ROSE #10 REVIEW
Summary: Things take a dark turn for Rose and her companions.
4
A revealing chapter
The future of Ttereve hangs in the balance as Drucilla grows more powerful with a new and dangerous alliance. Rose is still undergoing the trial of illumination, desperately trying to prove that she is worthy to be a Guardian. Meanwhile, Illa and Felix attempt to escape Drucilla’s dungeon before it’s too late.
We begin this issue of Rose in the garden oasis, where we see Thorne under the influence of Drucilla after she possessed him through his magical collar. This is a triumphant moment for Drucilla and we see her back at her castle rejoicing with her witch advisor, Dolora. Meanwhile, in the temple of Tera, Rose is in the middle of the trial of illumination, where she is undergoing a series of tests so as to prove her worth as a Guardian. After completing the trial, Rose has a deeply philosophical conversation with one of the mages, who warns her about the challenging decisions she will have to face in the future. He then gifts her with a heart stone so as to ward against the coming tide of darkness, however, their conversation is disrupted as Thorn has disappeared with only a trail of blood left behind. Back at Drucilla’s dungeon we see Felix, Ila and Artus trying to find a way out of the dungeon and on to freedom, however, a chance encounter with someone from Ila’s past casts a shadow of doubt over Felix.
This is a slower-paced issue, with the story taking a dark and unexpected turn for Rose and her companions. Things are beginning to look bleak, as Drucilla has control of Thorne and Rose is separated from him once again. We also see an interesting development with Illa and Drucilla’s dark witch, Dolora. My suspicions about this character were correct, as I suspected that Drucilla’s nanny was somehow influencing her. I’m also beginning to develop more of a curiosity towards Dante and his motivations. I’m not entirely sure is he’s wholly honest and loyal to Rose, or if he is still faithful to Drucilla. There is something about the quite moments, where he is reflective that perhaps suggest that is not happy with his lot in life. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see when the moment comes where he faces Drucilla once again. I also found that the conversation between Rose and the mage to be quite revealing and perhaps suggestive of what may unfold in the future. Interesting, and I’m looking forward to seeing what choices Rose will make when these challenges are presented to her.
Ig Guara’s art is once again delightful. I find it very easy to immerse myself in this story and relate to it’s characters through his engaging and emotive drawings. I especially love the vile and twisted faces of Drucilla and Dolora. Dolora especially is a nasty creature, looking infected and diseased from the corruption of black magic. I also really love the delicate level of detail that we see on each page through Guara’s sweeping linework, which helps to create texture and depth. It all comes together to form a highly engaging visual narrative that is a pleasure to look at. The colouring by Triona Farrell is moody and atmospheric, with a darker and more intense palette being used. I like how this helps to foster a sense of unease, as it reflects the plight of Rose and her companion. I also love the vibrancy of colour that we see when magic is being used, especially when Drucilla is using dark magic. It’s visually gorgeous and eye-catching, as the page is awash in pretty, luminous colours.
Overall, I found this to be a revealing issue of Rose. Things have taken a dark turn for Rose and her companions, with the hope of overcoming this evil slowly slipping away from them. Some of the finer complexities of Rose’s nature are beginning to emerge, as she begins to undergo more personal change and development.
I’m giving this issue 4 out of 5 stars!
COMIC DETAILS
CREATIVE TEAM: Meredith Finch, Ig Guara, Triona Farrell, Cardinal Rae and Andy Schmidt
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PUBLICATION DATE: April 11, 2018
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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