This issue of the comic felt more like a bridge than a progression, but at least we’re getting somewhere with Koh and his quest for vengeance. The surrounding characters, however, are currently functioning more like a support system. But with the revelation of the last panel, Koh is going to need all the support he can get.
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
We focus on Koh for the majority of the issue, with him repeating his drive to seek vengeance for his family’s deaths. I understand his motivations, and it was nice to see him explore why he couldn’t let the past be the past. Even a single-minded quest has a multifaceted reason behind it. He admits to Nadira that if he lets go of his need for vengeance, he fears that all he’ll be left with is his loss and resulting grief over his family.
The other side of the story is targeted toward Fred and the exploration of her secondary passenger by way of Illyria. But she is very much tied into Koh’s story and what he seeks. Illyria has knowledge as to what happened to Koh’s family, but allowing her out puts Fred in jeopardy. It seems like a no-win all around.
What Fred does need is a way to deal with Illyria’s presence and perhaps figure out what exactly is going on in her mind. Faith takes her to Zane in order to use their resources for that very purpose. While Dr. Ellis, one of the researchers, sees her more like a potential experiment than a person, there’s also the possibility that they could uncover more data on what she’s going through. The problem becomes that the push for knowledge breaks the limits of safety, and the resulting outcome puts them all in danger.
Illyria soon emerges, allowed to break free of her former confines and take full control over Fred’s body. She seems unstoppable, as she easily casts aside both Angel and Faith when they try to control her, or at least touch base with Fred again. It seems that Koh may be the only hope of an equal battle with Illyria, but he too is soon thrown off track by her revelation. She knows who killed his family, because she’s responsible. We leave the issue with his reaction shot, left to ponder what he will do with this knowledge. Will Koh destroy Illyria for her actions? Or will he die trying? We already know that the magic is afraid of her. It looks like everyone else should be, too.
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
