Trouble never leaves Robyn alone … it always follows no matter who may call.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artwork: Julius Abrera
Colors: Robby Bevard
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
Robyn is in California to solve not one but two mysteries. What’s going on with Sam Cavendar? Is she the Sam that Marian knows and loves, or an unspeakable monster from the pre-human past? And what’s with the string of bizarre murders that are leaving victims all over San Diego flayed of their flesh? Can the archer in Lincoln Green beat the cops to the killer? Chuck Dixon (Bane: Conquest) continues building this multi-layered urban fantasy epic.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
Just as Robyn and Marian are becoming reunited, the once comatose Sam escapes her hospital bed and goes on a midnight stroll … but she is not in control. As the brunette witch tries her best to locate her beloved companion, the blonde archer patrols the streets of San Diego, both worried about their friend. However while the spell can only detect the faintest trace, a new problem arises as masked gunmen open fire upon a helpless couple. Ever being the valiant vigilante, Locksley cannot but interfere by quickly taking down the desperate bandits, although the boys in blue bring the incident to a close before she can interrogate her new playmates. Even as she spends the night in jail, the next morning brings a pleasant surprise of prompt bail, not by Quin but the person she saved, Mexican tycoon Germán Villaraigosa.
However as the two get to know each other, the surviving gunman tells a different story of the museum incident which Detective Mose and his partner Jack were investigating days before. He relates details that were not made public and which the medical examiner just disclosed, so this prompts the investigators to question the ravings of a madman. Though they cannot help wonder if he was behind the robbery and ruthless murder, Jorgito is frantic to convince them there is someone else who must complete a ritual to unlock desired power, and that person is Villaraigosa. While they may not believe him, the convict’s obvious conclusion still rings true – if he is not the one behind the incident, then even more will follow. Can the police take this chance or will they be convinced once they do a bit more research into this mysterious billionaire?
In Summary:
Now that the formalities of an introduction to the narrative are over, writer Chuck Dixon is able to surge forward with a story which takes us back to the old days of the series. I never realized how much I missed Marian’s interaction with Robyn until now, the witty repartee between friends and a relationship which only these two share, they all come rushing back within the first few pages. But even within these amusing moments, Dixon is still able to craft a tale which is interacts with their base strengths of magic and courage. Although we are not privy to the details happening within the background, the forefront tale still has all of the adventure which makes Robyn Hood one of my favorite heroines and broadcasts what is to come. And now that the details from the previous issue are beginning to solidify into essential pieces of the story, the underlying strength of Dixon’s tale is taking shape into something which seems all the more enlightening for a much darker and inviting plot. However even as he reveals more, there are still some pieces which remain hidden, making the reader all the more tempted to come back to see how it unfolds.
While the story does not purposely does not reveal all, the sensational artwork of Julius Abrera uncovers the true depth of the narrative, allowing this talented illustrator to show us his skill to evoke emotion and invoke the determination within all characters, especially Robyn. The first splash is a beautiful example of his skill, a stunning piece of dramatic effect showing the strength of a woman who fights for justice and yet, you can still feel her drive to do what is right, all with an underlying touch of having fun. And yet this opening would not have the same weight of projecting that essence without Robby Bevard’s mastery of the digital palette, balancing shadow, light and a translucent energy which is essential to the story. He is able to keep these factors balanced within every panel, but the most striking component of course is Robyn’s eye – that glowing article which focuses our attention to our main character. It is around her which the story revolves and as such, she is the image which draws the reader into the tale. Even if it may seem to be a cold and lifeless orb with an unearthly glow, Abrera and Bevard are able conjure forth a warmth though Locksley’s actions which make us only want to know her all the better, just to see if its owner is worthy of the power which it contains. But this does not mean the remaining actors fall by the wayside, it is through their interactions with the archer does she obtain the drive to do her best even within the worst of inescapable conflicts.
The story is slowly beginning to take shape, with an foundation based around the relationship between Robyn, Marian and Sam, but there is still missing something. However as we are purposefully drawn into Robyn Hood: The Curse, it is clear this talented literary and artistic team have something more in store than what they are presenting to us upon the surface. Every tease on each page only makes us want to see what happens, but as we become more involved within the narrative, it makes it all the more difficult to turn away too look toward what may be revealed next month.
Grade: A-
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: February 14, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
