Incursion #3
Kenneth Bowden
Recap
Gilad tries the impossible-to reason with a small moody child. In an attempt to spare Syntilla's life while also shutting down her nercomantic plague, he tries to convince her to cease her actions and flee with him away from her captor Imperatrix Virago. As he does we're given the origin of Syntilla's power as well as how Virago became the ruthless force she is today.
Similar to the Yin and Yang of the Green Lanterns being protectors of life and the Black Lanterns being the emissaries of death, we are treated to a deeper look at how the opposing parties mirror each other. Where diplomacy fails though we get some serious action. Gilad shows Virago's bragging champion Kotila just why he's not to be trifled with.
Back in the land of the living, Dr.Mirage and the rest of the heroes do their best to stave off waves of magically charged undead. The war boiling down to Mirage vs Virago in an arcane clash of blades that would make the X-Men's own Magik giddy. The race is on though as Gilad must escape the Deadside in time to save the world and the Geomancer from creeping death and it all hinges on a deal with a devil.
Review
Yet another amazing chapter in this event, Diggle and Paknadel keep the story moving at an amazing pace while not rushing over anything. Watching Gilad’s trials and tribulations remind us just why he’s such a great hero as well as a fierce warrior.
Doug Braithwaite continues to deliver art that encapsulates both blood pumping action as well as gripping emotion. When paired with the solid writing it makes for a story that is fulfilling yet angst inspiring waiting for the next chapter to unfold. Incursion is a textbook perfect example of why Valiant has been so enduring since the relaunch. No unnecessary tie ins or plot threads left hanging just straight up amazing action paired with an endearing narrative.
Final Thoughts
The concept of the story itself is so simple yet it's delivered in a straightforward manner that brings to light many things to contemplate: morality, compromise, the nature of death, what mortality means and so much more. All in all just a stand out event raising the bar for comics in general this summer.
Incursion #3: Death Becomes Her
- Writing - 8.5/108.5/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 8.5/108.5/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10
