REVIEW: ‘Dragon Age: Blue Wraith,’ Issue #3

Dragon Age: Blue Wraith #3 is published by Dark Horse Comics, written by Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir, art by Fernando Heinz Furukawa, colors by Michael Atiyeh, and letters by Nate Piekos. As Fenris, Vaea, and Francesca assault the estate held by the Qunari, the rest of the team continues to pursue the sarcophagus. With one last chance to overcome their prey will the team capture their prize? Or will it slip through their fingers?

Fast-paced action and deep character moments have been the hallmarks of this series since issue one. And Dragon Age: Blue Wraith #3 continues to showcase these elements with distinctive quality. These character moments are particularly potent where Francesca is concerned. Her character arc is brought to an excellent conclusion. DeFilipps and Weir have taken this character through a significant amount of growth for a short three issues. Her warmth and resounding kindness make her a personality that I instantly fell in love with. But the story knows its setting and kind hearts can pay a high price in the land of Fereldon.

While I enjoyed the story overall, I did find a few pitfalls within these pages. The biggest is how much is packed into this issue. With the split story in the present and a couple of flashbacks as well, the narrative is just too big for the book that contains it. This leads to a moment or two where characters jump from one point to another in a less-than-smooth fashion. While this by no means ruined the book for me, I wish DeFilipps and Weir had focused their story a bit more to allow the action to flow a bit smoother.

My only other complaint about this story comes with the ending. Or rather, the distinct feeling that there isn’t one. Some key plots are left wholly unresolved. While there may be plans for a follow-up story to continue the narrative, that does this book little help. The visual side of Dragon Age: Blue Wraith #3 is handled wonderfully. Furukawa’ s art really captures all the emotion in the story. Every scream, laugh, and tear brings all the impact they deserve. One particular panel with Francesca and Vaea is done perfectly. Furukawa’s choice to strip everything but them from the image is masterful artistic design.

The emphasis of emotion begun by Furukawa is completed with Atiyeh’s wonderful colors. A number of key panels are elevated to a whole new level thanks to the powerful colorwork exhibited within them. The pairing of color to emotion is never a wasted endeavor and Atiyeh’s work here is an excellent example of just how far the craft of colorists can take an image when practiced so sublimely.

When all is said and done I enjoyed my time with Dragon Age: Blue Wraith #3. It treats its characters wonderfully and lands some truly emotional moments splendidly. If it felt more like a complete story it would have been perfect.

Dragon Age: Blue Wraith #3 is available wherever comics are sold.