ICYMI: Kaya #9: The Pains of Change

Kaya #9 is the middle chapter of the series’ second arc, The Poison Lands, and is an excellent example of just how engaging a story’s second act can be when it allows it’s characters to undergo failure and changes that natural shape both the literally and thematic progression of an overall story.

This issue features every one of our major characters facing a massive challenge, whether it be physical or personal, and as a repercussion of those challenges growing as characters in big and exciting ways. For certain characters, such as Seth, these changes aren’t just bits of emotional culmination, but instead major shifts in his role within the Lizard Riders.

There is a bit dedicated to our antagonists that raise adds a sense of uncertainty to Jin’s captivity, but they aren’t a major focus in this issue as they have been in the past. Most of this issue is focused on Seth and a very exciting battle he and the Lizard Riders find themselves entrenched in, which satisfies some smaller plot lines for them, especially Muska.

Kaya herself hits a literal rock bottom that finds her begging for spiritual guidance. She eventually is eventually found by the recently introduced Runt, who offers to help her find Jin in a moment of thematic union between her story and the subtle characterization that Runt has received since the start of this arc. It’s written in a way that’s extremely exciting, challenging her self-assigned notions of expertise and heroism that will allow her to grow into an even better hero, thus fulfilling her role as Jin’s protector completely.

The art in this book continues to amaze, but there’s some lighting in this book that are extremely jealous. The pinks really pop here, and an emotional tone to Kaya’s scene help visualize her ongoing emotional themes.