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Graphic Novel Review: Monstress Volume 3: The Haven by Marjorie Liu, art by Sana Takeda

Monstress Volume 3: The Haven by Marjorie Liu, art by Sana Takeda

Image Comics, 2018

ISBN-13: 9781534306912

Available: Paperback, Kindle, comiXology

In Volume 3, Maika Halfwolf discovers more about her mother’s plan, herself, and her past, just as Zinn (the Monstrum living within her), is putting together their own plan. War between the Arcanics and humans is imminent. Maika may have no choice but to work with Zinn just to survive the entities close at her heels. Ren and Kippa still follow Maika in her quest as they make it to Tear Shed in the Pontus Waters, a place of refugees and neutral ground. There Maika reluctantly makes a deal with the Royal Engineer to help repair the region’s shield wall, which resembles a Monstrum itself. The Engineer, and others, are convinced that because of Maika’s bloodline, she will be able to make the repairs to the shield. In exchange, Maika and her allies will receive sanctuary in Tear Shed. While all of this is going on, the Cumea are plotting, the Blood Queens are closing in, and enemies and allies alike are on their way. Maika’s bloodline also opens the laboratory and archives of the Shaman-Empress, a place that has been locked for centuries. What greets Maika and Zinn is not only unexpected, but leads to major revelations for the Monstrum. Ren also commits the ultimate betrayal that results in Kippa’s abduction. I have no shame admitting that I cried when that discovery came to light. As with the two previous collected volumes, Professor Tam-Tam helps provide further context and history of the world of Monstress.

There is so much going on in this volume. I actually had to go back and reread sections of the previous two volumes to make sure that I was following everything that was going on. Most people would probably count this against Monstress, but I don’t see it that way. The world and storylines are so intricate that it is easy to miss something, unless you are paying close attention. As someone who likes to read and reread comic series, I appreciate this, and I am wondering when I do revisit the series what else I am going to pick up on that I missed before. I’m sure that there will be things on my next reading that will also fall into place based on a full reading. Liu is a great storyteller who has created such an immense world and tale that I don’t think it can all possibly be taken in with only one reading of Monstress.

I am so in love with Takeda’s artwork, so much so that I even requested from my favourite comic shop to pull her alternate covers for The Power of the Dark Crystal series for my box. That’s another series I recommend, but that is a story for another world…another time… Highly recommended.

Volume 3 collects issues 13-18.

Contains: blood, gore, nudity, PTSD, sexual situations

 

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

Editor’s note: Monstress Volume 3: The Haven is a nominee on the final ballot for the 2018 Stoker Awards in the category of Superior Achievement in a Graphic Novel. 

Book Review: Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening by Marjorie Liu, artwork by Sana Takeda

Monstress, Volume 1 written by Marjorie Liu, artwork by Sana Takeda

Image Comics, 2016

ISBN: 9951632157096

Available: Kindle ebook, print

Monstress, Volume 1 collects issues 1-6 of a fantastic comic written by Marjorie Liu and drawn by Sana Takeda. The story is set in an alternate vision of 1900’s Asia, and includes elements of steampunk, kaiju, and horror fiction. The world includes humans, monsters, and magical creatures, existing in a constant state of struggle and war. The animal-hybrid Arcanics and the Cumea witch-nuns are at the center of this war. The Cumea capture, auction, or buy Arcanics for reprehensible experiments, slavery, or worse. The story opens with Maika Halfwolf, a teenage girl who is discovering her mysterious past, up for auction. A high ranking member of the Cumea takes her, and a few other Arcanics, back to her mistress’s palace. The sorceress doesn’t know it, but the taking of Maika will turn out to be a deadly mistake for her captors. Upon her escape, Maika rescues the tiny, skittish, fox girl, Kippa. They are joined by the ever-present badass of a cat, Master Ren.

I love horror comics, and Monstress has quickly become my favorite comic series for this genre. Liu has created a rich, dark world, and characters are fascinating. Maika, throughout the story, remains stalwart and aloof, despite her class status in this world. This manages to be a strength as much as a weakness. She’s cold and calculating, even when such a demeanor is not warranted, and puts her at odds with her “betters.” Since Kippa is a child, she exudes innocence and cuteness. Maika does her best to be patient with her, which is to say she isn’t. No matter how badly Maika treats her, Kippa doesn’t give up on her. Master Ren is a talking cat, who seems to appear when he is needed the most. He’s protective and mysterious, and knows more than he communicates.

Takeda’s artwork is, in a word, exquisite. There is so much detail in the panels, and every page is in full color. The book took me three times as it normally takes me to get through a comic because I just wanted to drink in the artwork. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

I can’t get enough of this series. Highly recommended.

Contains: blood, violence

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker