ETHER #3 REVIEW
Summary: Entertaining, creative and visually amusing. A curious tale where the worlds of science and magic collide.
4
The hunt for clues continues!
The investigation into the murder of the Blaze continues as Boone and Glum pursue their only lead: the magic bullet that was found at the murder scene. On the hunt for clues and answers, this unlikely duo begins to unravel a sinister plot that reveals that they have some powerful and dangerous enemies.
We begin Ether #3 in Cockaigne, with Boone and Glum about to talk to the Clio in his Palace of Artifacts. The only problem is that they aren’t the only ones searching for Clio. An ancient steam-powered automaton, known as a copper golem, beats them to their destination, directly halting them in their tracks whilst at he same time providing them with a fresh new lead. After a violent encounter, this duo decides to track the golem using its unique chemical makeup, which takes them to the wild Faerie Kingdom, a place where Boone has quite the reputation for interfering and causing chaos. In unwelcome territory, quickly running out of options and desperate for answers, Boone plunges headfirst into a troublesome situation hoping to discover the answers he’s been looking for. Will this have disastrous consequences or will Boone be able to solve this mysterious puzzle before it’s too late?
Writer, Matt Kindt, has created an interesting and dynamic world, combining folktales, magic and science. It encompasses many mythical places, like some kind of collective folk or faerie tale but imagined and reworked in a fresh new way. All of this fantasy and magic contrasts with the ever-rational thinking of Boone. Boone claims that science will always cut through magic and that there is always a logical explanation for everything. To him, magic is merely a branch of science that has yet to be explored and isn’t fully understood. I also enjoy the combination of Boone and Glum, as they makes for an interesting duo, forever making quips and sarcastic jokes at one another. Kindt has created some funny moments between these two, which actually had me laughing out loud at their witty banter. The dialogue is cheeky and I enjoyed the giggles that these two share. In saying that, I do get the feeling that that Kindt is setting us up for a sinister twist to this story which is much deeper and darker than just the murder of The Blaze. I’m intrigued to see where this will be heading and how this comical duo will deal with it.
Artist, David Rubin, brings a fresh and humorous quirkiness to this world. His unique take on this strange fantasy world is interesting and diverse. Visually I find Rubin’s art to be clever and somewhat comical. The animated expressions suit the cheeky humour and witty jests, making those scenes enjoyable and funny to look at. There is a refreshing sense of energy on the page which is also reflected in Rubin’s interesting variety of different panelling techniques and layering of images throughout the issue. It makes for some dynamic visuals and frames many of the scenes in a new and intriguing way. The colouring is unusual and playful and it heightens the overall whimsical side to this story. The colouring also cleverly reflects the emotional tone of the story with luminous colours in Cockaigne and the Faerie Kingdom and with a darker and a more muted colour palette for the flashback scenes on Earth.
Overall, I enjoy venturing into the Ether with Boone and Glum. It’s an interesting world filled with magic that is reimagined in an interesting and creative way. The combination of an inventive concept, filled with likeable and funny characters, along with fun and whimsical art makes for an enjoyable read. I look forward to the next issue and once again stepping through the portal with Boone to this weird and wonderful world where magic and science collide!
I’m giving this issue 4 out of 5 stars!
Comic Details
Title: Ether #3
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Creative Team: Matt Kindt, David Rubin
Reviewer: Dana Folkard
About the Author
Dana Folkard An absolute nerd with a passion for all things sci-fi! Lover of comics, coffee and Geralt of Rivia. Mother of Dragons!
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