In HONOR AND CURSE #11, available from Mad Cave Studios on May 19th, 2021, the Iga and Koga clans have agreed to combine forces against common enemies, and the malignant force behind their woes reveals itself.
The Details
- Written By: Mark London
- Art By: Nicolás Salamanca
- Colors By: Tekino, Ricardo Castillo
- Letters By: Miguel Angel Zapata
- Cover Art By: Nicolás Salamanca
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: May 19, 2021
Was It Good?
It was good, but in a different way from the previous issue. Up to now, the series has been steeped in inter-clan intrigue, deep emotional conflicts between friends and loved ones, and an overarching feel of political drama with some mysticism layered on top.
This issue goes full bore on clans and individuals fighting demonic forces that have manipulated most of them since the beginning. The monster has come out of the shadows, so the story is less intricate but the stakes are much more urgent and higher. It will be interesting to see if the characters can put their differences aside to face this new and more powerful threat.
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The art from Salamanca and the team is still consistently good. In particular, the coloring from Tekino and Castillo is the standout for this issue. It looks great.
See for yourself in our HONOR AND CURSE #11 preview.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Lady Yoa has returned to her clan to report that her father is alive and training Genshi to master the Tengu that inhabits him. Read our HONOR AND CURSE #10 review to get caught up.
Fanuk, Lady Yua’s master, was tasked the Blacksmith-turned-rebel so many years ago. When he’s called to explain himself, Fanuk admits he left the Blacksmith alive to be tortured by the separation from his daughter and the shame of his rebellion.
Of course, Fanuk is not what he seems. Now that the secret of the Blacksmith is out, there’s no longer a need to hide his true identity. Fanuk transforms into a massive and powerful Tengu, the same Tengu who murdered both the Iga and Koga clan members so many years ago.
Fanuk’s desire through all these years was to sow mayhem and chaos by pushing the clans to war against each other. Now that the clans are on the cusp of unification through Lady Akemi’s marriage to Esaki, it’s time to stop hiding and take the direct approach.
All warriors present attack Fanuk, but it’s no use. He’s too big and too powerful.
The next day, a bloody and broken Lady Yua seeks out her father for help and to deliver worse news.
How Does It End?
More people arrive at the Koga palace at the worst possible time. Genshi makes a promise to his master. Lady Yua lost track of a very important person to Genshi.
Final Thoughts
HONOR AND CURSE #11, available from Mad Cave Studios on May 19th, 2021, switches gears from complex, political intrigue to desperate battles against a massive threat. The art is consistently good, the dialog feels organic and natural, and the story kicks into a high pace.
Score: 8.5/10
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