Monstressa is a comic book in which the most important are: an extensive world, ambiguous characters, complicated intrigues and beautiful graphics. Thanks to these elements, the comic book of Liu and Takeda works like a well-oiled steampunk machine.
It is difficult to write about the third volume of Monstressasomething different than the previous two, because the continuation of the adventures of Maika Półwilk and her companions is at the same high level as the previous parts and consistently develops the story presented in them. Marjorie Liu continues to provide readers with an engaging story steeped in intrigue, twists and a complex web of relationships between the characters. It also expands the world shown on the pages of the comic more and more, taking the protagonists to new places and providing recipients with subsequent lectures by Professor Tam Tam, a cat. By the way, I must admit that although I was skeptical about this solution at first, with time this kind of exhibition stopped bothering me. In addition, the kittens listening to their lecturer are so charmingly drawn that it is impossible not to like them. Speaking of drawings, it is worth emphasizing that inMarina Sana Takeda does not disappoint. The graphic layer of the album is as good as in the previous editions, and the covers of individual chapters are a real feast for the eye.
Also read: Beautiful Beast – a review of Monstress comics . Awakening and Monstress. Blood
What is new, then, for the readers of volume three? In terms of the plot, first of all, a continuation of Maika’s expedition and the monster living there in search of the past. While quite a few pieces of their shared history have already been discovered, in this section we learn even more about the Shaman-Empress and her legacy. In addition, Marjorie Liu gives us another portion of world-creation, presenting Pontus protected by the ancient shield along with a camp for fox refugees. We also learn a little more about the old gods and learn more about the secrets of the leaders of the Cumaei order.
Steampunk in all its glory
A visit to the Shield Hall and the Shaman Empress’s laboratory allowed Sana Takeda to present countless ancient inventions: armor, weapons, automatons and mechanical guards. As the previous album was distinguished by an amazing vision of the bone island and the city located on it, so characteristic of this volume is the multitude of steampunk machinery, so far present mainly on the covers. In addition, all these technological marvels are solidly chewed by the tooth of time, flawed, warped and damaged, making them look even more intriguing and terrifying at the same time. However, the real dread is caused by the specter of a truly lovecraftian ancient deity hanging over the city.
There is no point in writing about the dynamism of action scenes, phenomenal character designs and fantastic colors, because anyone who has even looked at the previous two editions of the comic knows that the illustrator has created a real masterpiece in this respect. Sana Takeda is responsible for the entire visual setting of the series, except for lettering, and it is hard to imagine that it could be otherwise. Such an organic combination of pencil sketches with digitally applied colors and textures is not often found in mainstream comics. Also deserving of praise are the digital effects, which Takeda uses with perfect sensitivity, not letting her beautiful illustrations deteriorate. It was simply impossible to divide this work into several people in such a way as to achieve the end result intended by the artist.
One for all, each for themselves
As in the visual layer, the smallest lines are closely connected with the composition and colors of the frame, and even the entire board, the story of the presented world and political conflicts in terms of scenarios are inextricably linked with the fate of the heroes, and we observe the clash of great powers through the prism of the personal history of Maika and her “Teams”. The third part of Monstressait is primarily characterized by intrigue and confronting particular interests with the good of the group. As a result, some heroes are forced to make difficult decisions – who they want to serve or on whose side they want to fight. And when the scale of the threat increases drastically, these choices become truly dramatic. The writer was able to combine and balance this individual perspective with the tragedy of a huge-scale war and a global threat. It must be admitted, however, that Monstressa requires a lot of concentration and careful reading from the reader so that the events, characters and plot twists do not lose their sense.
Edition for a medal
Finally, it is worth praising the Polish edition prepared by Non Stop Comics, which again presents itself perfectly. The quality of the paper and print does not raise any objections, the cover is pleasant to the touch (although its dullness makes it easier to catch dust), and there are no fingerprints on the comic book. Paulina Braiter once again showed her translation skills, and the only detail that caught my attention was the inconsistency in the use of feminatives, which is why we are dealing with the “commander-in-chief” and once with the “commander-in-chief”, although we are talking about the same about yourself. A nice addition is a few drawings by various artists at the end of the album.
The saga continues
The plot of Monstressa is gaining momentum, and the network of plots between the individual characters becomes incredibly thick. At the end of the third volume, the authors again leave us with many unknowns, forcing us to wait patiently for the continuation. And all indications are that the next part will not be the last at all.
