While the mice scurry away … Merlin will scheme and play.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Joe Brusha
Artwork: Lucas Meyer
Colors: Jorge Cortes
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
Skye takes on the Red Knight, but there is someone pulling his strings! Also a classic Grimm Fairy Tales villain makes her return! Will Skye be able to survive this new threat?!
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
In the aftermath of the New York City troll invasion, people are still unsure of what happened, but a concerned group of heroes know the truth and are bothered as to the fate concerning their companions Lance and Peyton. Although Shang blames himself for what befell them, he praises Skye for her bravado in their rescue but is worried Merlin is planning something else for their kidnapped friends. Leaving Sam to watch over the city, student and teacher must return to Arcane Acre to do conduct more research in an attempt to mount a rescue, for neither know the location of this hidden realm; but even with this modicum of reassurance, her mentor cannot shake the feeling there is something more sinister approaching on the horizon, and the power hungry magician is behind what is to come.
Even as they depart for the school, the wizard in question is proceeding with his own scheme in mystical Camelot, coldly trying to persuade his captive the Black Knight. Although she will have nothing to do with these misguided plans, the overly zealous mage continues his rantings of his masterful scheme to resurrect the realm back to the wondrous place it was long ago. Although as he gives Parks time to mull over her negative decision, his apprentice Morgan has another ally to persuade, that of the maleficent white haired witch Baba Yaga. However as the two powerful women discuss a possible partnership, Skye and Sam are consumed with their own search – finding out why Merlin wanted the sword Lysraseri. As this new baneful alliance grows in power, the Guardian finds herself wanting for answers from the person who gave her mother the blade, the Lady of the Lake. But as she leaves on her journey and Shang ponders other problems, one has to wonder what is happening within this questionable kingdom and if it is wise to leave them alone while they quest for their own solutions. Only time will tell if their decisions were for the best or whether they will come to regret them as time progresses toward a meaningless confrontation.
In Summary:
As a new story arc begins, from the start it feels as if writer Joe Brusha is trying to accomplish too much within this first issue by splitting the narrative’s focus through many divergent paths. While I can understand wanting to show both sides of the issue, Merlin versus Skye, at the same time we are bombarded by information and an abundance of new characters to clearly understand what is happening. However as confusion settles in, those familiar with other publishers’ villainous organizations cannot but compare the slant Camelot is taking, leaning toward creating a new round table with the wizard being cast as king. Although this undertaking is understandable considering the megalomaniacal tendencies Merlin revealed within The Musketeers, to add someone with a similar attitude such as Baba Yaga seems to be asking for trouble. Two people with a need for power and revenge, with egos to match, though the latter is being asked to follow a manipulative mage who appears to have no real power of his own … this plot feels shallow. And then if you factor in the results of the previous title, we saw an apprentice who had no intentions in following her master and left as soon as she had what she wanted, but yet now she serves him again with her formerly deceased pet Penn? A riddle within a puzzle wrapped by an enigma, this new narrative is interesting on the surface, but as you delve deeper into the facts, it quickly unravels and becomes ambiguous to those loyal fans of the overall picture for all the titles.
And yet via this overly elaborate tale, it is within such a melodramatic display do the amazing illustrations of Lucas Meyer shine throughout this serpentine story. The brooding opening sets the mood of the issue, clearly stating loss of friends takes precedence over celebration, allowing for powerfully delineated characters to communicate their emotional state within all of the darkness. But even as we mull over this barren environment, it is the dazzling palette of Jorge Cortes which epically pronounces the strength of these actors, allowing for the subtlies of light and shadow to dance across the pronounced setting of the narrative. As we watch the sadness of loss come to terms, this talented artistic team uses those same suffocating dark tones and grand details to lead the reader into the audacity of Merlin’s ambitions. This depressing atmosphere contrasts wondrously with the ethereal mysticism on the following splash page, a dark inferno of crimson background is marvelously contrasted by the mage’s nauseating green flame, making the scene all the more impressive. But even within all of these amazing displays within this issue, the most stunning would have to be the scenes with Baba Yaga – a long mane of white hair define her beauty, hiding cruelty behind those cold pupiless eyes. With each panel we become hypnotized by her allure, enchanting neon colors synergistically dividing every moment, all leading to the crackling ritual unveiling what can only be compared to a creepy visual role call of villains. This awe inspiring double page spread is intimidating in its beauty and mesmerizing by its scope … if this revelation is what we are in for by future issues, then it earns its right to be a phenomenal centerpiece to this series.
Confusion expands the conundrum of this story, all adding to a narrative which builds upon previously established facts which are contradicted by the grandeur of the tale. With each step we take forward, prior facts begin to muddle the strength of the tale and make us wonder if we should ignore what happen prior or take them into consideration for understanding of the whole. While the stunning artwork and dazzling colors do try to disguise these missteps, you cannot but wonder if we will need to take inventory afterwards to understand what is happening within this new confusing story arc.
Grade: B
Age Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: August 22, 2018
MSRP: $3.99