Heroes may wish for sleep … but evil never rests.
Creative Staff:
Story: Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco & Dave Franchini
Writer: Dave Franchini
Artwork: Julius Abrera & Moy R.
Colors: Jorge Cortes
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
Taking over after the death of her mother, Sela, Skye Mathers is the new Guardian of the Nexus. With the help of Shang, her mentor, she is learning the extent of her new powers and trying to figure out the mystery of her connection to the book of Fairy Tales. Skye’s Odyssey is completed, but her journey is far from over. Now, with the location of Shang literally at her fingertips, she must explore the darkest corners of the Grimm Universe and discover the secrets of the mysterious book in her possession.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
As the sun rises over Arcane Acre, Sam and Jasmine are busy with a fascinating conversation as to current cultural topics when Skye wanders into the office, interrupting their interesting discussion before it became too boisterous with the prospect of some much needed nutrition before entering the Dark Book. Although she was being practical in her offer for sustenance, the former djinn joked as to the morbidity of the subject, and while the former Guardian requested a practical meal of bagel and cream cheese, this jovial beauty looked at this opportunity as a final chance to eat something she had grown to adore – pizza. Bemused as to where she might find such a tasty treat at eight in the morning, Mathers offered her blonde friend a chance to change the order, but Darren was satisfied with her feasible choice as she left the pair to debate the negative aspect they may not return from their upcoming journey. However as Sam tried to convince Jasmine they needed to stay positive in order to strengthen Skye’s resolve, the person in question suddenly appeared as they wondered how she could be finished with the shopping trip so soon, only answer their own query with the feeling that something wasn’t right in the midst of a woman who appeared to be their companion, and yet emanated a much darker impression to these experienced heroines.
After almost an hour of frustrating side trips to find the Italian delicacy, Skye finally returns with no one to welcome the exhausted traveler and relieve her of the bothersome breakfast burden, and while this may have been marginally annoying with retorts of good-humored quips for being ignored, it was the devastating site within the kitchen which was more disturbing. The normally hygienic room was now in smoking shambles, but before she could address these current concerns, the sounds of nearby combat stirred her back to reality with the prospect that the Book could be at the center of this puzzling disaster. Wasting no time to change into her battle costume in order to search for clues, the Guardian was greeted to the distressing sight of her friends being restrained within energy fields by an ominous woman who looked like an evil version of herself, complimenting the Guardian for her promptness, even if she did arrive ahead of schedule. With Mathers immediately demanding an explanation and the release of her friends, the self-assured doppelgänger coldly prompted this impatient intruder to wait as she took care of business, but as she recognized such deceitful delaying tactics would not work, the only option left was to do the unthinkable: exile her immobile captives into the Dark Book.
In Summary:
After such an extended break from the last adventure of our valiant trio, it is an invigorating delight to have a new story by Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco and Dave Franchini, with the wondrous result being written by the latter through which he is able to craft an engrossing depiction of the struggles which our heroines must face, both mentally and physically in such ominous practicality. Although Jasmine and Sam may tentatively convey their unease as to their survival within an unknown land like the Dark Book, comically manifested with the former djinn deciding this may be her last meal and so make it memorable via her favorite Italian dish, it is the past Guardian who grounds the conversation with rousing optimism, allowing her less experienced companion to understand if they confront the enemy with such a negative attitude, it essentially assures their psychological defeat. To have a voice of reason enlighten the way helps to reinforce Skye’s literal struggle with herself and the reader, allowing for this classic confrontation of the evil within each of us to have a grounded nature, even if the girl in question never heard the vibrant speech, it is its underlying foundation which prepares all for the battle yet to come. While keeping the essential meaning of Sam’s words in mind, one cannot deny the true strength behind the Guardian of the Nexus’ determination is her desire to protect everyone, whether they may be gone except for meaningful recollections or fresh in her mind due to recent conversations, she will not allow anyone to trample on those memories. This stunning drive is what makes Skye so sincerely admirable, fighting for anyone who deserves recognition as friend or worthy of protection as an innocent, this is her duty as the protector of the realms, even if it may seem as if no one will grant gratitude or rewards for her struggles. It is within the conflict against her darker self by which we see how these selfless values serve this commendable woman, to have this twisted side voice toxic thoughts she keeps hidden deep within her consciousness, to then verbally pound away at her mental resistance until she begins to doubt herself, making Mathers easier to beat into a corner. And yet of course this vain villain does not know when to stop, constantly taunting our supposedly defeated heroine with painful echoes of the past and present, stirring what were exhausted embers of strength into an explosive pyre of burning ire against one who would dare to sully what they represent – reminders of those she cherishes. How could you not cheer as we all know what comes next, and while it may be clichéd as to the predictability of victory snatched away from the jaws of defeat, it does not mean it is any less inspirational as we watch the inevitable against someone who pushed the wrong person too far. But even as we think this may be a suitable moment to end the penultimate issue of the Dark Book saga, Franchini cleverly warps our wanting assumptions into something highly unexpected, taunting the audience with a towering tease which no one saw coming, much to our unexpected and needed pleasure.
Within a striking moment defining Skye’s persona and the turning point for this epic saga, it wondrous to see these essential events unfold with such vivid clarity due to the beautiful intricacies and engrossing attention to detail which Julius Abrera’s captivating illustrations bring to the issue, allowing for readers to stare in awe as to how he is able to depict an oasis of calm from the start, only to have it quickly devolve into wanton chaos with the same care to portraying our valiant heroine via the sincere strength which endears the audience throughout, all as we become emotionally invested to watch her journey unfold. And yet highly prevalent to the enrichment of this story is the immersive palette of Jorge Cortes which brings an underlying temperament to the pages, allowing for a seamless unification during a transition between artists, especially when one is so caught up with the excitement, less distractions being a valuable commodity. But as we watch the Guardian and her friends enjoy a moment of heartwarming relaxation, their calm demeanor mirroring how easily by how they have adjusted to constant danger, with grace shown within Mather’s jovial movement as we understand this peace will not last long, even as we stare in amazement as to how simplistic depictions of clothing clinging to luscious bodies can be so alluring due to delicate applications of nuanced colors, glimpses of tanned skin and touches of shadows. But as we smile for these blissful minutes, it is the twisting of the plot which allows for these talented artists to reveal how minor changes in minute details can make the reader understand how one person can carry opposing sides within their personality, allowing for Cortes’ varied tones to make a stunning difference within Abrera’s gorgeous imagery; while the dark version of Skye may be almost indistinguishable aside from a scowl of eyebrow or sinister grin, it is his delicious twist of the signature costume and the addition of background black to her beautiful blue eyes which makes this unveiling so chilling, almost put aback from these subtlies, all as the menacing purple aura only serves to solidify this foul being’s intentions as what is to come. The audience cannot but watch in morbid curiosity as to what may happen next, these visions of beauty reflecting opposing sides of the same dominant person, one an enchantress who will tell any lie to suit her needs and the other a dynamic hero who will valiantly oppose the encroaching shadows, no matter the cost.
But as the expected heroic turn takes shape and we are teleported into the Dark Book, it is the prominent artistry of Moy R. which creates a spectacular explosion of excitement from his entrance into this issue, allowing for striking pinpoint iris to become the anchor of Skye’s glorious face, even as we are mildly distracted by pronounced and alluring curves, and yet one cannot but grimace from an oddly twisted arm once our Guardian forcefully lands within this foreboding place. This illustrator’s unique technique for expressing emotion creates an immediate focus for any panel, allowing for this exaggeration to be more pronounced due to an excessive amount of white to show upon the eyes, all while furrows of brow and wild mouth changes clearly assert itself upon the face, to make very effective depiction of emotional states almost fanatical within these dynamic pages. But as we become more immersed within these fleeting pages due to Cortes’ provocative colors, the rapidly approaching end is ever more kinetic with an endless array of action, with each minute detail a panoramic display of possibilities, as we watch in shocked awe as to what may come next.
As the Guardian of the Nexus nears the end of her latest harrowing adventure, with cruel foes who will do anything to prevent our courageous protector from reaching her goal, beloved mentor and father figure Shang, one has to wonder if this admirable woman will give up when faced against such impossible odds or fight even harder to prove she is able to achieve anything. However with outstanding artistry and wondrous colors that make us want to immerse ourselves even deeper with each passing page, you cannot but cheer during each clash of swords or sorcery, with Skye’s valiant defiance challenging the cold overconfidence of those who are supposed betters, making for an issue that only gets better with each successive panel. But within the predictable fashion from which this narrative wanes over the balance for morality, twisting against what may be an easier path for one’s desires, you cannot but be quickly become overwhelmed by the contagious enthusiasm of our heroine’s empathic determination, not wishing for this saga to end and allow a new door to reveal what is to come – for better or worse.
Grade: A-
Age Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: June 23, 2021
MSRP: $3.99
