There is an interesting moment near the middle of this issue.  It is reminiscent of the original source material, but at the same time very different.  This singular moment acts as a microcosm for this series as whole.  It is now very much different from the original source material, but it retains the same spirit, and as such acts as a logical interpretation of the evolution of this series.  The creative team has taken what has come before, both from Lewis Carroll and from its predecessors at Zenescope and taken it in a new direction while still retaining enough from the past to make it maintain its continuity.

The present version of Wonderland has taken on what is essentially a fantasy setting, with inspiration from the original world of zany madness.  Calie and the Cheshire Cat are aided by the Squire, who spends the issue hunting for her adversary before joined by her allies.  Calie and the Cheshire are busy at the beginning dealing with their own peril, including the scene which pays homage to the beginning of the classic book.  This involves an interesting scene involving a literal cat fight which plays out in the background while the series heroine has to find the artifact which she is after.  Meanwhile a group of evil fairies aim to imprison the villain for this story arc, but in doing so they risk unleashing his true power.

The entire story here flows well, with the action balanced equally with the plot.  The plot is going almost full-on fantasy, with Calie playing a similar role to many other iconic heroes from the genre, all the while retaining her ties to Wonderland and the real world.  For a story arc which started out a bit slow, it has picked up all the momentum that it needs here, and it promises a memorable enough resolution.

Story: Erica J. Heflin Art: Manuel Preitano
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy