Dynamite Entertainment 2016
Written by Genevieve Valentine
Illustrated by Julius Gopez
Coloured by Nanjan Jamberi
Lettered by Rob Steen
Terrified by visions of Xena’s death at Rome’s hands, Gabrielle set out to confront Augustus Caesar and stop the violence of his empire. But Xena will stop at nothing to reach Gabrielle in time – including laying siege to Rome itself.
First I have to say i’m in love with the work that Julius and Nanjan do on these interiors. There’s this lovely quality to the work that just has this soft fantasy look and feel with these pastel colours and intricate linework. It brings the level of storytelling here to a whole new level where the era they are in comes to life in a way that’s perfect for the subject matter. The use of page layouts through the angles, perspective and opulent backgrounds really bring this to life so incredibly well.
As for the story itself what Genevieve brings here is the kind of compliment to the series that is worthy of being considered a continuation. There have been times that Xena takes center stage and then there are times that Gabrielle does and this sharing of the story where two characters who are in love with each, would cross ocean’s, fight armies, live and die for each other like they would is a great tribute to that relationship.
Augustus has manipulated Gabrielle and kept her sequestered from public view so when Xena came to “rescue” her she had no idea. It’s a nice look at his man in his colourful garb with a mind and plan that he requires her skills as a bard for. The whole absolute power saying could be seen here but they’ve known him before this aspect of his life came into being. Now he’s stretched the bonds of who they all were past their breaking point and they can never be mended.
This doesn’t mean that Gabrielle won’t give the people of Rome a story in his honour. No she does that and as always her words contain weight and power to them that shock even those closest to her. That Genevieve can write with such conviction and such power behind the words and meaning is wonderful to see. The characterisation she brings to the characters through their words and actions not only showcase that women can be strong, intelligent and in charge of their own destinies but it’s universal in that for anyone who reads the story.
This first arc has been a great re-introduction to Xena, Gabrielle and the new world they find themselves in. Here’s hoping that this is just the beginning of a long love affair between these creators and these characters. There’s so much to explore, a depowered Ares and Gods who are mourning. The girls trying to find a place they may actually fit in. There’s this unexpected grace and beauty to the series that somehow just feels right.