Infighting threatens to get in the way of saving the universe, once again.
Creative Staff
Series created by Elisabetta Gnone
Art Direction: Alessandro Barbucci, Barbara Canepa
Translation/Adaptation: Linda Ghio & Stephanie Dagg at Editing Zone
(Each chapter was originally published as a standalone comic book, and like most series each book has a rotating creator list consisting of artists, colorists, letterers, etc. The book credits everyone involved, but for brevity and my own sanity I’m only noting the leads.)
What They Say
W.I.T.C.H. Part IV: Trial of the Oracle Vol. #02
The Oracle Accused!
The new Oracle’s ambition is revealed, and he’ll stop at nothing to possess Elyon’s power! Don’t think for an instant, though, that he has forgotten about the Guardians. Biding his time, he has every intention of eliminating them as soon as the opportunity presents itself. The girls may still have some allies, but can they hold it together long enough to recognize their true enemy…?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
At the end of the previous volume, the new oracle’s identity as that of Phobos inhabiting the body of Endarno is revealed to the reader. Yet the cast remains mostly clueless even as Endarno makes moves to pick right back off where Phobos left off, snatching the power of the Light of Meridian. To that end he imprisons Elyon and demands the girls retrieve her crown under the ploy of conducting free elections on Meridian.
I could question how the rest of the elders of Kandrakar allowed Endarno’s continued pushing of self-interest. They all come across as old, weak-willed politicians at this point. Only Yan Lin stands up to Endarno and has to in a very careful and measured way. Apparently, Phobos has enough access to the real Endarno’s memories that he can pass himself off effectively as the former warrior.
Back on earth, the guardians are busy in their day-to-day lives. At first, Will tries to hide the fact that she told Matt about their magic powers, but the truth comes out quicker than expected. The girls are mortified, and truly it wasn’t really Will’s fault as Matt was caught up in the trap set for her. Cornelia is focused on ice skating, once again, yet ends up putting her chances at another championship in jeopardy because of her magical duties.
At this point the story has found a man for all of the girls to pursue. (In Cornelia’s case, she’s on her second.) Perhaps more than anything this focus on love interests shows this stories true age. Irma’s flirting is at least the most interesting out of all of the girls though, because unlike the others it feels more realistic. She basis her interest on Joel on shared interests and their banter is surprisingly refreshing compared to the puppy love book romances of the other girls. Will and Matt’s relationship can’t shake the soap opera drama of earlier volumes though, as the communication wall remains in place.
Cornelia takes a position of almost second in command in this volume due to her being given a magical device which can freeze time on Earth while they’re elsewhere. It’s surprising that the evil Oracle hands over such a powerful tool to them, but he’s still playing the long con. Even after the guardians learn of his real identity, there’s little they can do to stop him.
The real heroes of this volume are Orube, Yan Lin, and the former Oracle. Orube manages to talk the others through their problems and remain focused on doing something that none of them can. She seeks out, finds, and explains things to the former Oracle, who regained his memories as the warrior Himerish. He is able to reclaim enough of his power to travel to Earth and launch the first counterattack in removing the imposter from power. Yan Lin was the one who was able to send her conscious to Himerish and help him regain his memories, as well as keeping Elyon safe. The girls end up mostly dancing to the tune of the bad guys or embroiled in personal angst to accomplish anything on their own.
By the end of this volume the communications issues have cleared up, but the largest battle still lies ahead.
Extras for this volume are a look at Hay Lin’s wardrobe and a profile on Yan Lin.
In Summary
The girls end up in another spiral of non-communication, which leads them no closer to solving the massive problems before them. Will remains preoccupied with Matt and the rift forming between her and the group. Her victim complex only serves to drive her away from her friends. While the other guardians all have personal victories to celebrate they find themselves alone in the moments when they should be together. With the false oracle making moves to solidify his power and claim the power of both Metamoor and Kandrakar for his own, the previous oracle rediscovers his past identity and the role he once played. Ultimately the girls end up on the right path with the help of their greatest allies, rather than themselves. The fact that they keep repeating the same mistakes over and over is growing tiring.
Content Grade: B –
Art Grade: B +
Packaging Grade: A
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: All Ages
Released By: JY (Yen Press), Disney Comics
Release Date: September 25, 2018
MSRP: $11.00 US / $14.50 CN
