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| Wayward #5 |
IMAGE
COMICS SUPERNATURAL SENSATION! The first story arc ends. Revelation and
sacrifice.
Rori has barely adjusted to a new culture, a new
school, and the discovery of the supernatural in Tokyo, when she and her newly
found friends are faced with powerful revelations…and loss.
Jim Zub demonstrates his mastery in
storytelling, moving beyond his humor in Skullkickers and Legends of Baldur’s
Gate, to expertly blend Western and Eastern story elements in the most
ambitiously paced chapter of this story so far. Tamra Bonvillian’s use of blue and
contrasting red emphasizes nonstop action, mystical elements, and the emotional
impact of the story. The reader is still
learning with Rori the nature and extent of her powers and the role of
supernatural elements in her and her friend’s lives.
One of the prominent features of Wayward is that
Toyko is more than just the setting; it is as integral and part of the story as
Hogwarts was to Harry Potter. Zack
Davisson’s essays into Japanese folklore at the end of the issue continue to be
fan-favorites, and will be missed in the first paperback collection due in
February; hopefully this omission will be corrected in future editions.
The level of violence and content elevates this
series to the more mature YA readers and above. I would feel comfortable
sharing this with my almost-15 year old daughter, but would want parental
approval before recommending this issue to anyone younger. Case in point, Rori’s cuts on her arm appear
again since their first controversial appearance. Originally, this aspect about Rori was
off-putting to many readers. Zub contrasts
the issue of self-mutilation with Rori reaching an epiphany in that she is not
alone; the message I would imagine relevant to such a complex issue. Although the timing of this self-realization
may stretch the credibility of the reader, considering Rori’s loss suffered in
this issue, the message is presented beautifully in a well-crafted sequence.
For music to listen to increase enjoyment of
this issue, Japanese Popstars Radio on Pandora can
emphasize the manga influences well, but it is challenging to find just the
right fit for such a wonderful blend of different cultural elements within the
story. Feel free to add any musical
suggestions in the comments!
All in all, this wonderful issue reinforces that
Wayward is an epic in the making, and an excellent example of the variety of
well-written, drawn, and colored series in the comic book market today. Having
to wait until February to learn the fallout of these events is the most
challenging part of this series.
Rating: 
I
give Wayward #5 4.5 out of 5 kappa and kitsunes.
Written and Reviewed by:
Joe Iconic
Game On! Comics
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