BATTLECATS (VOL.3) #6, from Mad Cave Studios on February 23rd, 2022, brings Valadar to the shores of the White March Islands to destroy the last hope of Valderia.
The Details
- Written By: Mark London
- Art By: Michael Camelo
- Colors By: Tekino
- Letters By: Miguel A. Zapata
- Cover Art By: Michael Camelo
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: February 23, 2022
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Was It Good?
Ding! Ding! Ding! Let’s get ready to RUMBLE!
There’s something so cathartic and satisfying when the smug bad guy thinks he’s got everyone right under his thumb, and just as he’s about to deliver the final blow… things get interesting.
BATTLECATS (VOL.3) #6 is that kind of issue. Do you get complex, intricate storytelling? Nope. Are there any deep, soulful moments of self-reflection? Nope. Is this the type of comic intended to be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea and a warm, snugly blanket? Not in the least.
This comic is all about seeing an infuriating, frustrating, so-bad-you-want-to-hate-‘im bad guy finally get confronted by somebody (or an army of somebody’s) his own size, and it’s worth every penny of the cover price. This is the type of comic where you want to roll up your sleeves, crack your knuckles, and think to yourself “Kaladar, you’re about to get your @$## kicked, and I’m gonna enjoy every second of it.”
You may be tempted to read the previous paragraphs and think “Wheesh, mindless violence” or “male power fantasy garbage”, but it’s not because of one simple reason. The final confrontation is earned. London earned this moment by layering outrage after injustice after slight after insult after attack against the Battlecats and their Queen over multiple issues, so when this moment arrives, the reader wants to see it happen just as much as the characters. Writers take note – the payoff is satisfying when it’s earned.
Of course, this issue wouldn’t work if not for the excellent art by Camelo and Tekino. There’s plenty of hand-to-hand and melee weapon action going on here, so Camelo kicks the character movements into overdrive to project a believable, chaotic brawl. Tekino uses the lighting of the surroundings (sunset) to give the battle more drama, and the minor color clashes on the character costumes we noted in previous issues appear to be worked out.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
If you don’t recall how or why Valadar cam to the White Marsh Islands, first read our BATTLECATS (VOL.3) #5 review.
We begin with Valdar and his ships arriving at the White Mars Islands to call out Rautan and demand he turn over the Lionborne. Rautan leaps down from the floating island, and the two spar while they taunt each other for their respective failings. Rautan gets his licks in but he’s soon overpowered by Valdar.
Kelthan is also a captive aboard the ship and he’s thrown together with Rautan for their final defeat. As Valadar raises his sword, it’s knocked from his hand by an arrow shot by Kelthan. Suddenly, hidden forces on the island and an armada of ships arrive to join the fight.
We conclude the issue with a flashback to Kelthan’s plan for this moment, a vow no more, and a new arrival that may just change everything.
Final Thoughts
BATTLECATS (VOL.3) #6 isn’t a deep, psychological, thought-provoking issue, but it’s oh so satisfying because the bad guy has earned his beating, and this issue delivers. London’s writing makes sure the players are right where they need to be with just enough explanation to make the impossible gathering make sense. And, Camelo and Tekino leave all their artistic talents on the field of battle. This was a great issue.
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