Best to leave things alone … especially when you are trying to contain a demon.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artwork: Julius Abrera
Colors: Robby Bevard
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
After a daring and dangerous escape from a sadistic super-max prison, Robyn is finally back home where she belongs. But as she re-acclimates to her “normal” life in New York City, a new evil has been released and Marian Quin needs Robyn’s help to send it back from where it came… But this battle is about to get more personal than either of these friends could have imagined, and nothing will ever be the same!
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
With Sam and her uninvited guest now contained, Marian is trying her best to reclaim her love, but uncertainty and difficult languages do not make it easy. Although the witch’s spell is progressing satisfactorily, taunts from the visitor only drive her forward to drive it out, with the ceremony finally taking effect. And while she may have not released Sam from the abomination’s control, for the time being neither one is occupying the empty shell once called Cavandar, as long as it stays within the ritual circle. But as Quin takes a break from the exhausting spell, it is only now does she ask about her best friend’s relationship with the eccentric billionaire she calls Gerry. It is only then does Robyn express her concerns after remembering the current problems and accepts Marian’s offer to do a reading on this man.
However when they arrive at the massive glass pyramid which is Villaraigosa’s San Diego office, Marian is less than impressed and more in complete awe. But when she finally meets the man, both opinions quickly become jarred as they shake hands and his true intensions are revealed. At once overcome with overwhelming nausea, Quin excuses herself and Robyn’s concern for her friend prompts them to leave, only once they are clear of his sight does the witch express her barest impression: avoid Gerry at all costs. As this news sinks in, the events of the afternoon only get worse once the car pulls up to the apartment, where they see Sam being loaded into an ambulance. Detective Williams is in charge and at once reads Locksley her rights, accusing the archer of murder – until Marian confesses Cavandar is in this condition thanks to her assistance. With both girls now in police custody and a madman free to do as he likes, things can’t get any worse … can they?
In Summary:
This issue has now become my favorite of the title so far and with good reason as writer Chuck Dixon brings back the main incentive as to Robyn and Marian’s relationship – their unbridled and jovial camaraderie. Ever since the original series ended, there has been no opportunity to bring back our Myst witch, but now that she has returned, the sister like friendship between these two is once again shining at the forefront. It is this comical teasing which I missed the most after Locksley went solo, and while she did team up with other heroines, none has the same partnership which these two forged through mutual suffering. And yet after some time apart, it seems as if none has passed, with their banter as fresh as ever and willing to delve into each others deepest secrets without holding back, even as the tragedy encompassing Sam takes its toll on her partner. But it has always been that way, the girls used witticisms to defuse any built up tension which constant tragedy may have caused, never allowing hate to pollute their relationship for long, and still keeping in touch no matter what may happen within their own separate lives. It is this amusement of balancing calamity against light hearted humor which makes Robyn and Marian such a charming relationship, never eclipsing the pain but challenging it head-on with guarded resistance composed of smiles instead of a depressing visage of sadness. And with the manner by which this narrative is progressing toward darker battlefronts, it is clear they will need as much protection as they can attain while forge they forth to uncertain terrors.
And not to be surpassed with such an amazing story, the sensational illustrative talents of Julius Abrera and Robby Bevard’s undeniable ability to strike an emotional chord, do not sit idly by to allow words to overshadow graphic representations. From the start the mood is set with a smothering darkness, Robyn’s glowing eye the only sense there may be hope as these formidable beauties challenge the evil which is revealed with the first traumatic splash page … the monstrosity which inhabits Sam. The details of which Abrera lays out within each page only magnifies every panel, but once we see the beast in all its primal glory, you cannot but anticipate the roar of this monstrosity as you study the image with morbid curiosity. The balance of Marian’s undeniable beauty with taut figure screaming at Robyn, all while this apparition threatens in the background, only makes it the more fascinating to stare at with Bevard’s command of the atmosphere, the controlled shades of ebony and crimson grasp us with horror but at the same the tones amplify the tangible intensity and outright desperation. However they are not finished yet as the smooth shift between the witch’s chants and close ups of the creature and Sam make us anticipate what will happen next, not with tired monotony but with wish filled anticipation, until we received a wanted reward in the display of a ethereal explosion. And yet while it was not initially noticeable since they blend in so scrupulously, the essential frames which separate every panel concentrates the emotion with simple black, but once Bevard shifts back to white, that purity makes the victory all the more gratifying.
And yet even within all of these gloomy settings, you cannot but smile as we watch these cherished friends reunite in a charming conversation, the first time they have had the chance to connect again within this wild story. These disarming pages are a welcomed oasis within the attitude expressed within the narrative, one of dour strain as inquisitiveness overcame common sense. To see Robyn and Marian in a relaxed moment, warm grins brushing away the exhaustion is appreciated, with white framing all the more disarming as we know with those same outlines gradually turning to black something sinister is coming. However it is the meeting with Villaraigosa which summons up one of the most ominous sights yet, the phenomenal image of an Aztec priest guarded by Jaguar warriors. This magnificent display of overwhelming and foreboding terror is wondrous in its nuanced details, ones in which you cannot but marveled in as you gaze with fascination to discern each and every grisly component. But as our eyes bounce between each chilling element, the smothering khaki fog threatens to suffocate us within this limited monochrome atmosphere, making us wonder how Abrera and Bevard were able to strike such an effective sight with such limited resources. Though what truly draws everything together is the simplicity of allowing Marian’s reaction to Gerry’s past cinch the page into one moment – that of understanding and unadulterated dread, signalling the nightmare of what is to come. This is how you lure the audience in … and never let them leave.
When Robyn Hood: The Curse first began I sincerely thought this title would do nothing but emphasize action in lieu of a meaningful story, but now it has proven me wrong. While this approach is worthy for the character, it does not engender the truest depths of her personality, one of a person who cares for her friends and will go to any lengths to save them. It is within this issue that we are shown what I missed from the original series and now is brought with admirable approach and need to keep the franchise from becoming stale. This is the way I want to see our heroines face indomitable forces, not with anger or despair, but with hearts strengthened by their friendship, knowing either one will come to the other’s aid any time. And now with their partnership now reinforced on both fronts, I cannot wait to see how the final two issues will bring everything to a epic close, all of the Robyn Hood’s indomitable forthright style.
Grade: A+
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: April 25, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
