WOTN Review: The Marked #5 (Image Comics)

An Inevitable Confrontation in The Marked #5

The Marked #5 wraps up the first plot arc and volume of the series, and it does so with gusto. The Marked portrays the darker sides of magic. Where temptation and corruption can take root. Yet there is always a shining beacon, even in a series like this.

The magical system within this series has been fascinating from the start. It merges the concept of secret societies (for magic is safest when few know about it) and magical tattoos to create something beautiful. And something very dark.

Even though the main arc is resolved in this issue, it still feels like there are many opportunities for future plots. That is the best part about the way they developed this fantastic world. Here’s hoping we see more – and soon.

Writing

The Marked #5 was the issue I had hoped it would be. It was daring and dark, all while wrapping up the core elements of this series (thus far). Liza and Mavin have been on a collision course ever since the first issue, but seeing it come to fruition is endlessly satisfying.

David Hine and Brian Haberlin worked together to create this plot and did an excellent job here. There is a real sense of the ethereal and so much nuance in the plot itself. Seeing it all unfold was fascinating, especially surrounded by such an intriguing world.

What is truly remarkable is how they surprised us readers here. This moment felt inevitable – yes. Nevertheless, that does not mean the moment had to follow a predictable pattern, so that isn’t what the authors did. What they did ended up being so much better.

This series has been intense and dark from the start, so I won’t pretend that the conclusion to this plot is anything else. But it felt right all the same. It fits thematically with the series while keeping the promise made to the fans.

Art

Like the rest of this series, the artwork behind The Marked #5 was stunning. The themes and imagery used are pure perfection. Especially the way they portray the tattoos and magic working together. That’s a highlight of this series, and this issue in particular.

Brian Haberlin provided the artwork alongside a heavy chunk of the writing. And it shows. The artwork is the ideal framework for the plot, showcasing the magical system in a way few could.

Geirrod van Dyke provided the colors for this issue, and they’re just divine. The way he colors the magic and the tattoos make them almost feel alive. It’s as if they are the most real elements portrayed in this world. An ironic note if you think about it.

Finally, Francis Takanaga provided the lettering for this issue, and their framework was essential. The letters seemed to flow across the page, balancing perfectly against the flow of the magic.

Conclusion

The Marked #5 concludes the first volume, appropriately titled ‘Fresh Ink.’ It was everything we could have hoped for, wrapping up the plot with intense action and emotional revelations.

Having practically devoured this series, I love the idea of seeing more plot arcs from this fascinating world. And I just can’t wait for news about what will happen next.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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