Since Rose never gives up … then neither should her friends.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Meredith Finch
Artwork: Ig Guara
Colors: Triona Farrell
Letters: Cardinal Rae
What They Say:
The rebellion’s forces are fractured after Rose’s abduction, and a lethal plague threatens the lives of those who remain. Held in Drucilla’s castle, Rose discovers evil comes in many forms, and learns that the threat to Ttereve is more sinister than anyone could have imagined.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
With Rose now in the hands of the enemy, Will cannot but express his forlorn self doubt in being able to continue the resistance, especially with Fels having fallen to sickness. Artus is now disgusted by this leader of the rebellion, a man who once stood up against the cruelty of the Queen, but now facing personal defeats, gives up with any fight. The quiet scholar has finally had enough of his complaints, finally speaking out against his whining ways the boy verbally stands up against this distraught man, berating this supposed hero in having the gall asking why they fought – all for the obvious reason if they did not … the consequences could have worse. However as Will’s temper overtakes any understanding of this sound argument and he is about to lash out, it is only Ila’s profound rage and a twist of the ear and collar to remind the quarreling duo they are giving Drucilla what she wants, resentment and mistrust amongst themselves. Her sharp retort snaps both back into a more sullen mood, reminding Artus his mother was working on a cure for the plague and their time would be better spent on finding her notes, instead of this fruitless squabbling.
But as things begin to settle down, Dante and Felix approach the ominous sight of Venta Belgarum, the royal castle where all these troubles within Ttereve began. Although these two former friends have had their differences in the past, it is only now do they agree upon one plan – to free Rose, or so it seemed. The prince still cannot believe this knight who was so loyal to his sister could have such a drastic change of heart, now serving as protector to the Guardian and thus he is not so easily swayed as the others. However before they enter his former home this exiled prince has some choice words to address, but as he begins his accusations, a swift right cross by a bludgeoning gauntlet quickly ends the conversation, bringing any worries to an end. As they enter this foreboding palace, one cannot but wonder if this is the end of any hope for the land, or is it just the beginning of something hopeful yet to come.
In Summary:
Rose has had several transitional periods, and yet now as we near the final confrontation, you have to wonder if writer Meredith Finch has something much grander in mind for the story. We have seen defining moments for both Rose and Drucilla, the conflicts which lead to decisive choices which deviated into their respective paths within Ttereve’s future, but is this where the story ends? The people who have supported them carry as much weight as our heroine and rival, but with the chance of losing perspective to the main story, many would be hesitant to express these untold tales. This is where Finch allows the reader to submerge themselves within the turmoil which upholds their struggle, to see how their selection of actions effected those around them. While it may not be as emotionally enthralling as the main efforts to affect change, it is these plights which show how one person’s decisions can impact those around them, especially if they have to power over others.
It is undeniable the Queen has made the most significant impact on the people of Ttereve: the constant panic of soldiers coming for raids, threat of battle for those who resist, burning of villages as punishment and the outbreak of disease due to unsanitary condition caused by all these resultant steps. Drucilla has ruled with an iron fist and over the years the land has shown the results of her cruel condemnations for those who are able to use magic, however even those not so gifted fall prey to her ruthless cleansings. As a result the people have had to rise up and fight for a just cause, and as such, Will and his friends have suffered due to her anger. Fels is the latest due to those actions, but as Will outlined within his argument with Artus, many companions have fallen as this scholar lived safely with his books. While his anger can be seen as justified, you cannot but wonder how much stress this man would be under to lash out against an isolated boy who only just joined their cause. Another helpless victim of unprovoked anger, but even within this melodramatic explosion, you cannot but smile to see Ila rein in this rage, all with her sagely words and ornery attitude to match.
But as we watch this side of the conflict bloom, to see Prince Felix and Dante come to terms is just as revealing, but within an entirely different angle of reflection. While it is true his sister is the prime cause for Ttereve’s suffering, one cannot deny a certain white haired girl’s stubbornness and determination has also resulted in her own share of trouble for the rebellion. This cyclic rotation of cause and effect created the need for a new Guardian, however is was Rose’s own innocence, insecurities and shyness which expanded into new problems which the former knight initially took advantage of, but in the end it was her desire to help which earned his trust and eventually a sense of loyalty to protect this unforgettable girl. However it is this strange friendship which Felix cannot understand, for a man as devoted to his sister through both love and fear, how can he deny those feelings and turn his back to rescue the enemy and in turn the land. This dynamic conflict reveals the duality of Rose – to see former friends become foes and as a result, tearing asunder both relationships and the land. Even within her own inner circle Drucilla cannot rely on those closest to her, each taking their own chances for a grasp for power, but in the end, who is to say which force will be the best for Ttereve … or are they all as vile and toxic for an uncertain outcome.
Even within an intermediary narrative which brings form to the internal conflict of secondary characters, it does not mean the artistic portrayals can be lacking, especially when expressing the pain these people feel for their loss and anger of betrayals. In fact, this issue is more emotive than before, allowing the outstanding illustrations of Ig Guara to control the page, and yet it is the smooth transition between set moods which are brilliantly envisioned by the tonal richness and enveloping passion by Triona Farrell. While Guara may focus the reader by allowing us to comprehend the pages with haunting details and unmistakable emotional states, it is Farrell who takes command of each panel and transforms it with such vivacity and depth of color you sometimes forget this is a two dimensional art form, allowing for the synergy of both talented individuals to overwhelm you for a moment … and exuberantly step into the world of Rose and embrace it with fulfilling enthusiasm. From the sickening ambiance of the dungeon where Rose is held captive, diving into Will’s soulful pain as he expresses his misery, feeling a nauseating chill when you stare into the empty eyes of a beautiful Queen, or most pronounced of all … take a step back to allow an infuriated Ila scream her words of wisdom while eclipsed in shadow, all of these images make an impact and remind us these characters are human. This story is about a moral struggle and the consequences of those issues, and this issue has expressed these feelings the best of all, and I for one cannot wait to see how they will top this overwhelming visual experience.
While this issue may have not have been as fulfilling as to allow the reader to once again embrace the struggle between Rose and Drucilla, it does open the path of understanding for those who support each side, whether through compassion or ill intent. To look into their lives and see how this suffocating conflict has torn apart not only heroine and villain but also those who they may try to save or subjugate is inspired, even if it may be unconventional since most titles try to concentrate upon the main premise of the story. It is this imaginative take on the traditional adversarial tale which makes Rose a delight to absorb, both literally and visually and I cannot wait to see how it will advance from here.
Grade: A-
Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Image Comics
Release Date: November 14, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
