Revenge is not an answer … but sometimes it is the only response.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Meredith Finch
Artwork: Vicente Cifuentes
Colors: Triona Farrell
Letters: Cardinal Rae
What They Say:
Confronted by a victim from her murderous past, Xena must decide what price she is willing to pay for her sins. But is Gabrielle willing to let her? All roads lead to one final epic battle between present and past, for the soul of a Warrior Princess.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
The person behind Gabrielle’s kidnapping finally reveals herself … and the connection to Xena’s past is not a happy memory. Cirra – it was one of the many villages which the former warlord and her men pillaged, torched and slaughtered all who stood before them, rarely leaving anyone alive, except in this instance. She was a little girl, but on that horrifying night, she was forced to watch her world crumble around her, father murdered then mother and sister were burned alive as they hid to survive. And now many years later this child has become a revenge-driven woman, gathering those soldiers who were cast aside by the Warrior Princess once she abandoned her former life, all vowing payback for the pain Xena had caused them. But even as she leaps into the hostile mob, it is clear there will be only person who escapes alive, or some everyone believes.
However as the hostage bard stands by and watches the situation unfold, she cannot but express her objection to Callisto, stating revenge is not the way to ease her pain. The sweet words seemed only to infuriate the blonde avenger, making her hatred all the more palatable and her anger more inflamed. Xena listened patiently to the ravings of this woman, knowing an inevitable challenge was yet to come – a fight to the death. But as she hears those words, Gabrielle tries to steer the conflict to another direction, knowing the teachings of Eleos should take precedence if her friend wanted forgiveness. Seeing no other way to end this contest, the two violently clash, blades exchanging words of their own meaning, while their masters attempted to block every blow. Although the men were entranced by this trial by combat, a certain blonde prisoner made the best of the situation, knowing she was the only way out for her sister and the others to escape. But even amidst all this confusion, would she be able to accomplish the impossible or was this distraction all for nothing?
In Summary:
With this issue the end of the story arc and Meredith Finch’s final chapter for the title, this writer knows how to garner our attention with an epic conclusion. While the build-up to this thrilling ending may have seemed to be lagging in the spontaneity of the original source material, we can now see it as setting the pace, which made the development for characters essential and thus leading to this effective conclusion. Although most reading this series are familiar with the cast, it was this controlled transition from two unique individuals into a pair of tolerated companions which makes the narrative worth reading until this finale. In the beginning, we watch as Gabrielle quickly gets on Xena’s nerves, alarmingly being able to survive the situations which her boisterous temperament and mouth places both women, and more surprisingly, not ending up on the Warrior Princess’ bad side. It is their polar personalities which make them so compatible – Gabrielle with her optimistic personality which counterbalances Xena’s natural pessimism in always seeing the misfortunes caused by her rampages. However, once they engage in the final battle, the partners slowly start to trust each other, with the latter begin to accept help from the former, a physical reminder of her new path in life and a need to help others. It is a fitting conclusion to this touching story.
But of course, while Vicente Cifuentes’ amazing artwork may have attracted us to the title and the captivating colors of Triona Farrell kept us visually fascinated, this final issue turns that attraction into something bordering obsession. To see the truth behind Callisto’s infatuation in the Warrior Princess made this ending truly creepy, to see such an alluring woman become preoccupied with revenge was a shame. The first time I saw her face contorted into a maniacal mask made you wonder if the look was influenced by another called the Prince of Crime – just add white face paint and the similarity is uncanny. However, when you see her distortion compared to Xena’s calmness, the contrast is what makes this issue such a delight to view – the sight of two beautiful women fighting, for opposing reasons truly makes you believe in the concept of Good versus Evil. And yet even within all of this conflict, the side story of Gabrielle trying to rescue her sister and the others makes you wonder who truly is the real hero in this finale. A moving depiction of emotional fervor magnified by the mood-enhancing talents of a wondrous palette, this is what made this story worth reading every month.
While I truly wished to see Xena leap across a full double page with battle cry plastered across its openness, this story still has its appeal to both fans of the series and those new to the franchise. A story of companionship makes this narrative worth reading, and sensational art in both illustration and colors allows the view to become absorbed within the book by truly appreciating it on all levels. Although next month may start with a new writer, if they continue with such moving adventures, this series will be worth continuing for a limitless amount of delight and appreciation.
Grade: A-
Rating: T+ (for Teens Plus)
Released By: Dynamite
Release Date: June 13, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
