Every Rose and Thorne needs time to flourish … but they also need a fertile land to grow.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Meredith Finch
Artwork: Ig Guara
Colors: Triona Farrell
Letters: Cardinal Rae
What They Say:
The stakes don’t get any higher for Rose and her companions as they face a life-and-death struggle with the future of the rebellion on the line. Amidst the chaos, one of Rose’s companions will make the ultimate sacrifice to save the future of Ttereve!
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
Millhaven … the small village where the conflict begins and if Drucilla has her way, so too will it be the place where it all ends. Outside the gates of this isolated hamlet, the sadistic despot is infuriated by any lack of progress from her trained army and conscripted volunteers; the ragtag inhabitants of this pathetic town are holding out against the rightful ruler’s reign of terror, but as Lilith points out the townspeople are fighting for their lives. It is only then does her twisted majesty begin to understand a new way to motivate the troops, and with that she addresses the rabble by the only way she knows – with a malicious grin. She will not allow the bonds of family and friends to work against her goals, but in fact they will drive her men to do as she declares, under the pain of terror. This is how the woman inspires her remaining masses and it only then do they realize how serious the Queen is to capture the rebels.
But as her friends are in the fight for their lives, Rose and Thorne themselves have been released with a victory which seemed unobtainable. It is only now as they are able to recover from the strain of conflict does the novice Guardian begin to tend to the wounds of her former captor – Dante. Still unsure of her own powers, our hesitant heroine tries her best to nurse the former knight back to health, allowing him a sip of herbal remedy which he hastily spits out. The bounty hunter is aghast his prior quarry did not allow him to die, instead saving her pursuer and now befouling him with foul magics. But this young girl still does not understand why such a powerful man is afraid of accepting help from an enemy, when if placed in the same position, he would have allowed her to expire just the same. As Thorne watches with mistrust, Rose does her best to pacify the situation, calming Dante’s fears by stating she was only able to heal the wounds of his body and not his heart. Horrified by more of this protector’s sorcery, he heaves his massive blade and stands stunned by this insight … not knowing what to do in such a frightening impasse. Her life is in his hands once again, but this time, what will be the path he chooses and will it be the right one?
In Summary:
Ever since I embarked upon this intriguing adventure crafted by writer Meredith Finch, I knew Rose would not be your typical journey of an untested heroine, but one of insightful discovery plagued by powers unknown. However now that we have reached a zenith within this magnificent mythos, I am delighted to see the uncertain path which was initially littered with bread crumbs of sorrow, tragedy, cruelty has now been scattered with acorns of hope; this was all done to strengthen a fearful girl into someone who you can truly admire and cheer as she learns trust and belief in others who are trying to help. However as we near the end of this first leg, Finch now leaves us with a tale which helps to reinforce all those emotions and generates a feeling of sincere comfort as this Guardian begins to accept herself and the role which she has been always destined for by something greater. It is only now do we realize that we as readers have also been on a trip of discovery, watching as a naïve child has slowly stumbled her way onto the path of acceptance and gingerly matured into an accepting woman facing an uncertain future.
As both a reviewer and a fan, I always knew this series was going to be something special and yet as it progresses, it has not become tedious but all the more ambitious as we explore the depth of two main characters – direct polar opposites of each other, both in physical appearance and mental attitudes. Drucilla, Queen of Ttereve and ruler who will go to any lengths to secure what she desires, even if it means sacrificing those who no longer serve any purpose. The twisted methods which she has taken has altered her view of the world, and the treatment of her subjects have in turn contorted her face into a reflection of the cruelty by her methods. One who once might have been a beauty by her own rights has now become enslaved to her own treatment of others and now only sees treachery, deceit, and an equally short temper, with no qualms of striking down those who fail her plans. And yet even while enshrouded within this vile environment, there still blooms an innocent who has no idea what fate has something else planned for her – Rose. This simple village girl, her life sheltered from the destruction which occurred prior to the story, sees only good in others, as she experiments with powers even after her mother’s warning. And due to that curiosity, her innocence was cut short, the only home she had ever know consumed by flame as striking as her own hair. If not for Ila, who knows where her path would have lead, aside from an early grave due to the hunter’s pursuit. But as the old woman guided her to safety, it was only a matter of time before destiny caught up to them, signaling her change to a Guardian with the shocking transformation of a once vivid mane into one of equal tranquility as pure as the driven snow. The gentle path of a child has now been overcome by the trials and tribulations of a protector, a young woman who does not wish to accept the responsibilities which now come with this new charge. However, the kindness of her temperament, the urging of Ila and the need to survive is what urges her forward, accepting the road which has been unfolded before her. And unlike her misguided rival, all of her choices have only enhanced Rose’s beauty, allowing a once shy and uncertain young girl to become a radiant and confident woman as any savior should be in the face of adversity.
Although we have had to face numerous perils to reach this climax, Finch does not disappoint with the culmination of this issue. Opening with barbarity from an assault on Millhaven sets the mood for this confrontation, the Queen determined to purge the nuisance which is the Rebellion with Will overwhelmed by the responsibility of keeping people alive. But of course the most gripping part of this opening is Drucilla’s reaction to the failure of her soldiers and conscripted volunteers, with her well-known temper and reaction to the incompetence of others, we should not be surprised as to her violent display; this tyrant shows all the signs of megalomania, including the lack of tolerance to defeat, especially when it comes from others, leaving Lilith almost being a voice of reason for her ruler, as if she herself could not be struck down if her words do not please her master. However even taking into account of these factors, it is still hard to watch the motivation which this psychopath gives to her troops, even if by her reasoning, this is the only way to drive her men to victory. As shocking as it was to watch, it fits Drucilla’s demeanor, ruling through fear and allowing all to know that this loss will be their only warning … for there are no second chances. If we didn’t hate this woman before – we have all the more motivation to despise her now.
But even as we gasp in horror as to Drucilla’s demonic discipline, Finch splendidly rotates the narrative into its opposing viewpoint, one of nurturing versus depravity. Although they may only be a few miles away from the battlefield, we breathe a sigh of relief to see the gentleness of Rose taking care of a menacing giant named Dante. These two people who only moments ago were at odds with each other, one the prey and the other the hunter, now have their roles reversed as to becoming protector and patient. The scene of our savior, this girl who was once a child and now having matured into a caring woman, cannot but bring a smile to the reader; not so long ago our heroine was so hesitant, rejecting what others told her was the truth – that she was destined to become the Guardian, but only after she was prodded to face the reality did Rose begin to see what others always knew … she was the one who would save the world. Only when this fledgling was pushed out of the nest did we and she herself see what a truly amazing person she has become. It is within this enlightening sequence does Finch give us what lovingly took five issues to accomplish, a defining moment for this character, all as Thorne watches on in foreboding silence – acceptance of her destiny and acknowledgment as to what she must face. You have to smile as we watch this unfold, in averse to what we saw before, the one who she must ultimately confront, but as for now, I for one cannot wait to see how Rose and Thorne’s relationship will develop and grow stronger. Nurture versus nature … good against evil, light and dark, it is a universal truth which man has seen for time immemorial, and it will never be solved with a single fight, but either side will always attempt to conquer the other no matter how long it will take.
Although we do have a phenomenal narrative, this story would never be as effective without the sensational attention to detail and emotionally dynamic artwork of Ig Guara. It through the clarity of his illustrative lens which brings the world of Ttereve into reality, with each stroke of his digital pen, the inhabitants and landscape unfold with such awe inspiring depth and field of vision that we cannot but view each panel like an individual masterpiece. However, all of that panache would fall flat if not for the skilled mastery of Triona Farrell who breathes life into every scene via her wondrous display of colorful imagery. This synergistic partnership allows for the reader to glimpse over each page, ignoring the words and interpreting every moment with mesmerizing acuity, allowing us to literally dive into the story and absorb it like any noteworthy Hollywood blockbuster. But they are not preoccupied by special effects, instead, they allow the story to direct the action, opening the reader to the true spokesmen of the tale: human emotion, determination, and motivation … no matter how foul, corrupt or pure they may ultimately be, these always shine through all of the set decorations which direct the reader to those goals.
This preeminent issue of their cooperation does not fall short when compared to previous examples of their teamwork, and the opening salvo of artistic brilliance is a primary sample of that excellence. The battle of Millhaven, while in the story it may be just another conquest for Drucilla, Guara and Farrell treat it with all the grandeur of any epic conflict involving the Queen, and as in all such cases the overall color palette is of a cold, dark and gloomy atmosphere. It is admirable how no element is sacrificed within such a dour environment, drawing the focus to multiple points and not allowing it to rest as the narrative is established from the previous book. You can almost feel the fruitlessness of the fight, and if the disappointment was ever in doubt, one look at Drucilla’s glowering eyes and domineering body language proves she is not happy with the situation, especially once that evil grin draws across her face. How can you not feel chills seeing such a dominant woman, her attitude changing in an instant, and as such, the temperature of the room dropping several degrees thanks to the gorgeously coordinated color palette. All of these components combine to give a somber mood to the scene, and once she hands down the disciplinary action, no one will ever doubt she has compassion for her people, or lack there of. That singular panel draped in crimson, a father and daughter in repose, but before it her sadistic smile … we know what has happened and cannot but weep as to the result. To rule by fear may be effective, but in the end all it results in are more corpses on the field, but with the Queen’s personality, so much more the better than to add to her reputation of ruthlessness.
Then in direct contrast of this foreboding scene, we quickly switch to the beautifully illustrated half of Rose, Thorne and Dante, prisoner trying to comfort hunter. You can feel the purity of this girl emanating from every panel, gone are the darker blues and blacks, now replaced by brighter tones and warmer peaches, all projecting a brighter atmosphere of goodness and confidence. While Guara still uses the same impressive drawing style to illustrate his characters, it is Farrell who changes the whole attitude with a simple shift in colors. You cannot but smile as you see this novice Guardian trying to nurse her former captor, his gigantic battle scarred body dwarfing the lithe form next to him. Even as he rejects her every effort, that disarming smile and her charming body language are no match for his shroud of anger and distrust. While Thorne watches on in guarded silence, these humans still continue their battle of wits, the seasoned warrior trying to defend himself against a weaponless child. The vivid shades of green contrast against the cold stone ground echo the two combatants, Rose being the innocence of the forest and Dante as hard as the land which they stand upon. But as this gruff man tries to defend himself from the calm protector’s delicately chosen words, you can visually see how her personality slowly creeps into his hardened heart; the former knight has only known treachery and cruelty since serving under Drucilla, and as such, he has forgotten that words can cut deeper than any weapon … and ever more effective. Even as the brilliant blue sky opens up before Rose’s kindness, you can almost hear Dante’s grim resolve starting to crumble, his stolid face cracking under the strain and color draining from holding in anger for such a long time. As his resolve wavers, it is no threat to his heroine’s determination, and what follows is the most beautiful page from this series: a massive repentant man dressed in white, his shoulders quaking from the release of all that pent up frustration, bowing before a forgiving, almost angelic figure laying hands upon him, as if trying to purify him of his past. Then as if that scene wasn’t powerful enough, Farrell streaks the sky with shafts of light piercing his darkness, giving the whole a sense of serenity and forgiveness, all as an intimidating black feline watches on in guarded stance. If this sequence wasn’t powerful enough to show which side won this issue, then you may have not been reading the same book, for it is clear the Guardian has surpassed darkness, but does that really matter when we all know this battle is far from over.
With a sigh of relief, we can finally acknowledge Rose has taken her first solid step into a brighter world within what is undoubtedly the best issue of this title. In fact, I am proud to say Rose is most sincerely at the top of my Best of 2017 Books … and without a doubt one of the most rewarding you will ever come across in depth of flavor and characters. Unfortunately, with this dramatic cliffhanger and the tension building – we will not be able to have any release until … NEXT YEAR?
(This is a direct quote from Meredith Finch when I last talked to her: Issue seven doesn’t come out until… gasp… January. I’m so sorry. We did a month break between issue six and the trade and between the trade and seven.)
And so, with our appetites whetted with such a heartwarming ending for Rose and Drucilla on the verge of making a significant impact to the Rebellion, we must now take a break as we fret over the fate of our heroes. I for one am not sure I can last the distance until the next issue, but as least we know the trade paperback can tide us over until we see a new blossom shine forth with the coming New Year.
Grade: A++ The struggle of darkness and light may be never ending, but in every battle there is always a glimmer of hope.
Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Image Comics
Release Date: September 13, 2017
MSRP: $3.99
