Man, just when I thought I had Another Castle figured out, it does something else that makes me appreciate it more.

Misty manages to escape the Dark Treasury, but has to use the Jumping Stone that Zuurd needed to do so. Naturally, Zuurd is upset and ends up withdrawing her help from Misty, dressing her down for her selfish way of thinking. This leaves Misty with Plan B: pay Mrs. Vasilisc enough for Thrawgg to fall and find another king to take over Grimoire after Badlug is killed. Of course, it never goes that easy.

This is the first issue that doesn’t peek in on Beldora and instead focuses on Misty learning the ropes of being a diplomat as she has to focus on finding a way to take Badlug out of power and save Pete from dying at the hands of the Thrawgg. It sort of speaks to the way that women are constantly working behind the scenes of men to bring forth results, but probably with more demonic underlings working against them. Misty still struggles with this diplomacy angle though because not only does she anger the rightful king Robin, who immediately dismisses her, but she also opens “a whole underworld of trouble” when she fights the King’s Guard to save a young girl and her sister.

Meanwhile, Pete is off on his quest, totally oblivious to Misty’s struggles in Grimoire as the monsters along the way are actually being super nice to him. This is where most of the issue’s humor lies and while Andrew Wheeler’s writing is massively entertaining here with how oblivious our handsome prince is, the absurdity of it all is punched up by Paulina Ganucheau’s art as she draws big and buffy scary monsters in adorable domestic situations. If you’re not wanting Ganucheau to create a comic series about giant and buff pastel demons running a bakery after reading this issue, I’m not sure I’d want to know you.

Well, the oblivious nature can only be so cute for so long as the issue leaves off on a cliffhanger of Pete believing Golga is the Thrawgg. Eep!

While there is still plenty of action to be had, Another Castle #3 takes the unexpected route of trying to push Misty out of her comfort zone and to deal with consequences of her actions as she tries to work undercover to save Pete and Grimoire. It’s rough for her, but ultimately makes for a fulfilling issue that keeps the intrigue up going into issue #4. Plus, cute demons who make cupcakes and collect clocks never hurt.

Story: Andrew Wheeler Art: Paulina Ganucheau
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.25 Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

The subtitle to this issue of Another Castle could easily be “Misty is right about everything and also feelings.”

In #2, Pete the Dashing is on his way to Grimoire, but has to fight through Badlug’s monsters to get there. Unfortunately for his handsome (according to Gorga, at least) self, he’s kind of terrible at using Leveler and will probably end up dead if he isn’t careful. For both his and Misty’s sake, Misty can’t have that, so she tries to use her “royal privilege” to buy his safety from the monster boss Mrs. Vasilisc. It sort of works… Sort of. Never make deals with people in bars, kids.

However, Vasilisc’s refusal to slay the final beast on the trail leads to Misty and Golga making a deal with an old witch named Zurrd of the Sisters Strang, who can see into the past and agrees to help Misty steal a jumping stone from The Dark Treasury.

At this point, it occurs to me that most of the characters we’ve met in this book so far have been women. We have the men in Misty’s father, Pete, Badlug and the adorable Fogmoth, but nearly all the action in these past two issues has been carried out by women, both good and bad. This has been becoming a trend in fantasy comics as of late and I’m totally here for it.

However, it also doesn’t shy away from emotion. We see both Misty and her father cry in the middle of the issue and it isn’t shamed at all. It’s framed as a moment of resolve for the both of them rather than a moment of weakness. Paulina Ganucheau’s art in this moment is especially important, with the way she draws Misty’s determination through her tears and the king’s face being slightly red as he tries to prepare himself before addressing his people.

Of course, the issue has to leave off on one hell of a cliffhanger as Misty falls into danger trying to retrieve the jumping stone that she suddenly hears her father’s voice from and Zurrd appears to be cornered. The writing in those last few pages is particularly nailbiting, and if you’re anything like me, you’re going to be cursing writer Andrew Wheeler as you get to the last panel, wondering when the next issue is coming out.

Another Castle #2 continues strong after the first issue, showing just how capable and multifaceted Misty is as well as what is at stake for her and those closest to her. Wheeler expands past the basic concept of the book, showing us a little bit of what’s behind the curtain in Misty’s life and Ganucheau balances this well with her colorful and expressive art. Now, when is #3 coming out?

Story: Andrew Wheeler Art: Paulina Ganucheau
Story: 8.0 Art: 9.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Read

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review