REVIEW: ‘Rising Sun,’ Issue #3

Rising Sun #3 is published by IDW Publishing, written by Ron Marz and David Rodriguez, with art by Martin Cóccolo, colors by Katrina Mae Hao, and letters by Samuel Murray. With their leader Chiyoko having fallen from the mountain, the remaining team must complete the trek to the fortress without her guidance. What awaits them will be their toughest opponent yet. But do they still possess the strength to defeat it?

With the final challenge lying before them the team is fraying at the seams. Having discovered Chiyoko’s rope was cut, they now know there is a traitor in their midst. This creates an even greater division within the team than had already existed. And without the force of their leader’s will to hold them together, the situation looks truly dire.

These circumstances are used excellently to highlight further the tension in Rising Sun #3 and what has been so strong throughout this series: the strength of the characters. And while all the characters get their moments, the true star of this issue has to be Takara.  Takara came across initially as brash, headstrong, and difficult. After just three issues, the character shows tremendous growth. Marz and Rodriguez do an excellent job of not just bringing this character so far so fast but of making it feel natural as well.

Just as with the characters, the plot is executed wonderfully. The final resolution has the proper weight to it, delivering an ending that wraps the story up nicely. Even the reveal of the traitor is satisfying. Their “unmasking” hits with the appropriate force, shaking the party and further burdening them when they can least afford it.

The art quality in Rising Sun #3 keeps pace with the magnificent writing. Cóccolo’s art delivers in every way you can ask. Every moment is captured flawlessly, from the personal confrontations within the party to the final battle to free the Kami. Cóccolo always puts the reader right in the middle of the scene. This is even true during the few more tender moments that occur within the issue. These small moments warm the reader with the strength of their presentation. Allowing the strength the characters gain in them to be almost felt. One of the aforementioned tender moments also serves as a highlight of what is yet another wonderful job on behalf of colorist Hao. Her color choices continue to enhance the art they complete. They add that final touch of life to the characters and the panels they inhabit.

The letter work is also strong as well. Murray not only places the dialogue so as not to impede the art, but it even sees utilization as a means to guide the reader from panel to panel. By having some dialogue straddle between two panels, it pulls the reader along smoothly. This is excellently done to enhance the fluidity of the tale further.

Rising Sun #3 serves as a masterful conclusion to its story. Its plots are tied up cleanly, and its characters have grown and learned from their adventures. As with all great stories, this one leaves me hoping that I may get to return to this setting soon and if this creative team could once again be my guide, all the better.

Rising Sun #3 is available now wherever comics are sold.