REVIEW: ‘Monstress,’ Issue #36

Monstress #36 is published by Image Comics, written by Marjorie Liu, with art by Sana Takeda and letters by Rus Wooton. With Tuya’s betrayal rendering Maika helpless, the air armada makes its way to the Dusk Court. But Kippa isn’t about to count Maika out, and the young Arcanic is determined to help her friend. All the while, Maika’s father and his Blood Court prepare their next move.

This story serves the dual purposes of re-familiarizing readers with the current state of affairs and the players crafting them as well as delivering some powerful emotional moments. These elements blend seamlessly with each other right from the opening page, as we see Kippa trying her hardest to slice and dice the traitorous Tuya. Gotta say I wish her only the best in that endeavor.

From Kippa’s tear-filled threats against Tuya’s life, Monstress #36 flows from one group to another as each plans for what will happen when they arrive at the Dusk Court. If the Court gains control of Zinn, it will significantly shift the balance of power. But even as the players prepare their next move, too many overlook the most important fact that Monstress fans have known since the earliest chapters of this story: Wolves are hard to kill. And despite Maika being called “Half-Wolf,” it would be folly to presume this doesn’t go for her as well.

While Liu’s writing does a fantastic job of blending the emotional responses of Maika’s closest friends to her current state with all the plot layout that the book achieves, this story’s star is easily Takeda’s art. Always a fantastic vehicle to present Maika’s story with, Takeda’s work elevates itself yet again as it delivers the tale’s emotions and prepares the reader for what comes next. The ethereal nature of Takeda’s work brings several elements of this installment’s story to life in a way that no other artist could. When the story reaches its final sequence, Takeda pulls back the curtain for the reader to slowly reveal something that, to random inspection, would look impressive, but to those who have traveled throughout this tale, will leave breathless.

The final element of Monstress #36‘s presentation is Wooton’s lettering. Between the borderless dialogue bubbles and the letter’s pitch-perfect placements, the story’s words are able to blend in wonderfully with the art. Never hindering the reader’s ability to appreciate everything that transpires within the panels.

Monstress #36 manages to reintroduce the reader to both the book’s multi-faceted plot, as well as its dramatic tone with astonishing ease and skill. Ending on a high note, that leaves me worried that the month I have to wait for the next issue will feel as long as the six months I had to wait for this one.

Monstress #36 is available now wherever comics are sold.