No matter where you are … always watch your back.
Creative Staff:
Story: Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, Dave Franchini & David Wohl
Writer: Dave Franchini
Artwork: Babisu Kourtis
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, and her friends at Arcane Acre, she is learning the extent of her new powers and trying to figure out her place in protecting the universe.
Now, a new threat has risen, The Dark Princess, a tyrant that has broken free from a crumbling universe not much different than ours. Along with her generals, The Swarm, her eyes are set on tightening her grip on her newfound home. Nothing that lies in their path is safe, and Skye is set to take on her biggest threat yet as she finds out that what she thinks she knows about our world pales in comparison to the horrors that lie outside of it.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
After freeing themselves from one peril in Wonderland, Shang, Sam and Allexa now cautiously paddling along the Lake of Yearning with the moustached mentor constantly advising the former Guardian she must be wary of everything around them, from the water to the air, there is no where safe in this dangerous realm. However as Darren frustratingly criticizes her friend’s cryptic responses to serious questions, he counters that this anger is misplaced since he cannot adequately explain the madness which occupies this place, with the answers themselves only leading to more insanity. But in an absentminded lapse of concentration, the distracted blonde drops her oar and hurriedly attempts to retrieve it before it sinks too deep, only to be boldly warned by Shang not to touch the water but a second too late, with her fingers barely breaking the surface and now disturbing those who dwell beneath. In response to what should be a trivial passing, the aqueous habitat begins to furiously bubble before Sam spies a red eyed creature approaching from below, and though she screams out a frantic warning, their rickety boat immediately shatters from the unseen attack. As the women fall into the water and the lone man is carried off into the dangerous sky, Allexa tells her friend she can take care of herself and pleads for Sam to rescue Shang, but even as the blonde heroine rushes upward in desperation, the distance between grows farther with each passing second.
Meanwhile in the hidden base of the Resistance, Skye and Julia find themselves embroiled within a mission which they know nothing about, and while they may be indebted to these similar faces from freeing the Guardian from a robotic prison, it is the Queen of Hearts who reminds her hesitant ally this has nothing to do with them and should be more concerned finding a way home. But it is from these harsh words that Mathers feels obliged to apologize to their hosts, with Liesel equally expressing regret for the hooded archer’s blunt retorts, then inviting Skye to talk in private in order to elaborate on their future plans, even as they listen to the excluded pair bickering in the background. And yet even as Van Helsing attempts to simplify her complex explanation as to how they are planning to take down the tower’s power source, a confused Skye still cannot make sense of the schematics, until she spots something which looks eerily familiar, a jewel which seems to be at the heart of the machine. While the Guardian attempts to clarify her bewilderment in that she has seen the power source before, it is Liesel’s turn to be surprised by this statement, until Mathers describes the Gem of Power as how the Dark Princess sent them to this universe, with the genius inventor speculating that they may not sent here by accident, and perhaps their meeting was more than just chance.
In Summary:
With heroes separated in different worlds and tension rising in both, it is unsettling to watch the two fronts become more chaotic with each passing issue, but at the same time, this unyielding determination creates an inseparable link between friends as all attempt to find a way back, emboldening them to believe that all will find a way to get home to Arcane Acre alive. It is from this vibrant trust within the narrative that creators Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, Dave Franchini and David Wohl keep readers captivated through a story of the unbreakable human spirit, allowing series writer Franchini to concentrate on the underlying issue of how each universe seems influenced by the tyranny of the Dark Princess. And though we may not know if Sam, Allexa, and Shang may be in their homeworld of Wonderland or a parallel dimension, for the moment that truth is elusive as they attempt to guarantee their own safety via the headmaster’s cryptic answers and understanding of their shifting environment, allowing for the role of the Guardian of the Nexus to come into play as our young heroine makes her own will known.
However it is Skye’s understandable self doubt which comes into play when she and Julia are faced with the issue if they should help the Resistance, and while the Queen of Heart’s cold objection is expected in not wanting to be involved with other problems as they have their own to deal with, it is her own past actions of needing to find help which causes her argument to become moot. And yet even within all of this tangible tension, the acerbic comments from Robyn and Liesel allow the reader to have a sincere giggle at their expense, only to continue as this razor-tongued archer cannot let anyone else have the last word, continuing her biting remarks with her new verbal plaything Julia, all while keeping the moment lighthearted. But as Van Helsing attempts to explain her plan to invade the tower, it is now where the title of Guardian of the Nexus seems to expand in order to encompass other universes, with Skye beginning to understand how the Dark Princess’ Gem of Power has influence over dimensions, and thus her responsibility must mature in like fashion. From this incident, Mathers must find the confidence to face this new challenge, with Liesel boldly challenging any doubt that they were meant to come to this place, whether fate or something shaping things to come, both sides must face the future together.
Yet even within the looming tension which pervades every page, one cannot deny the fascination gained through Babisu Kourtis’ wondrous images from the opening page, the invasive danger which permeates the panels is undeniable, even as we are stunned by heavy lineations and fine distinction of Sam’s elegant beauty as seen from below and Shang’s commanding gaze which keeps an attentive focus upon their surroundings. However throughout this haunting exposition, it is Jorge Cortes’ heavy undertones and almost smothering background colors which threatens to swallow everything up, but as the scene seems on the verge of collapsing, he adds just enough selective lighting to allow the audience to stare longingly into the fray; it is the delicate hints of subdued illumination that highlight the flush upon Sam’s skin, ripples upon the water or wrinkles which furrow Shang’s brow and creased suit, all as shafts of light force their way through the canopy and attempt to chase away the terrors which loom in the darkness. But even as our sight is bombarded with a barrage of visual treats, it is this same overabundance of details which threatens to teeter upon the brink of confusion, with Kourtis trying to fit in too many elements so that our imagination is almost overwhelmed. The audience can almost forget that Allexa is hidden somewhere within this jungle of graphical cacophony, with illustrations heavy in line weight and Cortes’ dense colors allowing the reader to lose themselves within the conflict, making it almost impossible to separate the delight of this optical assault, and then becoming mildly irritating once sound effect text is layered over this necessary confusion.
However as the story changes viewpoints upon our second act, with the showing of a new heroine with Robyn, readers are perplexed as to who this cyber-beauty might be, and while she may look familiar, metallic implants and half-shaved head only add to the confusion, until we finally see a frontal view of this person to alleviate our curiosity into knowing this is none other than a transformed Skye. But it is from this reveal by which the story becomes bogged down in clashing visuals between the two raven-haired beauties, Liesel with deep brown eyes versus Mathers and her sparkling sapphire blue, with these ocular features being the only differentiation between the women once the Guardian is given her armor upgrade. Unless the audience pays attention, one can easily lose track of which woman is at the forefront especially during hectic action, each sporting a bright red bodice and flowing black hair, minute differences being silver epaulets and magic or purple accents and crossbow. While these dynamic scenes are exciting, they are at the same time confusing, with this graphical distinction quickly losing its annoyance once you figure out these troublesome differences.
With a narrative that quickly becomes immersive due to a humanistic yearning of wanting to find a way home, one cannot deny it is the unintentional diversions that make this story so engaging, especially with Skye finally accepting her duties as Guardian may not be limited to her world, but extend to all realities which the Dark Princess’ power touches. Yet while spectacular illustrations and stunning colors illuminate the hazards which each team faces, it is these same visual elements which mildly stymie readers due to an overabundance of detail, leading to limited confusion which stagnates a smooth progression of the issue. Even so, while this unwilling expansion to their journey may delay a return, it is this introduction of new possibilities and allies that make the adventure more worthwhile, even if hope may fade due to unexpected consequences, we know our heroes will ultimately prevail.
Grade: A-
Age Rating: T (for Teens)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: October 27, 2021
MSRP: $3.99
