By Ben Snyder
Delivering a solid issue, Latour seems content with slowly unspooling a story that is getting noticeably more convoluted. Black Cloud #3 picks up directly after the second issue, with the main character Zelda drowning herself to get to the other world. However, in this instance, we are treated to some of glimpse Zelda’s history in this other world. In issue #3, we find out that Zelda was an elder of the other world and had to flee for reasons explained. This seems like a poor excuse for her exile from the “other” world due to a line coming shortly after the flashback in which we learn that she is one of the more powerful beings from this world, one of which powers is she is able to manipulate time to some degree. There are also some obvious questions that should be answered very soon, such as why the people needed to see the beasts get slain?
I do not want to sound to down on this issue though, Latour delivers an interesting story that begs to be explained more. And seeing as were still early on in the story’s overall length, there is ample time for these questions to be answered. It will be interesting to see how long people stick with it though. Zelda’s quest of reacquiring Todd seems to be a clever one, pitting a powerful elder from a strange and mystical place against a seemingly stereotypical spoiled frat boy.
Some of the lettering seems a bit off with certain letters in words bolded or highlighted but not the whole word in its entirety. This could be intentional, but as of this reading, it seems like a mistake. Despite the interesting character design the lack of detail (whether intentional to hide mysterious characters or by mistake) is also apparent throughout the issue. And in the flashback, it took a couple of rereads to realize the hero from the other planet was in fact, Zelda. I understand she was younger then, but the difference between the two is vast and they could look like two completely separate characters.
Despite these sometimes-minor gripes, the overall intrigue of Jason Latour’s plot in Black Cloud #3, keeps me hooked and waiting for the next issue. Hopefully, some mysteries will be explained, and some details will be patched up.
Score: 3/5
Black Cloud #3
Image Comics