge of blood and cringe at the musk of sweat as the opening scene lights up. Her choice of subdued tones imparts a sullen depression as we notice the disaster which surrounds the characters, everything which Drucilla has corrupted has a darkness which in turn deadens their view on life … except for Rose. While her outward appearance may too have been poisoned by the Queen, such as her clothes, everything beneath has an unearthly glow: from her pale peach skin, ivory richness of her flowing mane and her shining countenance, but most of all are those eyes; it is those visual orbs with the bright white sclera and shocking golden iris, they are the one element which stands out in every scene. Even within the oppressive gloom of the forest when Rose must confront the hunter, her eyes show defiance, they shimmer as she stares down his bloodlust, daring him to make the next move. Even if her face may portray fear within this ominous atmosphere, Farrell opens up the clouds to shine down upon an indomitable spirit.
If I had a criticism for this issue, as with any book within this title, it simply ends too soon – but always with a cliffhanger making us wanting more. Rose was a girl who is vulnerable, inexperienced to the toxicity of Drucilla’s lies and ruthlessness, and yet this story opens her to the corruption which she must now fight. Ila has shown her the way and now pushes her into an uncertain future as if she is a young fledgling just learning to fly. You want to take her by the hand to guide her, but at the same time, in the back of your mind, the reader knows life isn’t always that easy. Will these actions shatter her confidence or only make her stronger? It isn’t the uncertainty of knowing which makes the wait painful … it’s the trauma of leaving this suspenseful open wound to linger without treatment – and the only known cure is the next issue of Rose. Why are the best things in life so traumatizing when you have to wait so long?
Grade: A+
Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Image Comics
Release Date: July 12, 2017
MSRP: $3.99
