IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Luciano Saracino
Illustrated by Ariel Olivetti
Lettered by Andworld Design
Translated & Edited by Carlos Guzman
Captured by the Spaniards, Ich and his people spring a trap on their captors and raze their city! Meanwhile, Sebastian Loup prepares for a final confrontation with the shape-shifting warrior….
I’ve come to hold this story to a higher standard than most and the guys haven’t disappointed me yet. I’ve been caught up in the story since day one and I love the way the series has flowed with the storytelling and the illustrations. We’ve gone from meeting Ich and his mission as an agent of his god by using the Masks to protect his people to doing the one thing the Spaniards have no chance against, he’s given his people hope. Fulfilling his destiny and what has been foretold in the past has been unfolding here.
When the girl of his dreams comes to his aide you always wonder who or what she is. Thanks to Sebastian of all people we get a clue. I love the idea there and if it’s accurate than ideas of these indigenous people and their beliefs are even more on display allowing us to glimpse something unique to the region. Still I am very much enjoying the way Sebastian and Ich are being drawn ever closer to that inevitable confrontation in ways that demonstrate how much more there is this supposed man that we’ve seen hinted at the entire time.
I won’t talk of that confrontation because that’s giving away just too much of important stuff that you really need to read to truly appreciate. I will say it’s everything we’ve wanted it to be and oh so much more.
I’ve come to a new appreciation for what Olivetti’s capable of doing with his work through this series as well. The attention to detail he has brought is extraordinary, the use of colour and his backgrounds are simply awe inspiring. The flow through the pages and panels with all the angles and perspective have just taken this to a whole new level with which to experience this magnificent story. Without these interiors being what they are the story would have had less of an impact and that’s something you cannot discount.
As we leave this chapter of the tale there was one thing that was made abundantly clear. Sebastian was sent to deal with one thing and one thing only, Ich. He wasn’t there to douse the hope of the indigenous population. So long as there are those who still believe in their gods and have that hope then the Spaniards continued occupation will always be in jeopardy of falling prey to their uprisings. I’m sure with who he is he wouldn’t have it any other way either.
Using local beliefs and superstitions and allowing us a glimpse into a world and culture not of my own i’ve been blessed with seeing things through a new pair of eyes. This has been one of those rare stories where the words and pictures work so well together that they make you believe in the gods of old and the possibilities they represent.