ADVANCE REVIEW: The Mercenary Sea #3


Does this adventure book continue to be something worthwhile or does it start to fade into obscure waters? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

“BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA”

Jack Harper and the crew of the Venture slip into enemy waters to rescue a British spy, code-named “Top Hat.” Only their old adversary, Captain Tono of the Imperial Japanese Navy, spoils the party.

The Mercenary Sea 3_Preview PageThis is exactly the type of comic I’ve been craving! We have a simple enough concept with a few necessary narrative nuggets to make it unique. It’s a riveting outing that exists thanks to a strong creative team that delivers quality, some close calls, local legends and even some tough decisions for our cast and crew. In short: if you’re not picking this up than you’re missing out.

Kel Symons pens the script and the author does a wonderful job taking what’s been built and running with it. One of the key things in any type of literature is the challenge of not only giving voice to your players but making their actions in dire situations feel genuine and believable. And that’s what we get from this text, as the Venture dives underwater in a run and hide scenario full nautical jargon that never feels forced. Above all else the scribe keeps the tale simple but it’s also a tad bit predictable. Even so, the cliffhanger set things in motion that will surely get people excited for what comes next.

What can be said about the visual component found within these pages? Let’s start off with the obvious, Mathew Reynolds perfectly fits this sea-bound yarn as his illustrations give life to not only conflict but the characters that frequent it. My personal favorite section comes when the sub is beneath the surface, as the talent effortlessly captures the details that we’re all familiar with while offering a vibrant and dynamic color palette.

The Mercenary Sea #3 is exactly what it promises to be, as a striking creative team effortlessly explores this world while building up some stakes in the process. Recommended.

OUR RATING
8.5
  • + The adventures of this particular crew continue!
  • + Kel Symons easily builds up a believable body of text.
  • + One of the best looking comics, thanks to Mathew Reynolds.
  • - The plot's a bit predictable...

S#!T Talking Central