Monstress #60: Get Off the Pot

From issue number one, Monstress’ story has been about accepting one’s self and all the things that come with it. Accepting your trauma, processing your emotions, and choosing your path forward. All throughout this epic story Maika Halfwolf, her friends, family, her enemies, and even the Old Gods themselves have had their paths shaped by decisions made in their past, be they good or bad. All of those choices have lead to the climax of this war arc. 

Marjorie Liu does a deep dive on what it means for Maika and those around her to full take accountability and accept responsibility for what it is they do with their lives. Maika herself has been angrily running from herself since the start of the series, cursing her birth as well as the actions of those around her. Always the bullet, but never the gun. Her life was not her own, and she was content with that, until an old friend hit her with reality. She can’t run anymore. It’s time to grow up and take control of her life. Those words are the bridge that ties both halves of the books together. 

After what felt like an eternity, Maika and her allies finally take the fight to the Lord Doctor, Maika’s father, and what ensues is a battle less about blood and mettle, and more about personal autonomy and control. Maika, her father, and Kippa’s souls all hang in the balance as they battle between two factions of the Old Gods. The day is won, but the costs seem more than can be bared on the surface. 

Artist Sana Takeda continues to be a master of her craft, with her painterly style beautifully complimenting Liu’s audacious script. This is one of the better drawn issues in this most recent arc, which helps give this climax the weight it deserves. Atmospheric when needed, but also bloody and energetic when warranted.