HONOR AND CURSE #8, available from Mad Cave Studios on February 10th, 2021, brings Lord Esaki and Yua to Lady Akemi’s doorstep to broker an alliance while Genshi trains to bring the Tengu that possesses him under control. When everyone’s plans fall apart, an assassin arrives to make things more complicated.
The Details
- Written By: Mark London
- Art By: Nicolás Salamanca
- Colors By: Tekino
- Letters By: Miguel Angel Zapata
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: February 10, 2021
Was It Good?
Yes. In every way that works, this is the continuation of a historical epic with magic and demons amped up for good measure. The art is consistently good, and now it’s even more eye-popping with swirling magic and creatively designed demons.
What about the story? Besides Genshi’s training, there’s little action in the book, so the plot relies on dialog and political maneuvering by each character. Thankfully, enough is revealed in a critical flashback to force the reader to look at several relationships in a new light.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
We begin with Yua training in a field with her Master. She’s anxious to pursue Genshi and destroy the Tengu. Her Master assures her to be patient as he believes the Tengu will come to them.
Lord Azuro greets Lord Esaki during a morning stroll and they discuss the plan to form an alliance with Lady Akemi. During their talk, Lord Azuro remembers a time when Esaki was a baby cared for by Sawa. Without spoiling the reveal, we learn Azuro’s relationship with Sawa was not what it seemed.
As with the prior issues, (read our Honor and Curse #7 review here) this is not light reading. The relationship dynamics are intricate, and the story progression is layered. That’s an observation, not a criticism, but it helps if you read the issue through more than once to get the nuance.
Cut to Genshi training in the Jade Caverns. He’s assaulted on all sides by magical spirits conjured by the Elder One to strengthen him. Although Genshi makes some progress, he still has a long way to go. During the battles, the Elder One talks of the history of the Shinto and how the Tengu is a vicious betrayer that even his fellow spirits fear.
Meanwhile, Lord Esaki and Yua arrive at the Iga village to petition Lady Akemi to negotiate an alliance. When they arrive at the palace gates, their reception is not cordial. Lady Akemi agrees to speak with Esaki, but the talks don’t go very far as Lady Akemi continues her father’s grudge against Lord Yazuro.
When the negotiations break down, Lady Akemi offers to let them stay the night. Before the night is over, a masked assassin arrives to make things much worse.
Final Thoughts
HONOR AND CURSE #8, available from Mad Cave Studios on February 10th, 2021, continues the Japanese epic with melodramatic reveals, spirit demon fights, and rich, political intrigue. It’s not a fast or easy read, but the art and intelligent storytelling make the effort worth it.
Score: 8.8/10
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