In Dynamite Entertainment‘s 2019 Xena: Warrior Princess series from Vita Ayala, we have gotten to see new myths, gods, warlords, and kings, as Xena, Gabrielle, and a disgraced Discord become globetrotting adventures on a quest to make it back to Greece after being mysteriously sent away following Discord’s removal from godhood. Now, in Xena: Warrior Princess #6, written by Ayala, with art by Olympia Sweetman and Vasco Georgiev, colors from Rebecca Nalty, and letters by Ariana Maher, we meet our trio as they get closer to home.
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Having started in MesoAmerica moved through a snowy tundra and winding up on a ship, Xena’s world tour is coming to end as the trio make their way back home. Xena: Warrior Princess #6 is action-packed from the moment the trio steps off the ship in Greece. But while the action is delightful with dynamic fighting and a gorgeously muscular Xena dropkicking a harpy, there is also a familial heart to the issue as Discord resolves her conflict with her family.
Sweetman and Georgiev’s art is wonderful, offering up just the right amount of whimsy to an issue filled with dark fantasy images. As the trio battle their way through the labyrinth, the creature design is truly a thing of dark beauty that looks fit for a Guillermo del Toro film. Between the harpies and the minotaur charging in, this issue’s art is the perfect way to bring to life mythical creatures in a way that is both imposing and magical.
The colors from Nalty are also spot on this issue, with my favorite pieces being the ones used to paint the sequence in the labyrinth. Nalty is able to simulate darkness by dimming colors without washing them out. Casting everything in a sepia tone can easily be a downfall, but the strong contrast to the black linework and the pops of red make each panel stick out even with grays and browns dominating.
Overall, Xena: Warrior Princess #6 is another success for Dynamite and the creative team. I say it every time I review this title but it continues to ring true, this is the Xena I missed from pop culture and each issue feels like a warm hug from the fandom to me thanks to Ayala’s storytelling.
Xena: Warrior Princess #6 is available where comics are sold now.
Xena: Warrior Princess #6
TL;DR
Xena: Warrior Princess #6 is another success for Dynamite and the creative team. I say it every time I review this title but it continues to ring true, this is the Xena I missed from pop culture and each issue feels like a warm hug from the fandom to me thanks to Ayala’s storytelling.
