BATTLECATS (VOL. 3) #3 – Review

In BATTLECATS (VOL. 3) #3, available from Mad Cave Studios on September 15th, 2021, Kelthan faces new trials on his journey to get back to basics, and the Queen gives the Battlecats a new mission with special meaning for Zorien.

The Details

• Written By: Mark London
• Art By: Michael Camelo
• Colors By: Tekino
• Letters By: Miguel A. Zapata
• Cover Art By: Michael Camelo, Tekino
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Release Date: September 15, 2021

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Was It Good?

This issue is soulful and packed with emotion. What action there is, furthers the story, and there’s excellent character-building for nearly every player in the story. When you’re talking about an epic encompassing at least eight different characters in any given issue, that’s quite a feat.

London continues this serialized story by showing how the remnants of the Battlecats and the Queen slowly make plans to rebuild and restore the kingdom. The collective cats are still grappling with their assorted stages of grief as they mourn the loss of their king, their home, and in some cases, their entire tribe.

It’s all about emotion in this issue, and what London does so effectively is show the root of that emotion and how it motivates each cat to take action. The reasons vary but each reason is relatable at a fundamental (with apologies) human level. This is mature fantasy-adventure writing at its finest.

The art by Camelo and the team is still some of the best Mad Cave is cranking out among all its titles. The color shading is excellent, the characters emote clearly and with genuine emotion, and the panel composition is visually engaging.

The one minor down point is the lack of shadows on contact surfaces (e.g. floors, walls, and tabletops) that make the characters appear to be pasted onto the scenery rather than existing as part of the scenery. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it happens, the visuals feel a little off.

In all, this issue is filled with mature, complex writing and stunning visuals to further one of the better-serialized comics on the market right now.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

Before you carry the burden of a warrior, find out how the Battlecats found themselves in this predicament by reading our BATTLECATS (Vol. 3) #2 review.

We begin with Kelthan continuing his sea voyage back to White Marsh. Suddenly, his boat is attacked by a polstris, a gigantic beast that’s a cross between an octopus and shark. Kelthan survives the attack but Axan gives his life to ensure the Captain of the Battlecats continues on his journey.

Meanwhile, Natharien receives information from the Oracle on the shocking news that two cubs have been born as successors to the throne. Unfortunately, Natharien’s strength draws power from the moon and the continuing Blood Moon and the absence of the Blood Priests is quickly drawing Natharien closer to death.

Later, Queen Adastril has nightmares about the final break between King Eramad and Valadar. That break is what eventually led to Valadar’s betrayal and the King’s death. When she wakes, the Queen receives word on the hiding location of the Blood Priests. We conclude the latter half of the issue with a new mission for the Battlecats, news about an old enemy, and the start of Kelthan’s recovery.

Final Thoughts

BATTLECATS (VOL. 3) #3 is nuanced, complex, mature, emotional storytelling. The character designs and battles are excellent, the characters’ interactions are relatably human, and the plot progression builds on the story in meaningful ways for a truly epic story. This is one of the best Mad Cave titles out right now, and one of the best among many publishers as well.

Score: 9/10