|
MERIDIAN #15
Recommended (7/10)
|
CrossGen Comics
Writer: Barbara Kesel
Pencils: Steve McNiven
Inks: Tom Simmons
Colors: Morry Hollowell
Letters: Troy Peteri & Dave Lanphear
Price: $2.95 US/$4.50 CAN |
Barbara Kesel has managed to maintain my interest in this title for one chief reason: her multi-layered storytelling approach. The story of Meridian is being told on three fronts, and though earlier in the series it occasionally made for some confusion, the characters and plotlines have come into focus.
While Ilahn learns of other worlds to conquer and more power for him to usurp as his own, Sephie leads a ragtag band of lower-land dwellers in an attempt to shrug off the influence and corruption of Ilahn's tight-fisted economic rule. Meanwhile, on Hesperia -- the new home of the people of Meridian -- Jad learns that Sephie is alive and sets off to find her, much to the chagrin of of his new belle, Feabie.
McNiven handles the fantastic concepts in Kesel's script -- flying ships, hairy dragons, sexy red-headed rogues -- adeptly, and more importantly, he conveys the youth of such characters as Sephie and Jad. Still, his work doesn't really grab me here. While the art is capable, it's not remarkable. The bright colors reinforce the fantasy and the magic of the book nicely, though.
Kesel has surprised me with how political this book is. Just as the title character in Marvel's wonderful Black Panther realizes that real power lies in who controls and affects cash flow, so does Sephie. She knows the real way to hurt her uncle is in his proverbial wallet, and it shows she is growing into her role as a leader and minister. Of course, the characterizations are a lot of fun as well. Seeing Sephie grow emotionally and intellectually is a real treat, as is the love triangle that's unknowingly developed among her, Jad and Feabie.
Three main plotlines are running here at the same time, and they serve as excellent contrasts. Sephie hopes to return to Meridian, and to return her home to its former glory and beauty. Ilahn hopes to control it and change it, while the Meridianites themselves have begun to build a new home altogether, moving on and adapting to what life has thrown them. The latter shows the greatest wisdom, though it may not be exciting as Sephie's adventures and Ilahn's explosive corruption.
Email Don MacPherson comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.
|
