Bug Wars: The Coming of the Wardoom #3: Screwhorns and Rabid Squirrels

The Squirrel King’s army has started to make their move against the Yard in earnest, and Slade and his reluctant allies find themselves caught in the middle in another war between the Mytes. As the young “Son of the Jim” continues to make sense of his numerous abilities his amulet possesses, he learns that not only are there more ancient weapons scattered across the Yard, but also that his father has some connection to the mad Squirrel King.

This is easily the most action-packed issue of Bug Wars II so far, and overall it accomplishes what it set out to do by raising the stakes and introducing both new elements and mysteries to the narrative. Battles against mytes, raccoons with screwdrivers stuck in their heads, rabid squirrels, and weird telepathic visions are on display here and they all work to get the most out of this fantastically bloody and sticky story. The highlight of the issue is of course Slade’s first interaction with the Squirrel King, who reveals that there is definitely more to Slade’s father story than he originally believed.

Jason Aaron starts to show more of Slade’s inner power in this issue as he seems much more competent in battle than in previous issues. The rest of the “Wardoom” are still fairly underdeveloped, but the introduction of these new ancient weapons does create avenues for character exploration that can make them more active in the plot. There is also palpable tension throughout as the King’s army encroaches further and further into the Yard.

Mahmud Asrar’s pencils are at their bloody best ain this issue, with plenty of fast-paced action and energetic paneling that doesn’t slow down. The battles against Screwhorn as well as the King’s rabid squirrels are visually gripping and every bit as dire as they are drawn to be. Matt WIlson gives some very bombastic ambience to the battles with their atmospheric coloring that highlights the gore and grounds the quieter moments.