The latest chapter in this engrossing saga is a veritable showcase of the creative team’s talents, but do they offer anything new that keeps this comic book’s narrative strength flowing?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

“Promises, Promises.”

This series has been nothing short of compelling from its inception as the people behind it continue to sell an engaging tale full of sordid details buried beneath and through out this cryptic but almost demonic academy.  We have a plentiful rogues gallery as our protagonists deal with some shockingly terrible situations all in an effort to accomplish whatever goals they’re determined to complete.  It’s another strong release that answers a couple questions while giving life to many, many more.

Nick Spencer continues to pen the scripts in this title as his latest jaunt offers strong wordplay and some interesting narrative turns.  It’s not a perfect job, but what’s done here gives life and focus to some of the lesser but nonetheless important main characters as the spotlight shifts from the past to the present in order to inform modern day events.  All the pieces that have been revealed so far on this proverbial chess board seem to be doomed to enter some very dark times as our heroes attempt to deal with both the consequences of their decisions and their faculty’s choices.

Joe Eisma hands in a sterling pile of work as he masterfully designs a visual world that’s full of splendor and horrors.  His pencil strokes yield some strong character designs that for the most part successfully convey somewhat exaggerated emotions in some heightened situations but there are times where they look a bit too stiff for their own good.  Beyond those minor moments each line and curve amplifies a strong sense of self that belies a heartfelt intent to carry this narrative along its varied but somewhat treacherous path.

Morning Glories #23 is another excellent issue that propels this thought provoking, disturbing and intricately designed series forward.  Recommended.

4/5