[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artists: Pop Mhan
Colors: Lovern Kindzierski
Letters: Saida Temofonte
Summary
Baron Winters has assembled the new Night Force, and the reluctant Raven is in its ranks! But the Shadow-Riders have immediately drawn first blood—one of the team has been slain at their hands
Positives
We find the newly formed Night Force under attack in Baron Winters’ estate, Wintersgate, by the Shadow Riders who have unexpectedly broken through as Raven amusingly reminds us of the trustworthiness of Baron Winters. His role in the series overall has been as hyperbolic overseer who offers sarcasm and snide remarks, but near to no help, except when prompted at the behest of Merlin, his pet-like avatar.
His character makes more of a turning point in this particular issue, leading the arcanes, including Raven. We also find two of the arcanes bonding, Raven and Robert Diaz. It starts pretty innocently, as they bond over their struggles as magically inclined individuals and eventually work together to find how to save the world, but this is another display by Wolfman of how they are just like most teenagers, but also very much not.
We also find out that one of their own has betrayed them, in the most brutal fashion, leading each arcane to the lair of the Shadow Riders. This treachery seems not so trivial but very much calculated. The Night Force also find out one of their own was a secret weapon in hiding, one that would destroy the arcanes and eventually the world, as Wolfman has put together many intricate plots which are weaved so tight, that the reader may have to re-read a few parts to catch them all. And this is what makes Wolfman a master storyteller.
Finally, the reader gets a peak inside Raven’s home, as her family dynamics seems to be the most interesting relationship so far in the book, one that I have a feeling will be explored more in the next issue.
Negatives
There are no negatives worth mentioning in this issue.
Verdict
Buy as this issue gives readers a a twisted turning point in this tenth installment. The story by Wolfman, gives readers quite a roller coaster, one that is far from the ordinary tale. The art by Mhan is gorgeous. Altogether, this issue is as close to flawless as the story has been so far.
