The cover art by Ricardo Cabral is a highlight, with its rich oranges and yellows starkly contrasting the blacks and blues. The ominous hands reaching for a strung-up body immediately set a sinister tone. The rope’s star-like shape cleverly centers the lifeless figure as the “main star” of the cover, adding depth to the composition. The credit page, while more subdued, is clean and efficient, featuring a minimalist four-color palette that complements the book’s visual identity.
The comic opens with an impressive cave illustration, where the entrance resembles a glowing full moon, setting a mysterious tone. This is quickly juxtaposed with vibrant, lively panels that create a mood shift, signaling a blend of drama, mystery, and suspense. However, as the story unfolds, the strong visuals are undermined by overly detailed character designs. The excessive line work, drawn with an almost microscopic pen tip, makes the characters feel overworked and less engaging. While the backgrounds shine with textured shadows that add atmosphere, the characters lack the same vitality.
The story follows a mysterious party aboard a ship named The Nyx and explores the aftermath of a breakup between two gay lovers. Greek mythology is woven into the narrative through narration boxes, which add intrigue but don’t fully compensate for the sluggish pacing. Key moments, like a trapeze artist pouring champagne or the introduction of a creepy little girl, stand out as high points. Unfortunately, much of the dialogue and interactions at the party feel dull, especially as the protagonist broods over their ex while failing to connect with the more intriguing characters around them.
Lettering by Jim Campbell is serviceable but unremarkable. The narration boxes and word balloons are clear but lack variety or creativity, and the absence of impactful sound effects leaves some scenes feeling flat.
The colors by Brad Simpson are exceptional, using contrasting palettes of eerie blacks, greys, and vibrant hues like oranges and pinks to evoke a dreamlike quality. These visuals save the comic from feeling entirely forgettable, with dual-tone illustrations being a standout. They’re so compelling that they’d make excellent standalone prints.
The ending hints at Greek gods mingling with humans at the party, adding an intriguing layer of supernatural mischief. However, the execution falls short, with a lack of real action or emotional impact. The comic leans heavily into its eerie aesthetic but often feels like it’s trying too hard to be unsettling without delivering the payoff.
Overall, Summer Shadows #3 has its moments of brilliance, particularly in its use of color and atmospheric art, but it’s held back by a lackluster plot and uninspired character work. Fans of slow-burn, mythology-tinged tales might find something to enjoy, but for those looking for a gripping story or dynamic characters, this issue may disappoint.
Writing: 3 Stars
Art: 3 Stars
Colors: 5 Stars
Overall: 3 Stars
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