Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: Pop Mhan
Colorist: Lovern Kindzierski
Letterer: Saida Temofonte
Cover Art: Cully Hamner
Assistant Editor: Michael McCalister
Group Editor: Marie Javins
Strange Visitor: Joey Cavalieri
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: September 26, 2018
Anytime I read a review... of anything, I think the undertaking looks extremely easy. Something that anybody ought to be able to do. For some, it's just second nature to turn an analytical eye to any given subject.
For others, like myself... it's a bit of a struggle. Even worse, there are times when a given subject just defies review... it gives so little to sink ones teeth into, that I'm at you're left at a complete loss for things to say.
I say all of that, so that I might say this... it's time to talk about the latest issue of Raven: Daughter of Darkness.
Remember when this used to be a story about Raven? I do, and I also remember it not being very good. Now that our titular character is taking a back seat to the formation of the All-New Night Force... well, it's still not all that great.
This issue is the true "gathering of the (night) forces" story that I think many of us were expecting last month... why we needed two-issues to bring the team together (it they're even together at this point), I haven't the foggiest. I remember being kind of excited to see Kid Devil on the cover last time... and good news! He does show up here... and fails out of the team before the preview pages are up!
The main takeaway is the introduction of a young "arcane" named Roberto and his husband, Luis. The former has the ability to turn his body into... spikes, or something... what's more, he looks to be able to defeat the Shadow Riders.
I hope you weren't looking for any follow-up to Raven cheating on her history test (and really, who doesn't want more of that?!)... because you'll have none of that here.
One thing I will say for this issue... it's a bit easier to follow than previous chapters. Earlier issues were almost encrypted, loaded down with various creatures with "anime eyes"... uneven motivations... and willy-nilly scene transitions. The narrative here isn't perfect... but I wasn't left scratching my head. I will admit to yawning though.
We get some really cringeworthy dialogue... I mean, Baron Winters making "swipe right" references while Raven and Klarion size each other up? Marv... whattaya doin' Marv? Just don't.
That said, some of the most troubling dialogue is... Merlin is no longer acting like the Sassycat we know him to be. Gone are the Grrrrrrrl's, replaced by far less funny "Growls". I gotta figure they're on to us.
Bits and Pieces:
Much easier to follow than prior issues... unfortunately, that doesn't make the story any more interesting. If you're buying this for Raven, you're going to be disappointed.
5.5/10
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