Comic Review: Monstress #18

Monstress #18

Image Comics

Writer: Marjorie Liu

Artist: Sana Takeda

In the previous issue of Monstress, a rift in the sky was torn open, giving the Old Gods a way out of the realm they’ve been imprisoned in. Now in the climactic finale of the third volume, Maika and Zinn must find a way to stop them from destroying everything, using parts they retrieved from the Shaman Empress’s laboratory.

The issue delivers a mixed bag. Although this is the third volume, the story hasn’t quite earned this moment. Up until now, the Old Gods have clearly been established as the most powerful beings in the universe. Their entrance should feel like seeing Brainiac coming over the horizon, but their appearance here feels rushed. That being said, if you are going to introduce them now you’ve got to have some kind of weight behind it. Even if it’s just a teaser of future things to come, there needs to be a reason to remember why they are so feared.

Unfortunately, the way the main story plays out is disappointingly generic and feels more like something I’d find in a Guardians of the Galaxy movie. At the end of the second story arc, the main antagonist was defeated but he challenged Maika both physically and mentally. Even after his defeat, there was a real cost to those involved. With the Old God, a being that is significantly more powerful, I didn’t feel the same way which may undermine their presence in future issues.

There are some redeeming features, we get to see some nice character growth between Maika and Zinn which highlights the bond being developed between them and that they are starting to trust each other. The way it happens is a little cheesy, but it works.

The best part of the issue is early on when we’re taken away from the action. A major new character is introduced, as are several mysteries which will leave readers obsessively theorizing until the next chapter. This is where Marjorie Liu shines. All of her characters, even the nicest ones, are clearly acting in their own interests to varying degrees. It’s what makes them feel so real and this latest addition is no exception. Although their goals are still hidden, it’s clear that they are entirely the characters own.

Sana Takeda’s artwork continues to impress as she brings to life creatures that could very easily feel generic and at one point even evokes a sense of sympathy for them. There’s even one visceral moment where blood appears to splatter out of the panel and onto the page itself. In the past, there have been fight scenes which are hard to follow but luckily that isn’t the case here. She maintains the dark tone seen in previous issues, however, there are small periods such as at the end of the issue where some beautiful brighter colors are allowed to come through.

The end also sets up the next volume quite well, promising more information about our favorite feline Master Ren and another exciting adventure.