Image Comics reviews 4/13/23 – The Ambassadors #2, Nocterra #13

Monarch #3

With the invasion of Earth nearly complete, the aliens have sized up the opposition and found them wanting. Now they have to consider their spy, Travon, who is experiencing some regret for the role he played in this one-sided attack. Little does Travon know that his adopted sister already knows he’s one of the “star people,” but she thinks he came to save her, which might prove true as the aliens decide if Travon has become a liability.

Meanwhile, Travon’s classmates still stuck at the school have to deal with a threat from within as one of their remaining classmates has begun to spin out on a murderous rampage.

Writer Rodney Barnes isn’t making Monarch a predictable title. Everything is still very much up in the air including why a pre-teen has suddenly become psychotic. Travon’s arc falls more in line with standard storytelling as the spy must cope with his newly discovered feelings for his enemies. Using a child as a means for this invasion was an interesting choice and hopefully Barnes addresses that in subsequent issues. Seems like a spy in the Senate or even the White House would have helped make the invasion more effective.

Alex Lins’ art seems to get more polished each issue with less rough edges and more streamlined and clean panels. Lins’ storytelling is also seeming more intricate as well such as the payoff scene at the school. Colorist Luis NCT has to handle the complex circuitry of Travon, which alone is a lot, but there’s some color usages that beautifully embody the tone of a particular moment.

Monarch remains a unique comic experience that keeps taking unexpected turns. I’m still interested in seeing where it’s going next as it’s been a creative spin on the kid’s sci-fi tale.

Rating: 8 out of 10