The Sword #23 – Review

by Joshua Luna (writer, layouts, letters) and Jonathan Luna (art)

The Story: The battle between Malia and Dara comes to its bitter conclusion.

What’s Good: I usually don’t discuss an issue’s ending at the beginning of a review, but this month’s cliffhanger stands as one of the biggest twists in this series.   I haven’t been this stunned by a comic in quite a while.  I’d like to say “jaw-dropping,” but that just isn’t good enough.  This will absolutely blow your mind and have you rethinking past issues.  That the Lunas held off on this massive turn of events until the second to last issue is a huge gamble on their part, for which I can only respect them.  It would have been easy enough to cruise through to a formulaic ending, but now, I have no idea what to expect.  I need that last issue.

Big twist aside, this is a solid outing for the Lunas.  A particular highlight, however, is the flashback.  It’s been something a formula during these “boss battles” or particular hard times for Dara to have a flashback relating to some moral lesson taught to her by her family.  However, the last few outings, these flashbacks have fallen surprisingly flat.  Not this month, however, which sees the Lunas back in form.  The scene this month is well written, though kept simple, and is touching enough to hit all the right buttons.

Beyond that, the Malia/Dara dynamic remains strong and a bit more intriguing, and heated, than the dynamics Dara shared with Zathros and Knossos.  Malia feels more complex as an antagonist due to her relationship with Demetrios.  When she tries to goad Dara by calling him a liar, it’s hard not to think that she’s speaking from personal experience.

As far as the art goes, this is about as solid as you’re liable to get from the Lunas, though a bit more understated than might be expected, given the circumstances.  I didn’t have any problem with that, however, as the action still flowed well and I rarely have a problem with getting more dialogue than splash pages and am glad that the Lunas didn’t go as splash-heavy as they easily could have.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

Alex’s Top Picks

Pick of the Week: Uncanny X-Men #522 – If only all of Fraction’s issues of Uncanny were so good.  The book shows what Fraction is truly capable of with the X-Men.  It’s unfortunate that we’re heading into a big event now, as I wouldn’t mind having a Kitty arc ASAP.

Most Anticipated: Madame Xanadu #21 -Amy Reeder Hadley returns again on art!  And no more flashbacks!  The best arc since the series’ first continues in earnest.  For anyone reading Xanadu, this should be at the top of the pile.

Other Picks: Fantastic Four #577, Blackest Night #8, Detective Comics #863, Unknown Soldier #18, Justice Society of America #37, The Sword #23

DS’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Green Lantern #52 – Johns book knocked it out of the park! What a great way to set up the conclusion to Blackest Night!

Most Anticipated: Blackest Night #8 – I’m waiting for this issue to deliver a knockout punch reading experience in my very worthwhile investment in the Blackest Night event. And given how flawlessly Blackest Night has unfolded, I think my faith will be rewarded!

Other Top Picks: JLA #43, Wonder Woman #42