by Randy Lander

TOMB RAIDER: JOURNEYS #3 "Bullseye Recommended (7/10) Image Comics/Top Cow Productions Writer: Fiona Kay Avery Pencils: Drew Johnson Inks: Jay Leisten Colors: Jonathan D. Smith Letters: Dreamer Design Editor: Renae Geerlings Price: $2.95 US/$4.70 CAN Though I like the basic concept of Lara Croft, most of the interpretations, from movie to comics to many of the games, have left me pretty cold. So I wasn't expecting much from Journeys, especially since I haven't read the first two issues of the series. However, Fiona Avery seems to have constructed a series of tales that have links to one another but which generally stand alone, and the artwork by Johnston and Leisten is gorgeous. Though I have my quibbles, mostly with Lara seeming too skilled to actually be challenged, this was a much better look at the central concept of an adventuring archaeologist than I've seen in any other interpretation of Tomb Raider, and I'm inclined to take a look at future issues as a result. These days, when you see an Adam Hughes cover, it's generally true that the interiors are going to be a little disappointing in comparison. Johnson and Leisten, however, deliver fantastic artwork that seems to have more than a little Hughes influence. Their work reminds me of the sexy but not exploitative work of Greg Land, Butch Guice and of course Hughes, and they're ideally suited to this kind of action-adventure comic. I especially enjoyed their attention to detail on such things as the backgrounds or Lara's equipment. The story is narrated by Lara Croft, and Fiona Avery has captured her voice to such an extent that I can hear the British accent as I read. Lara Croft is an unusual mix of down-and-dirty adventurer and snooty high-class intellectual, and Avery hits that balance just right, making Lara smart, funny and just a tiny bit condescending. I did think that Croft was a little too perfect, particularly when she accidentally picks up masterful archery in what is essentially a throwaway scene, but other than that complaint I was really happy with the character. In addition, the plot that this issue centers on is a great one for Tomb Raider. It's a puzzle, based on a real archaeological target and given a mystical twist to make it slightly more exciting. While Avery's script is a little talky, and could have used a bit more intricacy in the traps and investigation sequences, as a one-issue tale of adventure and exploration this is pretty impressive. It gives the reader plenty to enjoy, but it isn't a heavy story tinged with continuity, clunky and cliched relationships (like the ones Lara shares with her butler and her rival/boyfriend) or an over-arcing threat that seems more suited to a super-hero than an action hero. In the end, I guess I'd have to say I'm not much of a fan of Tomb Raider, because I've disliked so many interpretations of the character. However, Journeys is easily my favorite Tomb Raider vision that I've seen, and while it's not likely to make any of my best of lists, it's a light and fun read for those seeking a good adventure comic. This comic book was not part of this week's new releases. Email Randy Lander comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.