Review: Raven – Daughter of Darkness #1 (of 12)
Following on from her mini series of last year, Marv Wolfman returns to one of his most recognisable characters in the DC Universe, regardless of how her appearance has changed over the last few years.
Since saving her friends, and most of San Francisco from a big purple orb, Rachel Roth; AKA Raven; has discovered and alternative life away from the Teen Titans. With a selection of school friends, she is feeling happy. Of course being happy probably wouldn’t make an interesting comic book, so when a shriek of terror pierces the best ever beech party, her shadow self flies to investigate, unaware that there are machinations in play that whilst entertain the virtue of keeping the balance between Chaos and Order could mean Raven’s death!
Going back to one of his most popular creations in Raven, Marv Wolfman runs the risk of “rinse and repeat”, covering elements that we have seen before. On one hand, whether it is Baron Winters or Brother Blood it seems that Raven’s ability to walk the tightrope between hero and Trigon bait has always been sought after. What makes this book different from classic Teen Titans tales, is that this time it is her non powered family that are potentially thrown into the mix. Seeing Raven having to adapt to friends and family is something that started in the last run. Hopefully, their participation will be greater than been sucked into the void. Again, based on the last run, Wolfman may need to watch pace versus issue count, with the previous run having too many issues that read the same as the preceding one; Raven tries to breach the barrier, communes with an evil force and is rebuffed. Hopefully this won’t occur again, but twelve issues is long story in which to keep the pace. Take Bane Conquest as an example of how quick the focus in a long story can be lost.
Pop Mhan provides the interior art with a style that matches the idiosyncratic nature of Raven. Mahn’s figures have a languid, stretched out look that gives all involved a Californian look. I don’t mind that so much, giving that Mhan gives close-ups the attention they deserve, showing one of the key components to Raven’s power; emotions. Although the scene of Teri having no eyes in one panel needs a bit more work if her eyes were meant to be hidden by the reflection of the fire. The action scenes are done well, with enough pace to propel the story through its initial set up phase, with the surprise at the end paying dividends. Lovern Kindzierski provides the colors adding a level of darkness to the book that fans of Raven should be accustomed too. True, there is a level of contrast on show thanks to the cheerfulness of Raven’s aunt and co. There are a couple of options when it comes to covers, with Yannick Paquette on the standard one and the great Bill Sienkiewicz on the variant.
DC’s fascination with Raven is interesting, especially when you consider that she hasn’t done a lot in the Teen Titans books other than become the “will they / won’t they” in Raven / Kid Flash romantic algebra. Looking back, I was disappointed in the last mini series and I am more than a little surprised that DC have gone back to well. Still, if lessons are learnt, then hopefully this series will go someway to bringing Raven a level of respect from her DC stable mates.
Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Marv Wolfman
Art by; Pop Mhan
Colors by;Â Lovern Kindzierski
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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