BLOODBORNE: THE BLEAK DOMINION #3, by Titan Comics on 12/6/23, finds Gretchen and Abraham desperately fighting against the monsters set on them by Lucien’s betrayal.
The Details
- Written by: Cullen Bunn
- Art by: Piotr Kowalski
- Colors by: Brad Simpson
- Letters by: AndWorld Design’s JAME
- Cover art by: Maan House (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: December 6, 2023
Is BLOODBORNE: THE BLEAK DOMINION #3 Good?
Cullen Bunn delivers a thrilling, tension-filled issue in BLOODBORNE: THE BLEAK DOMINION #3. The best kind of drama convinces you the protagonists might truly die, and Bunn does plenty of convincing.
When last we left Abraham and Gretchen, they found their way into the catacombs underneath Yharnam in their search for Lucien. After fighting off more than a few beasties, the Hunters located Lucien, only to learn he is now on the side of the beasties and the Unholy Mother.
Since the Bloodborne series is based on the video game series of the same name, newer readers might wonder how much of this issue is action versus lore. Thankfully, Bunn gives you both in equal measure, so readers who want monster-fighting action, get plenty. Readers more interested in the history of the characters get their fair share.
What’s great about BLOODBORNE: THE BLEAK DOMINION #3? It’s all in the balance. Bunn strikes an entertaining balance between the story of a boy grappling with his grief for his murdered sister, the betrayal born of that grief, and the deadly consequences of Lucien’s choices. You get equal parts monster-fighting action and emotion all in one.
What’s not so great about BLOODBORNE: THE BLEAK DOMINION #3? With one issue left, there isn’t much time to introduce the main villain, the Unholy Mother, and give her space to become a formidable presence before the Hunters need to deal with her. We finally get to see the Unholy Mother on the last page, but up to now, she hasn’t been a factor in anything that’s happening as Lucien has only interacted with the Unholy Mother’s emissary.
How’s the art? Creepy. Piotr Kowalski’s woodcut style is cleaner, sharper, and more atmospheric than in his previous arc, and this issue benefits significantly from the improvement. The monsters are intimidating, and the action is well done.
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What’s BLOODBORNE: THE BLEAK DOMINION #3 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our BLOODBORNE: THE BLEAK DOMINION #2 review to find out what happened when Lucien struck an unholy bargain.
We begin with Gretchen and Abraham beset by a giant ogre intent on smashing them to bits. Lucien stands by in silence when the Hunters realize Lucien isn’t going to help them because he’s in league with the monster. Soon, the ogre is joined by two more, and the Hunters’ only hope is to get the ogres to turn their weapons on each other.
When the battle is barely won, Gretchen and Abraham race off to find Lucien who disappeared down a dark tunnel. Lucien is conflicted by the sacrifice called for by his bargain, but the image of his departed sister urges him to continue.
We conclude the issue with a fire-breathing hound, secret doors, and a ghostly appearance.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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BLOODBORNE: THE BLEAK DOMINION #3 seamlessly blends strong emotional conflict with tension-filled, monster-fighting action for the hardest-hitting issue yet. Bunn takes Lucien on a conflicted journey of grief, and the Hunters have their hands full with massive monsters.
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