A war inflicted world leads to the stories of war heroes and refugees alike. Come check out this interim series within the Monstress Universe in Monstress Talk Stories #2 by Image Comics!

MONSTRESS TALK STORIES #2

Writer: Marjorie Liu
Artist: Sana Takeda
Colorist: Sana Takeda
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Editor: Jennifer M. Smith
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: December 30th, 2020

Previously in Monstress: In a brief moment of calm, Maika Halfwolf and Kippa begin to tell stories about their childhood. Kippa has finished a story telling about her family in a refugee camp and Maika does her best to comfort her. Come check out this steampunk meets Kaiju fantasy epic!

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Before Maika was a hardened fighter, she was a child. A child who was going to be sent to war school. She tells this story to Kippa about how her and her friend Areka tried to run away from her fate. They were able to steal a boat and head off to the distance but were caught in a storm. She is rescued by her goddess-father’s mother who gives her two weeks before the two must return home. These two weeks are the best of her life. It is filled with happiness and joy but the horror of having to attend military school scares her. Her goddess-grandmother is able to comfort her and encourage her to be strong. In the present, Maika cries reflecting on happier times.

BROKEN FACADE

This is a difficult issue to read for me as it signifies the death of childhood. In fact, both issues showed happier times for each character. Normally in these interim stories, you sort of get filler that doesn’t really help the plot at all. This one is different. This provides a huge layer of depth to each of the characters. And rather, I think seeing a character getting a chance to deal with their trauma makes great writing. Mary Sue’s with no apparent weaknesses don’t make great characters and seeing this brief bit of struggle adds so much to Maika. I’m looking forward to the creative team starting their new arc.

BOTTOM LINE: BEAUTIFULLY IMAGINED

Monstress is a series that takes a different culture and history to create a rather unique and beautiful story. These interim issues are proof of the mastery of the craft. While we don’t get much in the overall storyline, you learn a lot about the main characters. And this allows you to become more attached to the protagonist as she goes through her adventures. Well thought out setting and fantastic writing. 5 out of 5 stars for this interim series. I doubt you will need this backstory to jump back into the main title, but if you want every bit of Monstress literature then pick this one up!

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