Strength comes in many forms, not just of muscle … but the greatest is of the heart.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Meredith Finch
Artwork: Ig Guara
Colors: Triona Farrell
Letters: Cardinal Rae
What They Say:
A power struggle erupts as Drucilla’s Fallen and her companions both close in on Rose and Sir Dante. Dolora’s plans expose the truth about Ttereve’s blight as Rose falls victim to a great evil. All roads lead to an epic showdown in the conclusion of the second arc of ROSE.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
With Drucilla’s confidence growing stronger with her capture of Thorne, the twisted queen is emboldened and allows for her death squads to exterminate any further resistance. However, her will is not absolute as Will and Fel try their best to impede this murderous path of destruction, even as they question their own morality by sinking to their enemy’s level. But as they attempt what may seem impossible, the escapees Prince Felix and Ila, along with their companion Artus have their own worries concerning the unfolding events over which they have no control. The wizened mentor knows something vile is coming, but even with her insight, she does not know the full extent of the decay which spreads like a suffocating cloud of corruption.
Rose herself is undergoing a passive change of consciousness, her own thoughts travel to freeing her feline friend, but is the risk too great? It is these notions which venture forth as she tentatively rises that morning, trying not to wake her gruff friend. But even under the best of circumstances, this Guardian is still a novice, even after undergoing the Ritual of Illumination, her best efforts fall short as a stern face greets her quiet awakening. While her intentions may have been for the best, Simon will not hear of her reasoning for wanting to confront the Queen alone, not allowing anyone else to fall due to her problems. However even as she tries to negotiate with this giant of a man, there is someone else who does not like the foolishness of this folly … even going so far as to step in to intervene – Prince Felix. It is soon clear the men have a past which neither can forget, nor is it something that either is willing to put aside without physical confrontation. As blades clash, both sides stand in stunned confusion, unable to understand this contest and the reason behind it – or if it is wise to stand between these stubborn champions to stop this reckless dispute.
In Summary:
With the second story arc coming to a stunning close, it still amazes me as to how writer Meredith Finch can continue to create an engrossing narrative which allows you to emotionally invest yourself, and yet at the same time, seems all too familiar with epic human struggles. To see everything collapsing in Ttereve is due to one woman’s selfish ambitions is sickening, but it also strangely unifies all of the rebels to confront that which they fear the most – failure and indecision. While we may feel compelled to wonder about the battlefront confronted by Will and Fel, the true sentimental trauma begins as we watch Rose struggle with her need to protect the people and her friends. Although this heroic mentality may not be new, to see it centered upon someone so young makes it all the more theatrical, allowing us to see how this new Guardian must cope with this trial … supposedly all on her own. Not so long ago she was a simple village girl, living an idyllic life and then it all changed as her power began to manifest; it was then did she suffer the first death indirectly caused by influences surrounding her, that of her mother, and the hardships continued to culminate, ultimately now swallowing up her dear khat companion Thorne.
Of course, most people would begin to wallow in self pity, too afraid to challenge the adversity which they must face to become stronger, but not Rose. However at the same time, perhaps due to the burden of becoming the Guardian, she feels she must face these tests alone, when ironically her friends have always been by her side. Even now, when her closest companion and partner appears to be lost to Drucilla, Rose cannot accept she is not alone in her struggle, all while the gruff giant stumbles to comfort her in this time of loss. It is only now when she thinks involving more people will result in additional pain and suffering, does she attempt to leave Simon behind, even as she knows she must face the most trying of her trials – confronting the Queen. It is humorous to see Rose try to persuade Dante with such simplistic arguments, trying to shoulder the weight by herself, but it all falls on deaf ears against the mammoth soldier’s blunt attitude. This scene alone portrays the relationship between the two, almost as if a caring grizzly is sheltering a small child from the rages of the storm. And yet, no matter how much he may try to protect her, the girl is too stubborn to accept she cannot do this impossible task alone, even bearing her teeth to scare him otherwise, knowing it will never work. This issue solidifies the relationship of the Guardian: while she may try to put up the false front of a responsible young woman who can handle things on her own, underneath she is still a frightened girl unable to accept the truth that this journey is one which cannot be completed alone. Her friends know the risks of accompanying her, and they alone are willing to weather the toil of what may happen. They have accepted the risk … Rose is the only one who does not want to acknowledge it is their free will, thinking some obligation makes them come. This is the definition of true friendship, now it is up to Rose to accept the truth.
Like all other issues created by this magnificent artistic team, the evocative beginning frames the narrative eclipse created within the story, all displayed brilliantly by the wonderfully expressive illustrations of Ig Guara and visually arousing palette of Triona Farrell. You can feel the tension between Will and Fel, their faces contorting from dismay and inner conflict, but what extenuates those feelings are the deep crimson tones cast by the sunset and crackling fire. These few pages set the tone of the issue, showing there are others fighting the good fight on the frontlines, needing to face the horrors of Drucilla while our main heroes confront the terror constructed from their own inner torments. The shift in colors helps to reflect the upcoming threat as Felix and Ila try to find our heroine, but at the same time I like how they compose Artus as a voice of reason, while the other two are on heighten alert looking for danger. But of course, my favorite scenes are of Rose and Simon, with this Guardian looking so frail compared to the formidable knight; even as she gets out of bed, her small frame appears childlike when placed to his hulking form, and they use this set up to mold the rest of the pages. And yet it is not until Rose tries to valiantly convince Dante she no longer needs him does this conflict change from charming to almost pitiful. A rising sunrise creeping through a decrepit grove of trees makes her look all the more childlike, her hunched over frame when compared to Simon, you could see them as a girl who hesitates telling her over protective father something important, she knowing he will reject the plea before is escapes her mouth. Once this scene is set, the following panels almost seem comical – Rose trying her best to summon up what courage and strength she can muster, all against a beast of a man who seems tensed to roar outright and dissuade any chance of approval before she starts. This is why I adore this section … it visually shows us a young woman who is ready to do anything to protect her family, but at the same time, her protector knows she is not ready. This is a wondrous depiction of bear and cub if I ever saw one, which only makes their relationship all the more moving.
The emotional fervor within Rose makes this series something to longingly appreciate, when compared to other titles, they lack something going for them aside from overly dramatic action leading to predictable conclusions. To see a young woman gradually evolve into an admirable heroine via loss, tempered experience and seemingly indomitable odds makes you want to cheer for her as she overcomes every obstacle placed before her. And now that the second story arc is over and we begin to see an even more menacing foe stand before success, I cannot wait to see what happens next, all while anticipating the success which will make Rose an even grander Guardian of Ttereve.
Grade: A+
Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Image Comics
Release Date: June 13, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
