Mystere #3

Published by Zenescope

Written by Ben Meares

Artwork by Sergio Arino and Eman Casallos

Colors by Ceci De La Cruz.

This issue starts with Mystere fighting The Blacksmith. A hulking blonde-haired guy who wields a Mjolnir looking hammer like Thor and even has epic facial hair that is also very reminiscent of the Norse thunder god. Mystere herself looks like a white female version of the Shadow man from Disney’s Princess and the Frog. These two are locked in a battle, but Mystere’s powers do not seem to be working. Mystere realizes the Blacksmith must not be dead since her powers are not working. Given this revelation Mystere decides to retreat and regroup with the goal of gaining knowledge on the Blacksmith.

The story is unique which is to be expected from a tale about someone who can control the dead while located in New Orleans. We get to see Mystere do some detective work in order to understand just what the Black Smith is and what his origins are. Mystere proves that she is not against crossing the line in order to get her answers about his powerful and mysterious foe.

The artwork is detailed and colorful. The images are clear, and the action is clearly defined for the most part. I like the artwork of this book; however, it is not without its flaws. The comic starts with two characters both in black leather fighting each other. This monochromatic vs monochromatic bout requires second and thirds looks in order to understand who is who, and who did what.

Overall, I give this title 8 capes out of 10. This story has an interesting angle and it is cool to see Mystere go up against something that she can hardly hurt. The only flaw in the story is that

I realized what the Blacksmith was before Mystere did. It could be that she just didn’t let the audience in on her revelation, but that does not seem like a great plot device. The Artwork is also well done, but I have to mark down the score due to some slight over shadowing on some panels as well as the confusion that is created by the monochromatic vs monochromatic fight