Isola #3 Review

Writers: Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl / Artist: Karl Kerschl, Mssasyk / Image Comics Woo! A lot of stones are unturned in Isola #3 as we learn more about Rook and Queen Olwyn than either of the previous issues to date. We pick up where issue #2 left off, with Rook and Olwyn separated — with Rook staring down a rogue forest clan with back against a cliff, their bows pointed straight at her. Meanwhile though, Queen Olwyn is singing Hakuna Matata as she follows Rafiki across the forests and rivers. You would think Olwyn don’t give a fuck about her would-be protector and former Queens guard Rook, but quite the contrary. Turns out, surprise surprise, their bond goes a bit beyond what’s professional. If Rook is ever gonna see Bae again though, she’s gotta make it through this forest clan with might or charm, and she ain’t exactly got the resources for either.

Rook is a great character for her understated brusqueness. She’s a woman of few words, but when she uses them they tend to cut, or at least attempt to, despite being in over her head. We can predict her soft side will shine only when faced with Olwyn’s danger, and much of the anticipation now lives wanting to learn more of Rook’s lover and the personality hidden underneath the curse of her present form. A flashback or two offer some insight into who we might expect her to be, a Queen who mirrors Rook’s feelings. As she wonders away from Rook while following a quirky old man who speaks in riddles, it seems her separation is…