Review: RAVEN: DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS #1

RAVEN: DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS #1
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art by Pop Mhan, Lovern Kindzierski, and Saida Temofonte
Edited by Michael McCalister, Marie Javins
Published by DC Comics
Release Date: January 24, 2018

Raven has started to really integrate into normal human society. She’s hanging out, making friends, she’s even helping her aunt with Christmas decorations. However, as she comes into contact with a mysterious young woman, will Raven’s past catch up to her? Or is it all just an illusion? Find out in this first issue of Raven Daughter of Darkness.

Wolfman is a legend amongst comic creators and there’s a reason for that. His fantastic understanding of molding captivating tales can be seen in this first issue of his latest Raven saga. Is the title of the arc a bit harsh in hindsight once a certain reveal happens? Yes. Do I have a slight problem with how he writes Generation Z kids? Kind of, yeah.

However, the voice that he brings to Raven is perfect, a nice mix of the classic pacifist that can be found in his run of the New Teen Titans and the more modern version of her from the television series Teen Titans. She and her fears of the future, her father, and her slow transition as she continues her acclimation into American society is what drives this tale.

I’ll also give a shout out to how old school Baron Winters feels. It’s like he was pulled out of an 80s comic and plopped into modern day. He’s so melodramatic. I love it.

Mhan produces gripping works of art in this issue. His style, a well-blended fusion of the past and the present, creates an almost quirky appeal to it, this limbo land that matches well with who Raven is as a character. I especially love the scenes where her soul self is flying about the place. It’s a jagged yet soft creature, with pointed edges and light brushes of feathers fading into intricate backgrounds. The mix of softness and hard edges just really works.

One thing I really love in this comic is whenever a flame-like image comes into view. I’m not sure if it’s mostly Mhan’s work or Kindzierski’s, but there’s something very painted about the fiery panels, especially when they come from ominous delusions of Trigon.

Temofonte’s lettering is so great. I love how she keeps with the wibbly wobbly speech bubble for Raven. I love how Trigon’s speech bubbles are foils to Raven’s. I love how she creates a different kind of speech bubble for when Raven’s staying up at night in her tent, worrying about Trigon. It’s awesome work.

Read Raven Daughter of Darkness. Raven’s an interesting character, I’m kind of in love with Baron Winter’s campiness, and it is a really well written piece. Check it out if you got the time.

The Verdict: 9.0/10

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