Wayward #11
Publisher: Image
Writer: Jim Zub
Artist: Steve Cummings & Tamra Bonvillain
Cover: Steve Cummings & Tamra Bonvillain
The last issue of Wayward was a rollercoaster ride of action and intensity that left us on the edge of our seats with a great cliffhanger. So having to wait three months between issues was a bit of a test in restraint as a certain fan impatiently waited for this one to hit the stands. Going into this third arc there were high expectations due to the phenomenal storytelling and art in the previous issues. This one was no different as the creative team prepares us for what’s next in store for these “new gods” of Japan!
Now, if you’re one of the unfortunate people that didn’t read this series from the beginning there’s a nice and tidy recap that brings you up to speed. From there Zub reveals that Rori’s actions last issue had severe consequences which has caused the various Yokai to revise their plans to regain their status. The battle has also put Rori out of the fight for a while so with a bit of a respite Zub is able to shift the focus to a new character. We don’t get too much background on him right now but what Zub does reveal about this new player makes him interesting enough to see how he’ll end up impacting either side. We do get a big moment when Emi returns home and has to contend with what Rori did to her parents. It’s three pages of emotional content that will undoubtedly set up some friction between the two girls. Zub also introduces us to a surprise character at the end and it’s one that several have been wondering about since the beginning. Zack Davisson also makes sure to expand on some of the story elements with some factual knowledge that only makes this a much better comic.
Cummings and Bonvillain are determined to make sure Wayward is one of the best looking titles you’ll read. The look of Japan is seeped in realism and with an attention to detail that heightens the characters themselves. It’s this high level of quality that sells the visuals as much as the characters and the action taking place in the panels. Bonvillain’s colors continue to be exciting and make for some excellent displays of mystical powers from the human and Yokai characters. There’s also a huge action sequence that looks to be an homage to a certain scene in Uncanny X-Men #132. I’m a huge fan of incorporating the panels into the artwork itself and it’s pulled off in a way here that only heightens the action taking place. The way the scene plays out fits this perfectly and is a fantastic display of how destructive Emi’s powers can be.
There’s no question on whether or not you should pick this up if you’re already a fan of the series. Even a new reader could jump in this issue though I’d highly suggest going back to the beginning for a richer understanding. So go add it to your pull list and preorder Wayward because it’s one of the best comics you should be reading!
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So Image publishes Manga now?
It’s not manga. It’s a regular comic book series.
Thanks! I just might give it a look then!
Meaning if it were manga, you wouldn’t give it a look 🙁 As our resident manga reviewer this makes me incredibly sad.
No! Not like that lol I’ve looked at some of the manga you’ve reviewed on here and some of it just isn’t for me but I’ve been hearing a lot about that One Punch Man manga. I do like some of the supernatural stuff and sci-fi action though. That supernatural element is what caught my eye here and I like what Zub has done in the past