Paperback, 159 pages
English language
Published Jan. 8, 2018 by Image Comics.
"Maika Halfwolf has begun to unlock the mysteries of her past--but the challenges of the present are only growing. Maika's journey takes her to the neutral city of Pontus, where she hopes to find temporary refuge from her pursuers. Unfortunately, Pontus may not be as safe as Maika and her allies had hoped. As the impending war between humans and Arcanics creeps ever closer, and powerful players fight for the chance to control her future, Maika finds she must work with Zinn, the Monstrum that lives inside her, in order to ensure their mutual survival. But even that alliance might not be enough to prepare Maika for the horrors to come."--Page [4] of cover.
This series reminds me a bit of Octavia Butler thematically and is stylistically astonishing. The story is difficult, fascinating, and has enough bright spots to help you through the dark parts.
As always a great, epic story full of interesting characters, insidious politics and unparalleled visuals
As usual, the artwork is just absolutely fantastic. And while I enjoyed the story, I'm still very much bogged down in the non-linear telling and the jumps in perspective. Didn't keep me from thoroughly enjoying this volume, or eagerly awaiting the next.
It feels like we're getting a bit more meat on the bones of this tale, but there's still plenty of mystery. The action is scaling up and I can only wonder how they'll up the ante as the series unfolds. Seems to have gone on a hiatus after this volume :(
The artwork is still the most beautiful ever and it's another one where the ending left me wide eyed. It seems like it's getting less disturbing and pieces are being manoeuvred into place for the war of the gods. Maika's monster is also starting to become rather likeable.
Monstress is a sweeping work of high fantasy meets cosmic horror and easily one of the most beautiful comics ever. Period. Each page is dazzling. And as for the story… I don’t know where to start. It’s a vast and complex fantasy epic set in a matriarchal world of jaw-droppingly beautiful Art Deco-esque steampunk featuring lots of strong queer characters and themes. It’s a story of war and the trauma it inflicts upon individuals and society alike. It’s a story of Lovecraftian monsters worshipped as gods and the awesome power born of the connection between a teenage girl who’s known nothing but war and one of those ancient and indescribably powerful creatures. It’s a love story, a coming-of-age in impossible times story. Also, there’s a race of cat mages with multiple tails. Also also, as someone who grew up unable to find their name on those racks of mini license …
Monstress is a sweeping work of high fantasy meets cosmic horror and easily one of the most beautiful comics ever. Period. Each page is dazzling. And as for the story… I don’t know where to start. It’s a vast and complex fantasy epic set in a matriarchal world of jaw-droppingly beautiful Art Deco-esque steampunk featuring lots of strong queer characters and themes. It’s a story of war and the trauma it inflicts upon individuals and society alike. It’s a story of Lovecraftian monsters worshipped as gods and the awesome power born of the connection between a teenage girl who’s known nothing but war and one of those ancient and indescribably powerful creatures. It’s a love story, a coming-of-age in impossible times story. Also, there’s a race of cat mages with multiple tails. Also also, as someone who grew up unable to find their name on those racks of mini license plates, sticker packs, or even stupid soda cans, finding an awesome comic wherein the main character bears my name is so delightful it’s sometimes distracting.
