Raven Daughter of Darkness #5 // Review
Series writer Marv Wolfman returns with artist Pop Mahn and colorist Lovern Kindzierski for the fifth of twelve issues in this mini series. Thus far, Raven has been able to get herself out of sticky situations; however, now that her mother is also involved, the stakes have been raised higher than she may be able to handle.
Raven and her mother have both been captured and taken to the underground laboratory of the previously mentioned company TommorrowTek. They are being held captive by the same armed guards that were hunting down Azure in issue one. Raven knows that something sinister is no doubt in her immediate future, and is doing her best to stall for time.
Writer Marv Wolfman has thus far written a very strong and confident character with a heart of gold that is willing to push herself for her loved ones. In this issue, Raven’s character is given even more depth. She is trying to stay strong and prove to her mother that she can handle herself despite their current situation. This development really helps to mature Raven, and show that, despite her young age, she is tough both physically and mentally. Wolfman also explores the clones a bit more in depth, and shows just how powerful they are and what exactly they want to accomplish now that they know the truth of their existence. At the opening of the issue, Wolfman introduces some exciting and utterly terrifying new characters called The Shadow Riders. They hunt supernatural beings, and Baron Winters seems to be completely horrified by their mere mention. Whatever they plan on doing next, it can’t be good for many of the people involved in this story.
Pop Mahn knocks it out of the park with the panels featuring the Shadow Riders, ghostly looking figures that are enveloped in an ethereal smoke or fog. Deadly-looking, glowing red eyes and pitch black ghostly steeds carry these ominous figures as they stalk a barely conscious Raven and her mother. Mahn has delivered a real visual treat to the reader with the introduction of these characters, as they will no doubt play a major role in the upcoming issues. Mahn also gives the reader more of Trigon, Raven’s interdimensional demon lord father, than any other issue thus far. He is shown trying to break through to Raven’s dimension, and looks incredibly powerful and terrifying. Mahn has really captured the terrible essence of Trigon like few others.
The action has been picking up in the last few issues, and colorist Lovern Kindzierski is really getting to let loose. Raven is unleashing her supernatural powers that include the vibrant blue and purples with the smokey black colors. However, with the introduction of the clones, they literally bring a new pallet of colors for Kindzierski to play with. Each clone is associated with a color, so not only are their big bold eyes those striking colors, they have powers that include those vibrant colors, such as scarlet and verdant. It’s a very welcome addition to the already beautiful color set that Lovern has been working with for this series.
With the introduction of The Shadow Riders and the imminent threat of Trigon entering reality, Wolfman, Mahn, and Kindzierski have certainly cranked up the stakes for Raven. This issue ends on a big cliffhanger, and, by next issue, it is already halfway through the series. Where they take the readers from here will no doubt be exciting.
