Raven Daughter of Darkness #3 // Review
Marv Wolfman and his creative team, including artist Pop Mahn and colorist Lovern Kindzierski, are back for issue three of this miniseries. Thus far, they have delivered an intriguing story arc for Raven while introducing new and exciting characters and even bringing in a few classics to spice things up. They have shown how even one person with good intentions can help shed some light during the darkest of times.
Wolfman continues to indulge the reader in the inner workings of Raven. In this issue,Raven is once again confronted multiple times with situations in which she must choose between saving bystanders, trying to redeem her attacker or defending herself. Raven is constantly placing the importance of herself last. Wolfman shows knowledge of the character like no other with this engrossing character development. What has made these issues so interesting is how Wolfman can still evolve this character after helping co-create her in the early 80s with George Perez.
Baron Winters, who was also created by Wolfman, has his background and powers explored more in depth. Winters, who as mentioned in review #1, has been watching Raven very closely, as it turns out; he has extensive knowledge of Raven’s background. Wolfman captures some truly heartbreaking moments when Raven finally learns the truth of her past from using her empathic powers during her interaction with Winter and Merlin, leaving the reader wanting even more with these new revelations about this mysterious man and his exotic pet.
Artist Pop Mahn was really able to run wild in this issue. Raven, finally confronts Baron Winter, who sends her through a time portal and warps Raven back to San Francisco 1906. Raven is thrust right into the midst of the historic earthquake. Mahn displays page after page of incredible destruction and tragedy with with ironic beauty. Mahn also gives more details on Trigon’s history with his brutality on full display.
Of course, these panels make so much more of an impact with the coloring mastery of Lovern Kindzierski. Fire plays a big part in this series, and it is on full display in this issue. Kindzierski gets to light up multiple pages with scorching reds, yellows and oranges. Thick clouds of pitch black smoke choke multiple panels giving Raven, and the reader a claustrophobic feeling. Kindzierski also adds a creepy touch to panels featuring Trigon with thick blacks, deep reds and blues, and a touch of purple for a supernatural look that cranks up the creepy factor.
Wolfman, Mahn and Kindzierski have given the readers a dark and sinister setting in just three issues. Although there do seem to be glimmers of hope here and there, the darkness seems to be growing with every issue. Raven has displayed such bravery in the face of danger, albeit sometimes at very nearly to cost of her safety. It will be interesting to see how safe she can keep herself as this series continues along towards an exciting climax.
