RISE OF THE DJINN #3, from Zenescope Entertainment on March 23rd, 2022, brings the Djinn War to a climactic end as Brazile must endure a test of strength and faith if she hopes to survive.
The Details
- Written By: Kevin Grevioux
- Art By: Elmo Bondoc
- Colors By: Jorge Cortes
- Letters By: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Art By: Paolo Pantalena
- Cover Price: $5.99
- Release Date: March 23, 2022
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Was It Good?
Well, it’s been a hot minute since issue #2 came out, but here we are with RISE OF THE DJINN #3, and the results are worth the wait.
One of the striking elements apparent in Kevin Grevioux’s writing is the level of deep care and detail he puts into constructing a world mixing reality with mysticism and religion in an authentic way. That care was notable from issue #1, but here, Grevioux goes all-in on mixing faith in a mystical context that this reviewer found refreshing (as well as accurate). It’s not Hollywood’s cotton candy version of faith, but a true depiction of faith as real people live with it (and sometimes wrestle with it) every day. Grevioux is shown here to be a storyteller interested in telling an engaging story while respecting the cultural elements that create a truly diverse experience.
As for the plot, again, attention to detail wins the day. The stakes escalate significantly after the “dark night of the soul” moment at the end of issue #2. The battle is hard-fought with casualties on both sides. And the ending satisfies while leaving the door open for more. There are no significant plot holes to speak of, no unanswered threads, no cheap victories. Endings are satisfying when they’re earned, and the characters earn them in this issue.
The minor down point, which is just as much about the art as the writing, is that the final battle felt a little small. It could be because there were too many close-up panels and you don’t get a feel for the area where the opponents fight. Whether from the writing or the art, the big climax was presented as a duel rather than a fight for control of the Earth. Again, the result is satisfying but it felt small.
The art by Bondoc, Cortes, and Esposito is excellent. We’ve noticed recently that colorists are the make-or-break heroes for comics from an assortment of Publishers. This comic is no exception with powers and attacks that shimmer and glow with power, mostly due to Cortes’s expert touch. In all, this is a visually pleasing issue to cap the series.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
It has been a while since the last issue, so get caught back up by reading our RISE OF THE DJINN #2 review.
We begin with Shedim, now revealed to be behind the killings and thefts, completing a ritual to bring Anki back from death/banishment. The ritual succeeds, and before Anki can assume authority over all Djinn present, Shedim traps Anki inside his body to gain control over his power.
Meanwhile, Brazile wakes up in a hospital after her defeat at the end of the last issue. She grapples with the realization that Shedim betrayed her, her friends were not who she thought they were, and her place in this world of magic and monsters in opposition to her faith.
Later, Brazile meets with her Pastor to discuss what’s happened. He imparts Biblical words of wisdom that help center her confusion but also challenge her to accept her faith beyond the superficial. Suddenly, she receives a warning from Musarra that Shedim is coming for her.
We conclude the issue with grand entrances, power uncontained, and a test of temptation and faith.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
RISE OF THE DJINN #3 is an excellent end to an excellent arc from newcomer (to Zenescope) Grevioux. The action, stakes, and drama on every page are matched only by Grevioux’s sincere attention to detail on making sure the legends and religions are infused with authenticity. Likewise, the art team gave it their all in presenting a finale that’s as visually satisfying as the writing.
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