I’ve been waiting patiently for this issue all month so it was an easy pick for one of the first I would dive into from the week’s massive amount of releases. It wraps the first story arc, but in a way that leaves plenty on the table to still figure out. I was beginning to wonder how this series would continue after this plotline, but they continue it just fine. The important thing is that it feels like a natural progression of the story and not a halfhearted continuation. In the last issue Aphrodite stabbed her own face! Well this takes her offline from her handler, but she’s still stuck in the middle of a war that she basically started. We get a clear picture of April’s (that’s what her name is) thoughts as she’s finally clear of the voices. The interesting thing is that there is a shift in the emotion behind the narration. She notes that the love she was feeling for Marcus is already fading and so is the bubbly pop that once accompanied her dialogue.

Marcus is “happy” for her and all, but they’re totally fucked as his home is being destroyed and he knows that everyone he loved and cared about is dead. Aphrodite aka April is unwilling to give up on the situation and jacks one of the Speros’ fighter jet things and begins fucking them up all on her own. As she states it in her narration, the voice guiding her may not be there, but she’s still a trained killer. She also figures out that the Speros have never thought to build defenses for themselves only for the Gen. She uses this to her advantage and with Marcus and his people’s help they actually mount an attack on the main ship of the Speros.

I liked the issue. It was a quick read and as I said it progressed naturally. I liked Aphrodite thinking on her own and the single narration which did feel like a new personality in several ways. I also thought it was really fucked up that eventually her system will repair the damage. I was like, “Noooooooo” but hey that keeps it interesting. Strong writing yet again and there was plenty of payoff for this issue and the story arc in general.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I really dig Sejic’s art on this series. I think he’s a much better fit on this title than Witchblade as the future setting plays to his strengths more. I do hope that we get to see more of his dragons in the near future since they look B.A. I’m not big into the digitally painted style, but something about Sejic’s grabs my attention.

If you haven’t been following the series then this isn’t a great issue to jump on board with, but I’m sure the next one will offer a place to start. Otherwise you could hit up a digital storefront and buy the back issues or wait for the trade. Whatever you do, you should definitely check this series out as it combines Sci-fi and Assassins… kind of a no-brainer to like it when I put it that way.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Matt Hawkins Artist: Stjepan Sejic Publisher: Image and Top Cow Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 9/18/13