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Review: ‘R.I.P.D.: City of the Damned’ #3

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Dark Horse Comics’ R.I.P.D.: City of the Damned #3 reaches critical peak in the story’s action, as Peter Lenkov and Jeremy Barlow set the stage for the epic finale. And with only one more issue ready for release next month, the dramatic tension is layered on thick with the introduction of a new villainous character, whose blasphemous intentions will surely make for a riveting conclusion that’s not to be missed.

WRITTEN BY: Peter Lenkov, Jeremy Barlow
ART BY: Tony Parker
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
PRICE: $3.50
RELEASE: January 30th

The third installment sees the anachronistic old west adventure continue for R.I.P.D. officer Roy Pulsipher and his Puritan partner Crispin Mather, as their investigation into Black Pool reveals the vile culprit behind the missing souls both men are seeking. Lucifuge, a lord of Hell whose raison d’être is to torture “souls so corrupt their very presence fouls the already putrid air,” explains that the worst of them, David Sterling, escaped from his torture sentence and is collecting stray souls via Death train.

A choice needs to be made; sneaking onto said train seems to be their only hope of saving Creation, but by doing so they’d be joining forces with a dark enemy and forsaking their beliefs.

To the casual reader, “R.I.P.D.” is merely a horror-western comedy on its surface, but the strong religious themes and symbols presented by Lenkov, Barlow, and Parker lend themselves to a formidable intensity that the series fantastically projects. Crispin Mather comes off as the more interesting character in this issue, as the writers showcase how far Mather is willing to go to fulfill God’s will. It’s a series that can probably be interpreted as a critique of religious fundamentalism, and it’s blatantly obvious that it’s a subject Barlow loves writing about.

As expected, Tony Parker’s artistic contribution is a definite highlight. Not only does he remain consistent in terms of quality, but he’s definitely upped his game for issue #3 as he showcases more impressive artwork and panels. There’s a fluidity in the action scenes depicted on the pages that’s worth noting, and Michelle Madsen’s colours only add to his fantastic renderings.

The creative team delivers a thrilling issue that’s jam-packed with elements of humor, horror, action and plot development; but the accelerated speed in which the narrative is told will almost make readers feel as though the issue is abridged. On the other hand, this could be the impatience for next month’s installment talking.

4.5/5 Skulls

Reviewed by – ShadowJayd

Comics

‘The Wicked Trinity’ – Preview New Archie Comics One-Shot Inspired by ‘The Craft’ [Exclusive]

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From Sabrina’s Magical World, Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that Archie Comics will be releasing brand new one-shot comic The Wicked Trinity this coming June.

You’ll be able to meet The Wicked Trinity in the 32-page comic on June 12, 2024.

In The Wicked Trinity, “Sabrina’s magical nemesis Amber Nightstone and her sidekicks, Jade Kazane and Sapphire Gill, are intent on becoming the most powerful witches in the world. Isolated from so many around them, the three have formed a coven based on their individual needs for vengeance and true freedom.

“But when there is some dissent among the ranks, their small coven is threatened to be obliterated from within.”

The Wicked Trinity features a script by Sam Maggs, art by Lisa Sterle, colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, main cover by Lisa Sterle, and variant cover by Soo Lee.

Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante tells Bloody Disgusting, “When Editor-In-Chief Mike Pellerito came up with the idea of the Wicked Trinity—Amber Nightstone, Jade Kazane, and Sapphire Gill—I was immediately intrigued. I even had the good fortune to work on the script for Jade and Sapphire’s first appearance in last year’s SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR comic for younger readers. What I especially loved about these magical teens is that they could seamlessly transcend from classic-Archie stories into more mature, even horror stories. I was eager to start developing their world with a modern sensibility, taking cues from the great work of Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish on our SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH series, and Sarah Kuhn and Carola Borelli on our recent DARKLING one-shot. Inspired by series like Charmed and films like The Craft, I knew there was so much potential to build up this coven in a story that beautifully blends magical fantasy with horror.”

Writer Sam Maggs previews, “Real witches writing real witches—that’s how we do things over at Archie Comics! I was named after a famous witch—Samantha from Bewitched—and so I grew up absolutely obsessed with everything witchcraft, devouring every book series I could about teen witches. That makes WICKED TRINITY a dream project for me. The power and energy of teen girls is absolutely unmatched (just look at the engine behind fandom culture) and being able to harness that metaphorically for a story like this is such a delight. Everything I write focuses on the power of female friendship, and this story is no exception. And what’s better than a morally grey female character? I struggle to think of anything. Cat familiars, maybe? Also, I’m totally a practicing witch now. So maybe if you read this, you’ll find yourself imbued with magical powers, too.*

Artist Lisa Sterle adds, “I can’t wait for people to be re-introduced to The Wicked Trinity! Witches, fashion, and Archie Comics; this is truly a magical trifecta and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on this. I love to create stories in which girls find their own power, both from within themselves and through their friendships and coven. If you’re a fan of my Modern Witch tarot, you’ll find this comic just as magical.”

Exclusively check out the two covers for The Wicked Trinity one-shot comic below!

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