Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Andy Park; Jonathan Sibal; Jonathan D. Smith; & Dream Designs’ Robin Spehar & Dennis Heisler
Cover Art by Andy Park; Jonathan Sibal; & Jonathan D. Smith
SUMMARY:
This untitled third chapter of a four-parter was released by Top Cow Productions for December 2000. Leering rogue Chase Carver rescues Lara Croft, John Rivers, and Madeline Hovan from a near-abduction by the sinister Midnight Squires seeking to re-acquire the mystical Eye of Shaharettin. While the ominous Mr. Roetek fumes, Carver playfully interrupts Lara’s bath. Seeking to recruit help against the Squires, Carver leads Lara and Rivers to the Louisiana bayous. The mysterious Quill, who is the sole surviving ex-Squire, resides there, but hungry crocodiles and a whirlpool are fearsome obstacles.
Note: Though images aren’t provided, three other covers exist. The art teams are Michael Turner; D-Tron; & Jonathan D. Smith (Cover A); Andy Park (Sketch); and Andy Park; Jonathan Sibal; & Steve Firchow (the Dynamic Forces Exclusive).
REVIEW:
Despite impressive artwork (including a spot-on cover), this meager 22-page tale flies by fast. Simply put, writer Dan Jurgens accomplishes little. After Carver’s highly implausible rescue vs. far superior numbers, Jurgens spends a mere page on the diabolical Midnight Squires before launching into Lara & Carver’s slightly naughty bathtub banter. Even if a sudsy (and later toweling-off) Lara Croft inexplicably tolerates Carver’s voyeurism, it’s a ridiculous scene justifying why they’re going after Quill. In fairness, the swampy cliffhanger is worth catching, but it alone can’t hide this issue’s lack of depth. Tomb Raider # 9 is a fun read, but its expensive-looking visuals are really its only significant plus.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In addition to a two-page letters-and-answers column, Top Cow plugs several projects, including the Witchblade–Tomb Raider–Darkness cross-over entitled Butcher Knight.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
