A Tale Of Two Queens: ‘Isola’ #10 Reviewed
by Josh Davison
Mild Spoilers Ahead
Captain Rook awakens in the loving embrace of Queen Olwyn, but there is something off about the queen. She shows no concern for her soldiers on the march to meet their enemies. The two have an opportunity to stop war, but Olwyn doesn’t seem to care. Worse yet, she seems angry and mercurial and she reveals a secret about Rook’s mother that sends the captain into a spiral. However, the tiger form of Olwyn arrives and Rook is left to wonder who is the true Queen Olwyn.
Isola #10 finds the relationship between Rook and Olwyn experiencing a series of major shake-ups. It appears as if Rook’s mission to cure the queen is accomplished at last, but Olwyn is not behaving like herself.
Needless to say, something is indeed amiss. However, the revelation about Rook’s mother proves true and will affect Rook and Olwyn’s relationship for the long haul. The truth of it all is revealed in the climax and while there is a bit of confusion in the moment, Isola does a good job of explaining what is actually going on.
The finale is extremely grim. Things seem to be concluding on a bittersweet high note until another threat suddenly appears and spills the blood of dozens under Olwyn’s rule.
Karl Kerschl and Msassyk once again provide unique and downright gorgeous artwork, the kind of which helped make Isola the beloved comic series that it is. Rook and Olwyn are given great and expressive treatments and the grim finale is presented with the weight and horror it needs. The color work is also quite brilliant. The book as a whole proves beautiful.
Isola #10 is another gripping and gorgeous issue for this Image Comics series. It’s been a while since yours truly made a return visit to Isola and I was as impressed and engaged as ever by this vibrant fantasy series. Needless to say, this one earns a recommendation. Feel free to give it a read.
Isola #10 comes to us from writers Brendan Fletcher and Karl Kerschl, artists and cover artists Karl Kerschl and Msassyk, and letterer Aditya Bidikar.
Final Score: 8.5/10