The past seeks revenge!
Creative Staff:
Story: Stephen Mooney
Art: Jethro Morales
Colors: Dini Ribero
Letterer: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
In issue 3 Bettie and the Banshee seem to become as one as the curse unfolds all around our hero in high heels (or sensible flats!) Plus: more clues as to the whereabouts of the Key Artefact.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Stephen Mooney continues to have a good handle on the style and tone of this series and with three issues out now, he definitely knows what he’s doing. Bettie’s not an easy character to get the voice right for but when you do it’s pretty magical. This issue has things getting a bit more serious but still with the right amount of humor mixed in so it flows well and is pretty solid throughout. Once again, Jethro Morales turns out to be a great addition to the Bettie line of artists as he’s got the style and look down just right for the cast in general but also the teasing fanservice that represents Bettie herself. This issue is more serious in general with more action but it still has the right kind of nods to make it pure Bettie.
With Bettie and Lyssa’s exploration going on as it has, the two of them facing off against zombies was not something that they thought was in the cards. It’s a pretty chaotic opening as they look to hold their ground but things are tense as they’re close to the edge, at least until Bettie falls through a hole in the ground. What better way for some face time with the banshee herself, who attempts to get through to Bettie with a little soul-sucking that provides hints of her own past, the end of her people, and other dark tidings. What it’s done is placed her under a curse, however, which is far more severe than the arm-bite that Lyssa gets who is looked at almost comically when she wonders if it means she’ll become a zombie. That’s for the movies, kid!
It’s a little bit of a whirlwind to try and get her some help and figure out what’s going on, since the doctor seems disinterested in it as they can’t explain the truth of it, and that has Lyssa doing her own investigation. But we also get Bettie having an encounter with Maire, who turns out is the Banshee, or at least speaking through her, and we get more of her history going back to 1640 and the attempt to destroy the Irish Catholics and stealing their lands under Cromwell’s reign. It’s not a surprise to base more of this in historical fact and play from there and it works well enough to cement it with some solid shorthand. But it’s problematic for both Lyssa and Bettie as it shows that Maire has a much deeper hold on Bettie than they expected…
In Summary:
Bettie Page continues to be really fun to read in this miniseries and I love the look of it overall. Dynamite’s had a good run of artists on the character since getting underway with the property so that’s been a real plus. The story is working a good mix of myth and history that keeps you interested while also engaging well on the kind of humor and wit that makes Bettie – and Lyssa – who they are and why they’re fun to watch and read about. It’s a solid adventure that has me really enjoying it and hoping there are more lined up after this storyline.
Grade: B+
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: August 11th, 2021
MSRP: $3.99
