REVIEW: ‘Demon Days: Rising Storm,’ Issue #1

Demon Days: Rising Storm #1 is illustrated and colored by Peach Momoko (with English adaptation and dialogue by Zack Davisson), and lettered by VC’s Ariana Maher. It is published by Marvel Comics. Part three of “The Yashida Saga” features Mariko Yashida traveling with the wolf named Logan through the wilderness of Kirasaki Mountain, as she struggles with the bloodthirsty nature of her oni heritage. She soon encounters the siblings Sosuke and Ororo, who possess control over lightning and wind; while battling the two Mariko learns more about her connection to the oni Ogin as well as her late mother.

Continuing the tradition of the previous Demon Days one-shots, this comic features the perfect mix of Marvel and Japanese mythologies. Ororo is the true name of the X-Men’s beloved weather mistress Storm, and Sosuke is the equivalent to the Mighty Thor himself. And in keeping with the Japanese mythology, they turn out to be a fujin (wind god) and raijin (thunder god) respectively. Considering Storm and Thor’s abilities in canon, and the fact that both have been called gods, Momoko chose wisely when reinterpreting the duo. She also transforms another fan-favorite Marvel character into an oni at the end; readers will no doubt be pleased with that change as well.

Momoko also continues to flesh out Mariko, particularly her struggle with her oni nature. When fighting Sosuke and Ororo, she grows more and more bloodthirsty, mistaking them for oni; she also fears that her oni blood will take over. But there are also some heartwarming moments, especially when Logan the wolf comforts Mariko, as well as Sosuke and Ororo’s bond as brother and sister. A flashback centered on Mariko’s mother also leads to a heartbreaking revelation that reveals the events behind the Yashida saga.

And art-wise, Momoko continues to deliver insanely beautiful images; the fact that she also paints her own art is a huge source of this beauty. Ororo’s robes look like they are literally made out of clouds, and Sosuke wears clothing that blends Japanese fashion with Thor’s trademark armor. Mariko herself wears mostly red and white clothing, with her red oni mask and tanto blade as a major element of her ensemble. But the stand-out is a sequence at the beginning highlighting the Kijin Wars-the conflict between humans and oni. Under Momoko’s hand, this sequence takes the form of a Japanese tapestry, featuring beautifully crafted images of bloodshed.

Davisson and Maher are just as integral to the art process. Davisson not only helps shape the final story, but also provides more information on Japanese mythology in the backup pages. This helps add context to the story, while also serving as a great introduction to Japanese mythology. Maher’s lettering takes the form of a scroll during the Kijin Wars sequence, which really makes it feel like a Japanese-style tapestry. And her sound effects also blend into the background; when Sosuke slams his hammer into the ground, the “Kraka-Thoom” sound effect takes the form of a thunderbolt and a “fwoooo” sound accompanies Ororo’s gusts of wind.

Demon Days: Rising Storm #1 serves as the penultimate installment of the Yashida Saga, continuing Peach Momoko’s beautiful mix of Marvel and Japanese mythologies. With the final installment, Demon Days: Blood Feud, slated for release in March I look forward to seeing how this unique take on the Marvel Universe reaches its end.

Demon Days: Rising Storm #1 is available wherever comics are sold.