KELLY SUE DECONNICK (Avengers Assemble, Captain Marvel) & EMMA RÍOS (Dr. Strange, Osborn) reunite to bring you an all-new ongoing series that marries the magical realism of Sandman with the western brutality of Preacher. Death’s daughter rides the wind on a horse made of smoke and her face bears the skull marks of her father. Her tale of retribution is as beautifully lush as it is unflinchingly savage.

This comic book presents an ambitious blend of Western and mythological elements, but unfortunately falls short in its execution. While the concept behind this comic book is intriguing, this comic book struggles with clarity and cohesion, making it difficult for readers to fully engage with the narrative.

The story in this comic book introduces a mysterious tale of vengeance and death, woven through a narrative that aims to be both epic and poetic. This comic book ambition is evident as she attempts to craft a layered narrative, but the result is often confusing. The plot unfolds in a nonlinear fashion with frequent shifts in perspective, which has left me personally disoriented and struggling to grasp the core of the story.

The character development is another area where this comic book falters in my opinion. While the characters are intriguing in concept, they lack sufficient depth and relatability. The lack of clear motivations and backstory makes it challenging to connect with them on an emotional level. The narrative hints at complex histories and relationships, but fails to provide enough detail to make these elements compelling.

The artwork itself in this comic book is one of this comic book’s strengths, showcasing a unique and expressive style that captures the surreal and ethereal qualities of the story. The illustrations that we get in this comic book are detailed and dynamic, effectively conveying the atmospheric tone of the narrative. However, the artwork can also contribute to the confusion, as the intricate designs sometimes make it difficult to discern action and follow the plot.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either linger without purpose or transition too quickly to absorb. This inconsistency affects the overall flow, preventing the narrative from building tension or momentum. The lack of a clear narrative direction further complicates the reading experience, which has left me personally feeling disconnected from the story.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does offer glimpses of potential. The combination of Western and mythological themes is intriguing, and with more focus on narrative clarity and character development, future comic books could potentially deliver on the promise of its concept.

I Give This Book 2 / 5