The Library Checks You Out — Reviewing ‘Doom Academy’ #3

Eaten by a book? Even for the most avid reader, that would be a truly revolting development to really comprehend. Magic schools are full of twists and turns like these, proving to be just as unsafe as most spaces on the planet.

This is doubly true when that magical school also happens to be within the home space of Victor Von Doom, the current, world-ruling Sorcerer Supreme.

Class is still back in session as MacKenzie Cadenhead, Pasqual Ferry, João M.P. Lemos, Edgar Delgado, and Clayton Cowles deliver Doom Academy #3.

Even with the unfriendly spaces the students inhabit, there is just something nice about this series. Comforting even. Cadenhead understands these characters like few others have since they debuted under the writing hand of Skottie Young.

There is a depth to the overall story and magic mixed with solid character beats. While it’s only focused on a few students, this is actually good for the story. Especially since the small character focus centers on a handful of familiar folks and a few intriguing new ones, exploring the line between bold magic users and those who fear most magics presents quite the compelling foundation.

This centers on the hidden zombie Zoe and trapped Vuletic member Greta.

Once again, Ferry is the perfect choice for this and any other magical book. He really delivers on the eclectic atmosphere such a story demands. Smooth and rough textures combine to create something really hefty and impactful, whimsical but sharp and pointed at the same time. It pairs well with the very light but colorful palette from series veteran Delgado.

Darker tones really help give things even more weight. Their positions on the page feeling genuine at all times.

Similarly, tapping Lemos to handle the fantasy book sequences was inspired. It makes sure that the two worlds feel very different. Yet, they share much in common. An overall rougher quality is very felt in Lemos’ work as the figures take on whimsically exaggerated forms. Movement is still rife with kinetic energy and emotional beats are delivered with care.

I love the magical Latverian borders around the artwork. There is also a very solid vibrant but almost muddled appearance to the colors for this sequence.

Voices are given even more depth thanks to Cowles’ always magical work, really letting the different characters sing as their tone, volume, and emotional intent bleed through the letters. This keeps up with the usual very artistically creative styles of bubbles and font associated with particular characters.

Doom Academy #3 is now available from Marvel Comics.