This Image ongoing continues to develop the story of Rascal, a thief on the run from the demonic Umbral. And while the execution of this comic isn’t always as smooth as it could be, there are still plenty of reasons to keep an eye on this title.
Written by Antony Johnston
Illustrated by Christopher Mitten“AND BLACK WATERS REMAIN”
Rascal is trapped in the Umbral, Dalone is down and out, and a certain pirate ghost has vengeance on his mind!
THE PARANOID DARK FANTASY CONTINUES!
There’s a lot going on in this issue: while Rascal and Shayim negotiate their way out of the Umbral, a conspiratorial meeting is taking place, and it seems to have deep implications indeed. It’s clear at this point that the Umbral are more than evil masses of evilness, and have an endgame in mind as they infiltrate this fantasy world.
The issue moves forward with its usual mix of action and jumpy dialogue, taking us from the Umbral back up to the everyday world. I wouldn’t say that it reads smoothly; this series is a bit stronger in concept than it has been in execution, and this issue has the same pacing issues as the past three. Plot details arrive en masse, to be offset by sudden action scenes, and all the while it doesn’t feel like we know much about the characters these things are happening to. Despite the complexity of the plot and the direness of the circumstances, the “paranoid” feeling that the solicit underlines doesn’t quite come across. How can we fear for the characters when we don’t know them yet?
All of this said, there’s an interesting moment at the end of the issue where Rascal’s friend, Shayim, talks about the war in her home country. It’s left her with a lot of hate to sort out, and when an unexpected element seems about to bring that hatred to surface, it looks like Shayim’s overall philosophy is going to be tested. A character-driven moment like this makes for a solid cliffhanger, and feels like a new high for the series.
Christopher Mitten’s work is full of magic, using delicate lines to portray a world that feels both elusive and intricate. As in previous issues, the most engaging moments take place in the Umbral, with Mitten getting across an overwhelming world of shadows and textures. Along the way, though, the ghost pirates of this issue make a definite impression. They’re laid out in wobbling, watery strokes, and seem on the point of dissolving at every turn. At the same time, their expressions are surprising; ghost pirates don’t have much to be afraid of, and that leaves them with more swagger than you’d think fragile lines could convey.
Shayim also has some great panels in this issue, even eclipsing Rascal in terms of visual interest. Her big hair and fierce expressions make her a dynamic figure, and even the compositions seem to frame her in a critical light, encouraging engagement with her moral dilemma. She’s definitely a charismatic character, and the concluding splash page makes the most of her larger-than-life presence, bringing the issue home in high style.
Jordan Boyd’s colours go for broke in every scene, working within a different palette for each location and keeping the Umbral lively with all kinds of purples. But even more banal scenes, like a conversation around a table, have a playful look; unexpected turquoise tones leap out of the shadows, setting the otherworldiness of this tale into relief.
“Umbral” seems to have found a rhythm and stuck to it, and it’s doing fairly well within the groove it’s carved out. It’s unfair to ask for more from a comic than what it’s evidently setting out to do; but if the plot of this series feels like it’s dragging a little, it may be that we don’t have enough reasons to believe in these characters yet. Happily, the ending of this issue does break things up a bit, and whether or not the series continues in this vein, it gives this chapter some heft overall.
Final Verdict: 7.8 – Solid browse
