Written by J.T. Krul & Michael Turner
Art by Koi Turnbull; Jason Gorder; Sal Regla; Christina Strain; & Dreamer Design
Cover Art ‘A’ by Michael Turner & Peter Stiegerwald
SUMMARY:
Released by Aspen Comics for September 2005, this issue is entitled “Chapter 3: Illumination.” Before the Council of the underwater city of Muria, Kiani & her allies plead their defense of Cannon Hawke’s controversial heroics. Their efforts prove unsuccessful. Kiani soon finds grim evidence suggesting that Cannon has a sinister agenda.
At sea, U.S. Navy pilot Chance Calloway infers that Admiral Maylander’s hard-nosed approach against The Blue is growing worse. Chance is also no closer to drawing a lead to help him find a missing Aspen.
In The Black’s mystical underwater realm, Aspen Matthews faces the enigmatic Rahger, who claims to be her true biological father. Imperiously, Rahger expects his daughter’s instant subservience to help further The Black’s agenda. Aspen’s defiance speaks for itself.
Note: Included on the inside front cover is a thumbnail glimpse of ‘Cover B,’ which is Turner’s Wizard World Chicago 2005 limited-edition variant.
REVIEW:
The art squad’s visuals are predictably high-caliber. While the in-progress plotting should appeal to Fathom’s fans, keeping newcomers tuned in is an iffy prospect. Still, this installment of Michael Turner’s aquatic epic presents a solid-enough read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The inside front cover summarizes the series-to-date, as well as the previous issue’s events. Aside from Aspen’s glut of self-promoting ads (mostly for Fathom), there’s a single-page “Water Log’d” letters-and-answers column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
