The latest issue in this surprisingly fascinating series came out on Wednesday. Once again writer/artist Soo Lee crafts a hauntingly suspenseful tale that showcases what a powerful force of nature Maleficent is. A squad of 5 knights on horseback come galloping through the forest. They’ve been sent by the king of a nearby kingdom to capture or kill Maleficent for what she did to Prince Reynard in issue one. Although you’d think that after Prince Gavin confronted her in issue 2 and saw firsthand the extent of her powers they would have sent a much larger army, at least.

Once again it’s a mostly silent issue, as Soo Lee draws the knights trekking through the wintery forest, her illustrations setting the ominous atmosphere. They spy Maleficent’s raven flying overhead and follow it to be led to her castle. But then they’re ambushed by a group of animal-like humanoid beings (perhaps they’re meant to be orcs?) who attack them with spears, but after a brief battle the knights prevail, and then Maleficent herself makes her appearance to confront the knights.

I don’t want to spoil the ending, although I guess the cover kinda gives it away. Let’s just say the knights weren’t ready for Maleficent’s magical control over the very plant life of the jungle. And thus their fates are sealed.

Another satisfying issue, although I am starting to wish for a little dialog that could give us some more insights into Maleficent and the characters she encounters. The book opens with Maleficent in her castle, pondering how quiet things have been lately, so what exactly does she do all day? And it would have been nice to get more information about the knights, what were their names, how did they get chosen, how did they feel about their mission, etc?

Still, this is a wonderful series that I highly recommend. Chacebook rating: FIVE STARS

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