“Kill Shakespeare: The Mask Of Night” #3 delivers an action-packed thriller that doesn’t know how to slow down. The classic Shakespearean characters feel more alive, developed, and modernized as they become part of the swashbuckling genre. In a fresh and new direction, the “Kill Shakespeare” series has found a clever way to appeal to both newcomers and longtime readers.
Written By: Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col
Art By: Andy Belanger
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Price: $3.99
Release: August 27, 2014
Reviewed By Jorge Solis
In the aftermath of “Vol. 3: Tide of Blood,” Juliet, Hamlet, and Othello are captured on the pirate ship, The Boreas. Hamlet cannot put his trust in Juliet, because she may be carrying Romeo’s child. Though they are held captive, pirates Cesario and Viola are about to learn there is no honor amongst thieves. Now that the traitor has finally been revealed, Lucius Andronicus is just moments away from making his terrifying arrival.
Writers Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col are really at their best when they spotlight the female Shakespearean characters. This reviewer believes there’s more depth to these characters because the writers have steered away from the romanticism. It’d definitely not a pretty sight when Juliet, who was originally the lovelorn teen, has a heart-to-heart talk with Hamlet. Everything is revealed and wounds are reopened as Juliet is forced to remember she cheated on Hamlet with Romeo.
McCreery and Del Col have carried the narrative with suspense hinting at the upcoming arrival of the rival ship Lavinia. Even though we never see Lucius Andronicus, everyone seems to tremble when his name is mentioned. This is the issue where Andronicus shows up and it doesn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to see what the writers have in store with this deadly antagonist.
The highlight of Andy Belanger’s artwork is what his drawings can say so much with silence. Notice how Belanger is able to create so much mood and suspense in the first two pages. The illustrations focus on a flying black bird as the winged creature delivers a message to Viola. And when there’s dialogue, Belanger adds so much creativeness to the panel layouts in an impressive splash page.
In Belanger’s character design, Andronics looks more like a Goth rock star, with his long hair and pale skin. Notice when danger is around, he is always smiling. Belanger adds so much personality in his facial features during his grand entrance. I do like that he has a small crossbow strapped to his wrist.
“Kill Shakespeare: The Mask of Night” #3 continues to be a riveting swashbuckling adventure with tons of plot twists. I can’t wait to see the Lavinia and the Boreas do battle in the waters.