The past is never forgotten … just buried in regret.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Howard Mackie
Artwork: Deivis Goetten
Colors: Ceci de la Cruz
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
Jasmine races against the terrorist group, The Forty Thieves, to collect the shattered pieces of the Crown of Kings. As time is running out to acquire this object that haunts her past, she must hurry to stop it from unleashing an unearthly power on the world and all she holds dear.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
With the latest piece of the Crown now obtained, Jasmine once again questions the trustworthiness of her alliance with Ali as they face off within the ruins of Castillo de los Templario. Still not trusting this thief, bitter words are exchanged as the former djinn questions his actions, accusing with every chance he betrays the trust of guardians who surrender their charges. Now frustrated and wanting answers, the raven-haired beauty confronts this rogue who does not attempt to defend himself, instead admitting his treachery fulfills other vile purposes. As the charade collapses, Ali no longer tries to hide his ambitions, instead choosing to distract his former partner with insults while he mystically acquires the headpiece from her clutches. Prize secured and betrayal now entrenched, he and his followers retreat into a nearby conjured portal, self-assured of his skills to halt any pursuit and confident he can defeat this bothersome woman.
Not impressed by his false bravado, Jasmine knows something her foolish foe forgot – she has a magic carpet which can take her anywhere, including his current hiding place. As Ali and his men contemplate their next move, it is too late for reaction as a new gate flashes in the night sky, producing his pursuer and catching the scoundrel off guard. Using this limp body as a human battering ram, the pair plunging through the forest until the djinn comes to a sudden stop and unceremoniously dumps him on grassy floor. Her temper now fully enraged, Jasmine does not hold back to pay back this betrayer, handing several concussive blows, but Ali does not allow this challenge to go unanswered. With an explosive ethereal bolt giving him some breathing room, he draws his own weapons and clashes against this personification of anger. While both exchange matching strikes, it is not long before they also land mortal wounds, causing this contest to end abruptly as they succumb and bleed out upon this isolated glade. Can this truly be the end of their contest or is there another who has plans for this argumentative pair?
In Summary:
From the beginning we have always known Jasmine never trusted Ali, but as we reach the crescendo, who would have guessed writer Howard Mackie would reveal such an unexpected revelation? The tension was palpable, and the build-up toward this issue only made things worse with every suspicion compounding the previous, however, to drop such a bombshell makes one wonder what happened. The thief who was scrounging around the ruins of Petra is none other than Ali Devenar … as in the King of Wands who is now with the Order of Tarot. Ever since he disappeared after the fallout of Bloody Bones and left his friends from Arcane Acre, we have known he has been skulking around the Grimm Universe scheming, supposedly trying to find a way to bring back Hailey. However after so much time, why would he resort to such a plebeian effort after teaming up with so many more powerful people; after all, with how many resources he has supposedly amassed, would he risk everything to obtain an artifact such as the Crown of Kings? We saw he is a master manipulator within Grimm Fairy Tales: Tarot, conspiring with different factions, all to guide events towards his own ends, and yet now he gets his hands dirty with hired thugs for this questionable conclusion. Then to make matters worse, he also goads Jasmine at every opportunity all to remind she is no longer a full djinn, only to rouse her anger and more insults. Is it worth it for this relic or is Ali just a glutton for punishment?
After recovering from the unexpected reveal, you still have to wonder why we never picked up on this character’s true nature, but with someone like Ali who has such nondescript features, even after seeing his unique facial scars and tattoos, it is still curious. However, this does not mean the artistic team can skimp on an amazing layout, dynamic characters, and lavishly engrossing environments. You cannot but stare in amazement as you watch the tale unfold from the beginning with Deivis Goetten’s fantastically emotive portraitures and stunning surroundings, but they would all fall flat without the breathtaking grandeur which Ceci de la Cruz breaths into each panel with her phenomenal colors. The reader is enthralled by the opening splash pages, Jasmine’s commanding presence with the flaming sword and Ali’s glowing hands enveloped by mystical purple energies, all at a supposed stand-off. You can sense the tension but at the same time, it feels serene with the beautiful glow of a full moon watching from high above, viewing what could be a mortal combat between an alluring beauty and the panic of an uncertain foe. The hidden fatality of these panels seems meaningless as we watch in visual appreciation, mesmerized by the gorgeous electrified array of colors, dashing across the scenery, given a life of their own. It is this type of marvel which makes one admire the hard work these artists put into their craft, all to portray a narrative worthy of their attention.
Jasmine: Crown of Kings reveals to us a twist which seemed unexpected, but at the same time fits into character once we know who the true villain and those hidden intentions. However to see Ali actually confronting Jasmine face to face seems strange, since in the past he is known as a master of manipulation, using pawns to guide events for his own ends. But now to see this man confronting his past and allowing those ambitions cloud his judgment, you have to wonder if the effort be worth it when he supposedly has so much more power at hand? We will just have to wait and see if our djinn will succeed or watch as her foe gains what he supposedly deserves.
Grade: A-
Age Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: July 04, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
