Aspen Comics 2015
Written by J.T. Krul
Penciled by Alex Konat
Inked by Julie Salvatierra & Mark Roslan
Coloured by Federico Blee & Peter Steigerwald
Lettered by Josh Reed
Miya’s past revealed the ageless battle between magic and the Chaos. Upon the return of magic, the young warrior collected a collective of able fighters, and grew into the leader she was destined to become. Meanwhile, Cassidy made her own discovery of her new magical abilities, and narrowly escaped the S.W.A.T. Teams’ dragnet--before she was rescued by Miya’s tribe…
I like that this issue focuses on Cassidy she’s fifteen years old and has entered a world that is both thrilling and scary for her. Seeing the kind of kid she was and the woman she can become is something J.T. has been able to tell exceptionally well. As we open with a very little her seeing her first magic act performed at a child’s birthday party it’s easy to see how that would influence her. There really is something exciting when someone is able to do something that seems impossible before our eyes.
That she needs to overcome her initial wonder at her new situation is clearly evident but I have to wonder why she’s not being treated a little differently at the same time. If I were in her shoes i’d be kind of pissed that I wasn’t being handled more like a newbie who needs instruction instead of someone that should know more than they do. I can understand Miya’s position after last issue but it slightly unnerving to see her be so cold to those who haven’t experienced what she has yet.
As afraid as she is Cassidy has all the makings of a leader or someone who can help Miya see past what she does. Her line of questioning should only serve to garner her more attention and then discussion so that both sides can be explored more fully. While a good soldier follows orders she’s not a soldier she’s a teenager. So the meeting of these two worlds should be interesting to see unfold before us. That J.T. is going the route he is I find extremely fascinating. There really is so much potential here and you are never quite sure which route he’s going to take leaving me guessing which ensure my return next issue.
Also Alex pencils along with the inkers and colourists really been able to kind of elevate the story J.T.’s telling. It’s so detailed and the colours in the wings and hair really make them seem so beautiful and magical that at times you forget they are feared for what they can do and what they represent. The attention to detail they are all bringing to this series is amazing to see. Every now and then I get this Phil Jimenez vibe from it and it makes me smile that this kind of realism and care is being putting into this.
That the soldiers chasing Cassidy and Miya’s tribe as well are unconcerned about borders or global positioning should be worrisome. Just because they are who they are doesn’t mean they have carte blanche to operate anywhere in the world. It makes me slightly angry that this is how the U.S. operates and how we’re seen by other countries. Still it’s not unrealistic so there’s always that and that they are so afraid of them makes me wonder as well. Still the young man questioning them as well leaves hope for me.
What an incredible series that has been turning into. Going past everything we’ve seen and forging it’s own way ahead while staying true to all things Soulfire this is a perfect series for longtime fans and new ones alike. For those wondering about the Soulfire world this is a great place to start without feeling overwhelmed or like you are entering into the middle of something. Here’s hoping that it can keep building, growing and being an impactful series.