by M'Oak (Mark Oakley)
(I Box Publishing)
Here's what I thought...
I think this is M'Oak's most "mainstream" issue so far - it's straight comic book dialogue and panels throughout, no text pages within the story, lots of plot and character development. And he'll be VERY happy, no doubt, to hear that his hard work has paid off - the lettering this issue is just about the best I've ever seen it. Clear, crisp, precise and legible. And, because Oakley does this all himself, all the balloons are well placed within the panels (which are very imaginatively laid out and *still* easy to follow) so that we can still see all of his wonderful background art.
In this issue Rubel and the mysterious Lady who's bespelled him both find themselves in a dream labyrinth, which they can only reach through physical pain (Rubel's body is in fact dying in the spot wherein we saw him last issue). The dream apparently belongs to a dragon named Cespinarve Rogue (Rubel's tutor Quinton filled him in a bit on this character, who doesn't seem terribly on the safe side). The Lady is familiar with most of the dream tricks, and attempts to guide Rubel to a safe spot (why don't I quite trust her?), but he keeps making mistakes and getting captured by water monsters or wayward grassy vines or apples that turn into really disgusting spiked wormy things I don't want to talk about.
The Lady informs him they must beware a monster called the Gorgon's Head, but doesn't reveal too much else - and in not telling Rubel certain things, she tells us a good deal about herself. Among other things, she's intensely jealous of Quinton's natural abilities. And we have reason to believe she's captured Quinton, who has left Rubel a note for his eyes only (which she intercepts - whoops) informing Rubel of his captivity under the Dreaming Tree. Will Rubel ever see this note? Is the Lady good or evil or a little of both? Will they make it to safety before the Gorgon's Head catches up with them?
There's just *so much* going on in this issue it about takes your breath away. It's worth about 2-3 reads to catch it all. This is some of M'Oak's best, most intricate work yet. Charming fantasy story, and highly recommended.
So, what did y'all think?
- Elayne
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This review is copyright 1996 Elayne Wechsler-Chaput, reprinted here by
permission.