DRAGON WHISPERER (VOL. 2) #3, from Red 5 Comics on August 10th, 2022, takes Rosalinda and Carinda’s crew through a deadly barrier into the Flats. Getting past a deadly thorn wall is just the beginning.
The Details
- Written by: Alex De Luca
- Art by: Glen Fernandez
- Colors by: Glen Fernandez
- Letters by: Alex De Luca
- Cover art by: Glen Fernandez
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: August 10, 2022
Is It Good?
DRAGON WHISPERER (VOL. 2) #3 takes Rosalinda and her allies through the outer barrier of the Flats in search of Obsidian, the last dragon. In this penultimate issue of the volume, Rosalinda learns not everyone values life on equal terms. Filled with danger and determination, this issue is brimming with dramatic tension. However, the main story is too short to make a significant impact or much progress on the plot. The backup story detailing Obsidian’s early years, however, gives readers more meat to chew on.
This issue is a mixed bag because the main story only takes a few steps forward while the backup story surrounding Obsidian’s early days does all the world-building. The main and backup stories are split and treated separately, yet, they feel like they should be part of one continuous narrative, so the issue feels unnecessarily split.
Narrative dysfunction aside, the main plot surrounding Rosalinda does make some progress in getting the crew into the Flats, enduring losses along the way, and revealing (to the reader only) that more trouble is brewing. There’s more setup than plot progress, but it’s a good setup.
The backup surrounding Obsidian’s early days is where we get a clear look into Obsidian’s flawed personality, the need for achievement at a dangerous cost, and how missteps lead to the creation of the Flats. Consequently, Obsidian’s deeds don’t just inform the reader about the past but also set up the challenges Rosalinda is about to face. Again, it’s largely setup, but it’s a good setup.
The art, on the other hand, is excellent. Fernandez’s linework, character designs, action choreography, and colors are super clean and pristine. Admittedly, the art style has a cartoonish quality, but it suits the material to a tee. The story has its ups and downs, but the art is visually enjoyable on every page.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Refresh your noggin on the events that led up to Rosalinda finding the Flats in our DRAGON WHISPERER (VOL. 2) #2 review.
We begin with Rosalinda and Carinda’s crew assessing the thorn wall surrounding the Flats. One touch from a thorn means instant, painful death. The group decides the best way through is to find a guide, and they head back to the nearby village to hire one. Secretly, the guides have been bound and gagged, replaced with imposters.
Later, the “guides” use special mechanical arms to get the crew through the thorn wall. Unfortunately, one of the guides is killed at the crossing.
250 years ago, we see Obsidian and his escapee friends find a natural stone hill surrounded by water. They decide it’s a perfect spot to build a stronghold so they can live out their days in peace. Obsidian passes the years by experimenting with science and magic until he stumbles onto a powerful and dangerous discovery. We conclude the issue with a reckless experiment, a loop, and the past meeting the present.
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Final Thoughts
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DRAGON WHISPERER (VOL. 2) #3 is a strangely disjointed issue with more setup than plot progression. In fairness, the setup readers get is very good, but it feels like the finale will have to rush through a lot to get this penultimate issue to pay off. Regardless, the art is super clean, colorful, and appealing.
Related Information
Are there real dragons?
There are no dragons as depicted in popular fantasy fiction. Large, winged reptiles that fly, breathe fire, and stand watch over grottos filled with treasure do not exist. However, there are large land-based lizards called Komodo Dragons which grow between 7.5 feet and 8.5 feet in length and should be considered dangerous if antagonized.
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