HORIZON ZERO DAWN: LIBERATION #3 – Review

In HORIZON ZERO DAWN: LIBERATION #3, available from Titan Comics on November 10th, 2021, Ersa and Erend unite the rebels against the Sun-God King but Dervahl’s schemes set a disaster in motion.

The Details

• Written By: Anne Toole
• Art By: Elmer Damaso
• Colors By: Bryan Valenza
• Letters By: Jim Campbell
• Cover Art By: Ben Harvey (cover A)
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Release Date: November 10, 2021

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Was It Good?

Well, this comic is starting to fall short based on the original criticism we had from the start. The story has very little to do with Aloy and Erend, the main characters in the Horizon Zero Dawn game on which it was based, and everything to do with a flashback story about Erend’s sister. To be fair, Ersa is in the game and her story is part of the narrative, but here, you’re retelling the story of her death in a much slower and less engaging way.

To be blunt, Ersa’s story isn’t terribly interesting. When you make a side character, whose story isn’t terribly interesting, the crux of an entire comic series, this is what you get. The story simply lacks any emotional connection or dramatic punch. You’d expect to feel something considering Erend is narrating a story about the death of his sister, but the story doesn’t convey any emotional weight, or at least not enough for readers to care.

While the impact of the story is falling flat, the art is gorgeous. Damaso has a keen eye for capturing the digital characters in comic book form in a way that retains the spirit of the characters from the game but remains true to the comic book medium. The story looks great, and the opening sequence where Aloy and Erend take down a Stormbird is exciting. It would have served the comic better to focus more on the action the game is known for.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

If you’ve forgotten (after a hiatus) where we left off with Ersa, go back and read our HORIZON ZERO DAWN: LIBERATION #2 review.

We begin with the rebels learning Ersa has been getting her intel from the Sun-God King’s youngest son, Prince Avad. The group is torn between maintaining a collaborative relationship with Prince Avad and taking him hostage as leverage against the king. Ultimately, the group goes along with collaboration.

Secretly, Dervahl plans to go along with the group until they capture Meridian. Once the city is his, he plans to kill every member of the royal family, including Prince Avad. Erend overhears Dervahl discussing his plan with his allies and meets with Ersa to figure out what to do. Ultimately, they decide their plans have a better chance of success if they get rid of Dervahl.

Ersa later meets with Dervahl and asks to speak with him privately on the mountainside. We conclude the issue with a mountaintop tussle and a rallying cry at the gates of Meridian.

Final Thoughts

HORIZON ZERO DAWN: LIBERATION #3 is a faithful adaptation of the last days of Ersa’s life, but the story lacks any dramatic weight or emotion. The art is video game accurate and looks great during the action scenes. If you’re truly invested in the Horizon Zero Dawn franchise, get this comic to complete your collection. Otherwise, you’re better off just playing the game.

Score: 6.5/10

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