Publisher: Dynamite
Story: Genevieve Valentine
Art: Ariel Medel, Nanjan Jamberi, Rob Steen
Release Date: 8th June 2016

---

In the third issue of Xena’s comic book adventures, we commence with Erdem’s test for Xena: obtaining information from a Roman general on an upcoming campaign. Behind the scenes, the Harpies have tracked the target to a renowned gaming house that plays host to Rome’s finest, so cue some truly spectacular dresses as Xena, Gabrielle and an assortment of Harpies attempt to blend in.

The story jumps back and forth between Xena’s mission and the Harpies camp, where trouble brews in form of an oncoming legion of Roman Eagles. This particular book is largely plot-driven as a consequence, but in so many ways, the underlying focus remains the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle. For many, this was the key strength of the TV series and Valentine clearly knows it, slipping in some nice exchanges between them throughout the book to add further layers to the dynamic of their relationship.

Where the book lacks is in providing a clear narrative to follow. The arrangement of the panels themselves is fresh and interesting; however at times I found that the text and the artwork didn’t marry up. I found myself confused as to precisely what was happening, or which character was speaking. It won’t entirely ruin your enjoyment, but you may have to re-read some sections a couple of times before you completely follow the plot.

Otherwise, Medel has a nice artistic style and captures the woman in realistic proportions, in what is a refreshing take on powerful women. I do find her lines a little harsh on the facial features of most of the characters, but it doesn’t detract from an otherwise attractive looking comic. Jamberi’s bright colouring definitely adds to this, as does Rob Steen and his use of ‘ye olde’ lettering for the narrator’s section at the beginning. I love, love, LOVE the narrator’s section; I hear it in the most dramatic tones in my head and Rob Steen is only encouraging me with his choices, so it’s a big thumbs up from me.

I won’t spoil it, but for fans of the series, just you wait till page 18 (again, the artwork here is great). It’s an exciting moment, although for me, not quite exciting enough to make up for the convoluted narrative in places. This book is still a solid entry in the series, but I would say not quite as enjoyable as those that have come before it.

Rating: 3/5.

---

The writer of this piece was: Claire Stevenson
Claire Tweets from @cookie___raider

---