I have to say this for Stuart Moore, he knows how to write epic science-fiction. He seems to have no qualms about shaking up this world he's created, whether it's an invasion of a recently-created safe haven or the division of the lead character from one of the aspects that makes her unique. This tendency to go all out has me wishing we'd seen a bit more established of the normal status quo so that we could really get a feel for the consequences of all this destruction, but Moore, Montiel & Buelna definitely give a feeling for the scope of the destruction regardless. In addition, after being let down a bit last issue, I'm once again very interested in finding out what's going on with the characters and their powers, and what the ultimate fate of Zendra will be.
There's something about a good alien invasion that stirs a reaction in just about anyone, and I suspect it's because most of us can relate to the idea of something or someone invading our homes and rendering us powerless. The scenes, however brief, of the Jekkarans attacking Zendra are very powerful, and the opening pages really give a sense of how outmatched the humans on Zendra are. In addition, Montiel & Buelna have done some great designs for the Jekkaran cats, and Garcia's choice of oranges and browns for the colors give a sense that the world is burning.
Actually, little details in the production are a big part of what makes Zendra shine to me. The oversized lettering to indicate Halle and the others shouting over the noise of the digging machine is a clever way to establish the setting, and Garcia's colors are impressive throughout, especially when it comes to energy effects. Though I still wish that Montiel had given the various humans more distinctive outfits or faces so I could tell them apart easier, the artwork is pretty nice throughout.
Moore's story also grabbed me again this issue, after losing me with too much super-powers and not enough science fiction trappings in the last issue. The split focus of a resistance to Jekkaran assault and a journey to the center of Zendra has given him plenty of different story aspects to explore. I enjoyed the confrontation with the Aesirians, which answered the question of why these seemingly powerful beings were providing so little protection, but I'm even more intrigued by Halle's confrontation with Tau. The Aesirians, with their unusual dialogue and mysterious motivations, are still the most interesting aspect of Zendra to me.
Though the story is at a point where a casual reader will be thoroughly confused, those who have been following Zendra up to this point will find this issue to be something of a turning point. A lot happens in this issue, all of it beautifully rendered by the art team, and Moore leaves the reader with a couple of big cliffhangers that have me wondering what twists the story will take next.
