Here we go with the review of the final issue of this engaging new miniseries. Writer/Illustrator Soo Lee has surprised me with this series, from the first issue she’s managed to tell stories of this classic fairytale villain in a way in which Maleficent is presented as the protagonist without deconstructing or demystifying the character.

I don’t want to spoil too much, for those who are still waiting to pick this up, but the premise of this issue was foreshadowed in the previous issue when the knight who was sent to kill or capture Maleficent was instead captured himself (after his fellow knights wisely ran away) and engulfed inside of a tree, warned Maleficent “do you think you’re the only one with magic? They will send others.” And that’s what happens in this issue, a cloaked figure, who turns out to be a woman whom Maleficent describes as a wizard, comes exploring through the woods looking for her. Armed with her own scepter the woman confronts Maleficent and we are treated to a multiple-page battle of spells, strategy, and shape-shifting until only one is left standing.

The miniseries ends with a satisfying conclusion for those who read the whole series, while also leaving it open in case Dynamite Entertainment should ever decide to revisit this character.

What impresses me the most about this miniseries is the way Soo Lee’s writing and artwork complement each other so effortlessly. A lot of time she’ll cut back on the dialog to let the art tell the story, this was especially true in issue #3, which was mostly silent, but no less engaging. I mean, what words are necessary when we see Maleficent transform into a giant snake (which she does again in this issue)?

Fans of adventure, horror, and fairytales alike should enjoy this series as much as I have. Chacebook rating: FIVE STARS

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