When faced against the impossible … Robyn will never give up.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Joe Brusha
Artwork: Alessio Mariani
Colors: Juan Manuel Rodriguez
Letters: Taylor Esposito
What They Say:
New Yorkers keep disappearing … and the pile of human bones in the sewers below the city keeps growing. Robyn means to put an end to the killings but to do that she’ll have to defeat an ancient evil who’s power she can barely comprehend.
Guest starring Ghosthawk!
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
A dejected girl is sitting on the school playset, her small frame swinging absentmindedly as she looks down while thinking about worrisome thoughts too grim for a child, but as a miserable Robyn wonders what she can do, it is the playground bully who offers his harsh opinion, calling her a baby and stating he heard someone’s parent was in the loony bin, only to have his declaration corrected by Locksley declaring she is sick and in the hospital. As this secure defence is ignored to promote more cruelty, the arrogant boy once again insults this vulnerable blonde by asserting her mother is crazy, to which an incensed Robyn stands up before this young delinquent and demands he apologize for his accusation, but as the pompous child questions if she will cry if he doesn’t, his callous attitude is shockingly answered with a vicious cross punch to an unexpected jaw. While other students watch in alarm as this one sided battle continues, with the larger taunter now pinned to the ground by a smaller but furiously punching girl, no one dares interfere as they witness the beating continue, only to be stopped as a judgmental teacher who grabs Locksley by the arms and pulls her off a devastated boy, with his own hands suddenly transformed into tentacles as this traumatic memory becomes a horrifying nightmare.
As a distressed adult Robyn wakes from her chilling nightmare, head aching due to the notion she may only be defined by childhood traumas, this depressing thought is suddenly brushed away as she receives a text alert from Smitty to turn on the local news, with a concerned reporter interviewing a frightened child and his nanny as he tells of how they survived an attack from what seemed to be tentacles, but as this valiant vigilante watches the story, another chime results in a new message from her trainer, boldly stating she is the only that can stop it. Calmly acknowledging the truth behind this remark, Locksley does not know what she will face and immediately contacts Jeb for help, prompting her to prepare for the fight by donning comfortable battle gear, but not before gazing upon a cherished picture from happier times, one which ignites fond memories of her mother’s words declaring she believes in her and that she would turn into something special, with those empowering recollections propelling this bold heroine forward to make Nova proud. However, as this defiant woman hurls through the night on her motorcycle, an unknown shadows surveys the action with a look of mild disapproval, her luxurious long ebony hair standing above all as Nyra considers the useless actions of this lone protector to challenge beings who are beyond her understanding, and yet this self assured Outer God will not leave anything to chance as she secures Robyn will face her Starspawn – alone.
In Summary:
When we hear the name Robyn, usually the first thought faithful readers consider is of a valiant vigilante who does not hesitate to help anyone, a courageous woman who will selflessly place herself in harm’s way if it results in saving the life of someone she does not know, always finding herself against indomitable danger when those who consider themselves brave might turn away, and yet Locksley is not reluctant to face what might be certain death if it means rescuing but a single person. But as we consider how many times this fearless protector has leapt into what seems like impossible odds, she has always found a way to emerge from the other side, ready to face another menace even as her tragic past as the Child of Darkness hangs over head and threatens to emerge or other foul miscreants attempt to use her power for their own malicious misdeeds. However, as writer Joe Brusha has recently expanded upon our archer’s distressing past, it is the promising change in Locksley’s future which gives hope to both ourselves and this formerly brooding woman, with Robyn Hood: Spawn of Nyarlathotep becoming the next chapter in her captivating story of how she grew from a once isolated child into the bold woman who will never surrender before those who would do others harm, especially an arrogant deity who has no qualms in doing as she pleases.
While those who are familiar with Brusha’s past specials may recall how each unfolds a differing perspective of Locksley’s past, one cannot deny each causes the reader to become emotionally invested in the tragedy of a stressful childhood, uncomfortably watching as this hapless family is forced to submit to the sickening will of others, but they never compromise the unyielding resolve of Nova, this mother’s indomitable principles becoming the admirable core of Robyn, a woman who will never bend these ingrained ideals which now guide her bold life. Yet even if loyal readers may sigh under the guise of mild annoyance, with each of the titles having a similar framework in presenting the misery of how this family must endure the worst in people, each tale is an empowering presentation to prove how their manner of dealing with shallow problems allows them to survive with their earnest dignity intact, even if others may not agree with the brusque tactics which prove their honorable reasoning.
It is from this unwavering foundation by which this profound special begins, immediately endearing the audience with a scene we know all to well, watching as a melancholy Robyn suffers under the hurtful words of a shameful Stevie, with this girl previously burdened under the truth about her mother’s health, and yet this cowardly bully continues his sadistic insults to feel better about himself by hurting a suffering girl, making the resulting pounding feel immensely satisfying, even if we know such conflicts should be avoided. However, it is from this conclusion where informed readers will directly realize a certain someone is influencing these memories, with her tentacled minion guiding the results and leading the audience to understand this conflict will become reality once Locksley views the television story, with Smitty prompting our heroine with the presumptuous declaration she is the only one who can resolve it. While we cannot doubt that bold presumption, it is Nyra’s sly interference which causes the audience to wonder why this deity would willingly interfere with a future encounter against one of her own, almost if she it testing this heroine while attempting to destroy a promising opponent in her twisted game, manipulating the pieces by restraining Jeb so her pet may have a deceitful chance to win.
Yet as a knowing audience shudders upon our heroine walking into an obvious trap, Brusha does not hesitate to amplify the tension and present traumatic memories of her childhood, meaningfully reflecting her past against the present as two dramatically different bullies attempt to forcefully crush a defiant Robyn, the Starspawn with brute force and a cowardly Stevie with hurtful words and superior numbers. It is through this dynamic comparison by which an enthralling melodrama unfolds, permitting the entranced audience to watch with understandable concern as defenceless girl and powerless woman are both easily beaten, causing the emotional investment which has grown during this engrossing telling to become more pervasive for infuriated readers, knowing Locksley cannot be beaten so easily, no matter her age. But even as we feel the frustration of not being able to do anything, it is the powerful words of a bellicose mother which give both ourselves and her daughter the strength to continue, which I will admit made me tearful as I read them: “And even if you don’t win … you still prove what you’re worth.”, willfully igniting what all need to keep going and the bold appearance of the Child of Light, showing all Robyn is someone who should not be recklessly challenged. But afterward as Nyra reveals her disguise as Makwa and warns Locksley not to interfere with her plans, it makes observant readers question if this deity has some ulterior motive since she was the one who lured this protector onto the cargo ship, thereby contradicting her words of caution and perhaps testing this new rival so her forces may be better prepared for a future encounter.
As this profound story continues to resonate within our collective minds, one cannot but be mildly depressed upon seeing a melancholy Robyn within the opening panel, with Alessio Mariani’s sublimely sharp imagery presenting a depressed girl against the contrasting smugness of Stevie, the touching expressions marvelously communicating what is readily apparent, even as Juan Manuel Rodriguez’s controlled palette creates a somber mood for the moment, with dull tones emphasizing crisp fabric textures as we become enveloped within the gripping moment, only to explosively react once a vibrant burst of color embodies an enraged child’s anger. Invested readers cannot but smile as we watch this once sad girl release her rage against the bully who would taunt her, and yet as we surprised by the transformation of a teacher’s hands into tentacles, even as the next impressive page which creates a sobering mood. To see an entrapped adult Locksley forced to witness the foul faces of those who have tormented our heroine is harrowing, Uncle Clyde, Nyra and Baba Yaga, the outside figures being difficult obstacles which Robyn has had to overcome, and yet it is the central figures who pave the way for the future, a difficult path which subtly links the entire portrait via the immersive colors of a dark background and the ominous Starspawn, with mocking laughter brightly displayed, even as a Nyarlathotep’s flowing ebony locks connect all of the events into one menacing moment, even if the dire threat seems a bit watered down due to the bright veil encompassing everything.
However, as we watch in anticipation as Robyn and Nyra prepare for each other’s challenges, with Mariani’s tantalizing shading of below lit face amplifying the tension, it is the closing chapter with the cargo ship which marvelously manifests what we anticipate, with Rodriguez’s clever usage of light and dark teasing what is to come, and even if the lighting might be unrealistic for a gloomy vessel, it creates an atmosphere which we can forgive as every alluring curve of our favorite archer is emphasized against the grim features of the deep ones, each side mocking the other in this dance of death. Yet it is the appearance of the foreboding Starspawn which causes viewers to wonder if Locksley may made a wrong choice, those glowing crimson eyes within a hulking frame of muscles, made more intimidating once we see the size difference between combatants, with the narrative shifting as we hesitate against the split panel of differing Robyns. To witness the small figure of a defiant child against a group of bullies is disquieting, yet what makes this sequence so engrossing is the clever usage of reflective views of an adult being as helpless when faced against a powerful foe, the same flashes of sunburst action backgrounds making each impact just as painful, whether they occurred in the past or present. But even as we wince with every onomatopoeic blow, it is the tenderness of the discussion between a dying mother and confused daughter which makes the reader tear up, knowing this may the last time they speak, making the strength of her words much more empowering, as we feel the tide of battle turn as duo victims glare at their tormentors and fists clench with renewed strength. You cannot but chuckle as this beaten child surges forward with clenched teeth, allowing the audience to feel each decisive blow with perverse pleasure, then watch with delight as these channeled resources set ablaze the glowing strength within a mystical eye, allowing of the Child of Light to be portrayed within all of her enchanting beauty, making a certain raven know this beaten woman will not cower without a fight.
While Robyn Hood: Spawn of Nyarlathotep may be seem a bit cliché due to the repetitive foundation of prior specials being reflected within the current story, one cannot deny the emotional impact which readers immediately feel as we delve into Robyn’s past, her painful upbringing becoming the dynamic mold for woman who will not allow others to suffer as she did, striving to save as many as she can within a troubled world. With captivating illustrations which magnificently manifest her traumatic turmoil and engrossing colors that help to manifest to each enthralling panel, it is this artistic excellence which makes this special so optimistic in its endeavors, luring the reader to turn the page so we may continue this tantalizing visual treasure, only making us sad as it eventually comes to a satisfying end. Yet as we wonder how this contest between an emboldened Robyn and a cautious Nyra will effect future events, it is the enthusiastic turning point for the Child of Light which leads us to believe there may be some hope against the coming darkness, even as their strength grows with each passing conflict.
Grade: A+
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: May 31, 2023
MSRP: $5.99
