The last time I reviewed an issue of this limited series, I noted how surprised I was to find that a Tomb Raider comic entertained me. It wasn't at all what I expected... which was an adventure story that served as little more than an excuse to show off the title character's physical attributes. I'm sorry to discover that this particular issue lives up (or down, I suppose) to that previous expectation. Everything in this issue directs the reader's attention to Lara Croft's cleavage rather than the plot or characterization.
The trail of the stolen Dream Spear leads Lara Croft to the jungles of New Zealand, where she finds the tribe to which the spear rightfully belongs. She seeks the tribesmen's assistance in tracking the spear down and returning it to them, but in order for that to happen, she must first become an unofficial member of the tribe, empowered to enter into Dream Time. That requires your run-of-the-mill battle to the death and an intricate, lengthy and painful tattooing session.
Hi! I'm the art on this book, and what I'd really like you to do is LOOK AT THOSE JUGS, BABY! Ain't they pretty and round and inviting? Yeah, just look at those ta-tas and try to ignore the inconsistent pencilling and coloring. Lose yourself in those mammaries and forget that the tribesmen seem to change race from scene to scene. Oh, and since Lara has to be tattooed, she gets to be completely naked, and for her trip into Dream Time, she has to wear an even skimpier outfit than usual. Enjoy!
I'll give Avery credit for the fact that the story is pretty accessible. The plot's a simple one -- the Dream Spear's been stolen by a guy who's crossed paths with our buxom heroine before, and Lara aims to get it back. There's not much else to know.
Of course, the simplicity -- and obvious nature -- of the plot is a problem here as well. Lara's tribal initiation holds no suspense, as the reader knows she's going to end up being the heroine. Aside from the tattooing session and plenty of (ie., way too much) exposition to explain that time is flexible in Dream Time, little else happens in this issue.
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
