The team that created Umbral has provided us with a vast and wonderful world filled with atypical heroes and equally strange scary creatures lurking about. Each issue is filled with magnificent art and edge-of-your-seat storytelling. Also, who doesn’t love chase scenes? Last issue gave us plenty to worry about with Rascal and Dalone wondering what happened in the  Cave of Black Rojyr’s. The scene was that they were staring at was one of utter destruction that  could have only been caused by Umbral. The issue ended with Dalone saving Rascal and Shayim from the Umbral attack and Rascal attempting to spark the Oculus with blood from Shayim’s wound. At the end we see an Umbral shape-shift into Prince Arthir whom we saw die in front Rascal in issue #1.

Since this is going to be a very large story with lots of characters and lands I think it will be important to go over what we know so far before getting into issue #4 and beyond.

We are in a kingdom called Fendin with our main character being Rascal, a poor peasant girl with an attitude and a penchant for thievery and smuggling. Magic and religion are against the law but, of course, whenever you make a law there are people that want to break them. Their are creatures, called Umbral, that we don’t know much about other than the fact that they require a special “Mist” to survive and for power and can sense when it is near. Umbral also seek an object, that Rascal now possesses, called the Oculus which has belonged to the royal family for a long time. It’s exact purpose is still yet unknown. The Umbral have killed the King and Queen and their son, Prince Arthir, but the kingdom folk don’t know that since Umbral can shape-shift and have done so to resemble them. So far Rascal has escaped the city of Strakhelm with the help of a mysterious stranger named Dalone. We like Dalone and it’s fun to read the banter back and forth between him and Rascal. At this point before issue #4 we don’t know if Dalone is alive or not (we are hoping for alive of course) and Shayim and Rascal are surrounded by Umbral after they are discovered in Black Rojyr’s Cave. On to issue #4.

The issue begins right where the last one ended with Rascal and Shayim escaping the Umbral. Rascal touched the Oculus with blood and we learn something new; when that happens they get transported into the Umbrith, a kind of other dimension. I know, this is getting strange, but trust me, it’s a great story. They come across Fadreki’s Fang, Black Rojyr’s ship but have no idea how it’s there since he’s been dead for a very long time. My favorite part of this book are all the elements they add whenever it’s needed, not as a plot twist or some other device. The writer doesn’t need a cliffhanger everywhere to draw audiences. They need a ghost ship, they put a ghost ship in…on page 3! The art is fantastic, but more on that later. Rascal comes across Prince Arthir but we know it’s really an Umbral who shape-shifted, so let’s call him Umbral Arthir.

This probably is the only problem I have with the issue so far. Rascal knows Arthir is dead and she held his arm after it was detached from the rest of his body but she has no problem welcoming him during her escape. Rascal had no problem stabbing Shayim in the leg for suspecting her to be an Umbral but now she does nothing. After their meeting with Umbra Arthir we get to meet for the first time Black Rojyr, the pirate the caves are named after with his ghostly crew mates in tow. They help Rascal and Shayim escape and are friendly enough to fight off the Umbral to give them some time. So, I guess, Rascal finds out that Arthir is an Umbral after all. They get away, and with the advice of Black Rojyr, head for the Endless Ladders. It leads them to a hatch and they barricade it to stop Umbral Arthir from entering. They are welcomed by a man simply named Captain who helps them in finding Profoss Munty.

The B story this issue is the Thieves Guild and Master Gearge, whom we know to be an Umbral as well. What we don’t know is if all the other members, besides Rascal, know if he is an Umbral. They have employed the Kin of the Whispered Blade to seek out the Oculus and return it to them. We also learn that Umbral have families and can be killed but are very strong and resourceful.

Issue #4 is a great read. If you haven’t picked up this book yet I suggest you get the back issues or wait for the trade. If you enjoy stories like Game of Thrones or magic or scary creatures lurking in the shadows then this book has elements from all of them. This issue is definitely coming close to the end of its first arc so the action is thickening and we are learning more with each page turn (I just hope we find out the fate of Dalone before then). The art matches the style of Johnston’s writing perfectly. It’s gritty when needed and smooth and fast when Rascal is on the run. I really love when comics make it so I can’t wait for the next issue and this title delivers with magic and more. Definitely worth your time.

Story: Antony Johnston Art: Christopher Mitten, Jordan Boyd, Thomas Mauer
Story: 9 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review