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SCION #15
Recommended (8/10)
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CrossGen Comics
Writer: Ron Marz
Pencils: Jim Cheung
Inks: Don Hillsman II
Colors: Justin Ponsor
Letters: Troy Peteri & Dave Lanphear
Price: $2.95 US/$4.50 CAN |
It would seem that CrossGen Comics has room in its universe for one of the most time-honored comic-book traditions: talking monkeys. Though they were far from irreverent, Marz introduces some fun new antagonists this month, but more importantly, he focuses on the relationships among the key characters of the book.
Ethan continues to accompany the fugitive Raven princess Ashleigh to the secret headquarters of the underground movement to free the "lesser" races. He struggles with his Heron family loyalty and the guilt he feels for not helping Ashleigh and her cause more. Along the way, Ethan, Ashleigh and the wise but diminutive Skink encounter a band of large, powerful primates, but are they friends or foes?
Cheung's art continues to amaze me month after month. His ape characters are imaginative and stunning in their level of detail. The varied settings also bring a strong realism to the story. Of course, Ponsor's colors add a great deal to the mood of the story as well. CrossGen's collective of computer colorists have quickly established themselves as among the best in the business.
While I'm enjoying elements like the royal betrayal and the war between kingdoms, what's really captured my attention is the Underground and its quest for freedom for the lesser races in the world of Scion. The racism connection is clear, and it gives the reader something relevant to focus on in the plot.
Another aspect of the book that brings it down to earth is Marz's dialogue. We hear Ashleigh, Ethan and Skink discuss royal upbringings, genetic experimentation and five-day hikes through the wilderness, yet it all seems plausible, thanks to the tones in the characters' voices. They ring true. Marz obviously has a clear idea who these people are, how they speak and what drives them.
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