McClaren brings a sense of drama to the characters while still making them a bright, visual treat. Each area feels visually distinct, and yet connected. The city feels busy and alive with every character-packed frame. McClaren does a terrific job of bringing Kiros to life. There is a particular moment in issue #4 where Phaedra opened up in a moment other characters might’ve closed up even more, making for a welcome surprise.Īs the mystery unfolds, so does the city around Phaedra. It’s a welcome change up to the detective character. There are moments where you think Phaedra is about to hit us with a cold and brooding cop routine, but almost always, readers get to see a more balanced, funny, and caring side. None of the characters feel two-dimensional or archetypical. She deftly weaves Phaedra’s personal history into the mystery, and with each new twist, more about the protagonist comes to light, becoming one of the book’s biggest strengths. Like any good murder mystery, Thompson continues to deepen the personal stakes of those involved and the grander impacts on the city. However, that often doesn’t detract from the story, but rather adds to Kiros’ feeling of vastness and how small our protagonists are.

It can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s occasionally easy to mix up who connects to what or who.

Writer Kelly Thompson, artist and colorist Meredith McClaren, and letterer Becca Carey are creating a new world in front of readers’ eyes.

Black cloak book