Maika’s journey of discovery takes a somewhat darker turn in the latest installment of Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda’s Monstress. You have been warned.

After sacrificing what remained of her left arm to defeat the Cumean Mother Superior, Maika has returned to her mother’s home with Kippa and Ren in hopes of getting answers about the mask and photograph she’s been carrying. Maika’s life before the story began has been slowly revealed in fragments, and her trip home allows for natural development of her background. Readers meet some new people from Maika’s past, each of whom are equally as interesting and surprising as every other character.

While this issue explores more of Maika’s history, it also explores the rising tension between her and Kippa. Kippa, though loyal, has grown as a character immensely since her introduction. As she grows, so does her kindness and sense of right and wrong. In the first arc of the story, Maika grew steadily more ruthless as she recognized the Monstrum’s power. Though Kippa is young and innocent, her moral code is strong and the story offers no clues as to how the growing conflict between the two will be resolved.

Monstress #7 also explores a little more background on Ren, a nekomancer. The nekomancers are, as their name implies, cat necromancers, which is not only an interesting and unique concept, but also one of the best puns in a comic possibly ever. Bringing in the different groups keeps the comic well-rounded and balanced, and introducing them little by little.

Despite the increasingly detailed and complex worldbuilding, the comic doesn’t feel inaccessible. The experience of reading Monstress is, as always, fully fleshed out with Sana Takeda’s beautiful illustration. The amount of care and attention that goes into each character’s expressions and clothing contribute just as much to the worldbuilding as the lore of the story. The inclusion of detail in everyday scenes–filigreed perfume bottles, brocaded clothing, carved stone pillars–makes a lack of detail especially noticeable. Takeda applies a lack of detail masterfully, using it to emphasize the lack of control Maika has over her hunger.

The colors emphasize the detail and set the mood. Monstress is often serious in tone and deals with dark themes, but the comic itself is rarely visually dark. Dynamic, layered colors build up and add to the magic of the series. The amount of thought put into the colors and detail make Monstress an especially gorgeous fantasy epic that will stand the test of time.

Story: Marjorie Liu Art: Sana Takeda
Story: 10.0 Art: 10.0 Overall: 10.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review