Is the latest interpretation of this literary classic worth your money and time?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Zenescope:

Mowglii has recovered from her wounds after defeating the ferocious Shere Khan, but a quiet day by the river turns into a battle for survival as the unpredictable Dewan of the Apes returns and the Payari Elephants face an attack from Bomani and the remains of the Tigers of the Shere.  Mowglii soon learns that on Kipling Isle, there is no down time!

What we have here is some further exploration with an established but nonetheless complex narrative. Following the aftermath of the previous volume this sequel picks up while tensions are high as Mowglii relishes in her successful vengeance.

Mark L. Miller continues to yield what can only be defined as an emotionally potent rumble in the jungle. He expertly crafts smartly realized characters as differing perspectives yield personality archetypes that are employed to give a world full of animal tribes with talking members some much needed flavor. From start to finish the author pulls a lot of tricks out of the woodwork to set up the concepts he needs in order to give substance to this very outlandish jaunt.  He more than accomplishes that goal while birthing a dark and ominous atmosphere that easily sets the stage for the forthcoming arc.

The art by Jorge Mercado is by no means perfect but it does evoke that right level of detail that simply nails an outlandish but consistent vision.  Each proverbial pencil stroke allows this tale of tribes teetering on war to become a believable and even compelling affair in its own right.  There were times where some of the scenes looked a tad bit too stylized as details fell victim to the literal flare of the moment.  But for the most part the talent offers his unique touch to this complicated adventure and the results are quite good.

Grimm Fairy Tales presents The Jungle Book: Last of the Species #1 is a promising start to what could be another defining mini-series for this sterling company.  Recommended.

4/5