Divinity III: Stalinverse #3
Publisher: Valiant
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Trevor Hairsine
Colorist: David Baron
Cover: Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic
When it comes to Valiant’s Divinity series it’s been nothing but issue after issue of mindblowing storytelling that puts several other comic book events to shame. The latest issue here continues this trend with Ninjak and Harada joining together in an attempt to reach Divinity and help them set the world right from this false reality.
Kindt wastes no time in getting the action started and through all of the madness he answers several questions we’ve had since this series started. The revelation of how Harada and Ninjak were able to keep their memories from their timeline makes sense though Ninjak’s might be easier to accept if you’ve been reading his solo series. If not then just go with it because Kindt has several more gems to deliver in this issue. Mostly in the form of some big revelations that take place along the way while introducing the real big bad in this series which has now changed how I felt about Myshka’s character. The twists and surprises in this series have always felt organic and not just solely for shock value, adding actual weight to the story while effectively keeping you invested in what’s happening. By the end of the issue you’ll be wondering how much of all of this was actually Myshka’s idea.
There are just too many great visual moments here that range from very small to the “kick you in the face with awesome” like on the last two pages! The art team hasn’t dropped the ball either and there’s too many things to praise them about when it comes to moving Kindt’s narrative. Hairsine’s work here is damn good and with Winn’s inks and Baron’s colors things just get better with each page. Hairsine shows off Ninjak’s skills during an escape from Deathless without showing how it was done. You won’t see any of his footprints or signs of distress in snow around the manhole cover but the close-up lets you know that’s how he made it out. Baron’s colors continue to be stellar and he seems to always find a way to use Ninjak’s signature purple in new ways to affect the atmosphere of a panel. Now, the character designs of the Red Brigade still aren’t too much to my personal liking but I do see how they fit in this world. I’d also like to give serious props to Letterer Dave Lanphear who makes a great looking page even better as Ninjak makes an explosive entrance into Divinity’s room.
Divinity III: Stalinverse #3 is the comic you shouldn’t miss especially if you’ve already been on this exciting ride. The creative team has made sure to deliver quality from narrative to the visuals on a consistent basis that would make some recent comic book events quite jealous!
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