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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
some graphic novels feel like they are being extended beyond the original story but monstress continues to ratchet up the tension and feel like it was always meant to be this way. and the art is incredible
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Now that Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda have established the foundation of their world-building, with "Monstress, Vol. 3: Haven," it's starting to feel like they're diving into the meat of their story.
"Haven" explores Maika's connection with Zinn, a glimmer of Zinn's romantic connection with the Shaman Empress, and the complexities of relationships between the Ancient Ones. This volume, much like "Blood", feels more character heavy in it's exploration of Maika's motivations as a textbook anti-hero, while also continuing to offer facets of world-building that help establish just how interconnected the various schematics of this story are. I loved seeing the Inquisitrixes and the Dawn/Dusk court machinations being woven back into the story, I felt like the second volume felt like an intense focus into Maika, so it was nice to see that the rest of the world still moved on despite the main character's journey.
With the world-altering conclusion of this volume showcasing the level of power wielded by Maika & Zinn, I'm curious to see how the story will handle the pair facing adversity from here on out. This feels like a major turning point for the ways in which Maika can use her powers, and I'm hoping that the story doesn't lean too much into exponential power leveling. I'm also very excited to see where the storyline with Kippa goes, especially since the Nekomancers have been hinted at throughout the entirety of the series so far.
On that note, I do feel like the immensely dense info-dumps at the end of each issue # have been starting to feel a little grating. I liked them in the first initial issues as a means of inserting more world lore and history into the plot, but at this point in the series, it feels like a way to avoid needing to organically integrate this information into the story through dialogue. But all in all, I still absolutely adore this story and every single messy and chaotic lesbian character, and I cannot wait to see what the next installment will bring.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well that was fucking intense. One of the things I love about this series is its density, it's a complete mindfuck that completely engrosses me. Where the hell did that last hour go? No clue but it was a damn good time.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Dnfing this at 88% and the series as a whole. I understand.... 1,7% and am only really interested in Kippa, Ren, and the buff lady-shark on the boat 🤣
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was SO good. There’s finally enough puzzle pieces that even with the chaotic plot, I’m hooked all the way through. Sweet baby Kippa is too good for any of them. The art style, is as always, astoundingly beautiful.