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Monstress #4
Monstress, Volume 4: The Chosen
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics (2019)Maika and Corvin make their way through a warped and lethal land in search of Kippa, who is faced with her own terrible monsters. But when Maika comes face-to-face with a stranger from her deep past, startling truths are uncovered, and at the center of it all lurks a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the Known World. Maika is finally close to getting all the answers she ever wanted, but at what price? With war on the horizon—a war no one wants to stop—whose side will Maika choose?
Collects MONSTRESS #19-24.
Collects MONSTRESS #19-24.
176 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2019
126 people are currently reading
6797 people want to read
About the author
Marjorie M. Liu
319 books4,275 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning writer Marjorie Liu is best known for her fiction and comic books. She teaches comic book writing at MIT, and she leads a class on Popular Fiction at the Voices of Our Nation (VONA) workshop.
Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Liu also wrote the story for the animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, which was produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Madhouse Inc.
Her newest work is MONSTRESS, an original, creator-owned comic book series with Japanese artist (and X-23 collaborator) Sana Takeda. Published by Image in Fall 2015, MONSTRESS is set in an alternate, matriarchal 1920’s Asia and follows a girl’s struggle to survive the trauma of war. With a cast of girls and monsters and set against a richly imagined aesthetic of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS #1 debuted to critical praise. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the longer than typical first issue was “world-building on a scale rare in mainstream comics.”
Ms. Liu is also the author of more than 19 novels, most notably the urban fantasy series, Hunter Kiss, and the paranormal romance series, Dirk & Steele. Her novels have also been bestsellers on USA Today, which described Liu “as imaginative as she is prolific.” Her critically praised fiction has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, for THE MORTAL BONE (Hunter Kiss #6), and TIGER EYE (Dirk & Steele #1). TIGER EYE was the basis for a bestselling paranormal romance video game called Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box.
Liu has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, MTV, and been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.com, Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, the Tokyo Literary Festival, the New York Times Public Lecture series, Geeks Out; and the Asian American Writers Workshop. Her work has been published internationally, including Germany, France, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Liu was born in Philadelphia, and has lived in numerous cities in the Midwest and Beijing. Prior to writing full-time, she was a lawyer. She currently resides in Boston.
Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Liu also wrote the story for the animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, which was produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Madhouse Inc.
Her newest work is MONSTRESS, an original, creator-owned comic book series with Japanese artist (and X-23 collaborator) Sana Takeda. Published by Image in Fall 2015, MONSTRESS is set in an alternate, matriarchal 1920’s Asia and follows a girl’s struggle to survive the trauma of war. With a cast of girls and monsters and set against a richly imagined aesthetic of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS #1 debuted to critical praise. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the longer than typical first issue was “world-building on a scale rare in mainstream comics.”
Ms. Liu is also the author of more than 19 novels, most notably the urban fantasy series, Hunter Kiss, and the paranormal romance series, Dirk & Steele. Her novels have also been bestsellers on USA Today, which described Liu “as imaginative as she is prolific.” Her critically praised fiction has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, for THE MORTAL BONE (Hunter Kiss #6), and TIGER EYE (Dirk & Steele #1). TIGER EYE was the basis for a bestselling paranormal romance video game called Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box.
Liu has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, MTV, and been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.com, Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, the Tokyo Literary Festival, the New York Times Public Lecture series, Geeks Out; and the Asian American Writers Workshop. Her work has been published internationally, including Germany, France, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Liu was born in Philadelphia, and has lived in numerous cities in the Midwest and Beijing. Prior to writing full-time, she was a lawyer. She currently resides in Boston.
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October 7, 2020This was a really nice addition in this series, albeit it does have an overflow of information, but honestly that seems to be the case with each volume. I'd say this one was potentially the most political out of all of them, which is saying something as it's a pretty political heavy series. There were so many reveals in this one that are more than likely going to affect the future of the story and I can't wait to see the domino effect it has.
June 13, 2025
(A-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: On big reunions, warfare communions, monster non-aggression, forceful kissing, kin-dismissing, feline indiscretions.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #19-20 ◦ Issues #21-22 ◦ Issues #23-24
Notes: On big reunions, warfare communions, monster non-aggression, forceful kissing, kin-dismissing, feline indiscretions.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #19-20 ◦ Issues #21-22 ◦ Issues #23-24
June 30, 2021
What in the hell is even happening?
I...
I have no idea what's going on in this story. I want to, but I just don't. It's as though I'm missing chunks and chunks of pertinent information. I know who the characters are, and I kind of know what they're doing. Sometimes.
Ok, it's like I'm reading drunk or something. Little snatches of a story that might be happening make it though my hazy inebriated brain, but the vast majority of the dialogue feels sing-songish and wobbly.
Who is that? Where did that come from? Did something happen in the last volume and I just forgot about it or is this some new storyline?
Where is this going? How does it relate to what happened? How did I forget everything and why does that lion-y person look familiar but not really? Were they in one of the previous volumes or do they just look like someone who was in one of the previous volumes? And speaking of, why does everyone look alike?!
Or is it just me?
I don't know. It's a beautiful comic. So detailed that each page is almost too busy for me. Giant eyeballs and tails and fuzzy ears and tentacles and all kinds of stuff.
I just can't figure out the plot anymore.
I...
I have no idea what's going on in this story. I want to, but I just don't. It's as though I'm missing chunks and chunks of pertinent information. I know who the characters are, and I kind of know what they're doing. Sometimes.
Ok, it's like I'm reading drunk or something. Little snatches of a story that might be happening make it though my hazy inebriated brain, but the vast majority of the dialogue feels sing-songish and wobbly.
Who is that? Where did that come from? Did something happen in the last volume and I just forgot about it or is this some new storyline?
Where is this going? How does it relate to what happened? How did I forget everything and why does that lion-y person look familiar but not really? Were they in one of the previous volumes or do they just look like someone who was in one of the previous volumes? And speaking of, why does everyone look alike?!
Or is it just me?
I don't know. It's a beautiful comic. So detailed that each page is almost too busy for me. Giant eyeballs and tails and fuzzy ears and tentacles and all kinds of stuff.
I just can't figure out the plot anymore.
January 4, 2020
I found this volume to be a bit easier to understand and follow than the past series. Either they connected a few more dots, or the story and writing is better. Even still, there were times it didn't seem to make much sense and difficult to follow.
The world building is outstanding and the characters are individuals. Maika and her father have some time together. He's a piece of work. Even though I'm not completely sure what is happening in this story, for some reason, it's still very compelling and I want to keep reading the story. It's interesting and the world is interesting. I want to learn more about it.
I'm not sure I can really tell you the plot.
The world building is outstanding and the characters are individuals. Maika and her father have some time together. He's a piece of work. Even though I'm not completely sure what is happening in this story, for some reason, it's still very compelling and I want to keep reading the story. It's interesting and the world is interesting. I want to learn more about it.
I'm not sure I can really tell you the plot.
October 27, 2019
I felt a desire to pull out my first three volumes of this graphic novel and re-read them.
Not only the artwork was there to be enjoyed, but the nicely deep storyline that keeps evolving in sometimes complicated but oftentimes traditional and satisfying ways reminiscent of some of the best mangas. But no. This is not a manga. It's lush, with lines very much unlike manga, but very reminiscent of it in the tentacles and oddities and mind-blowing depths of the imagination.
This is, and remains to me, an adaptation of the East to the West's purposes. Wonderfully so. The colors are freaking amazing.
And the story? Ah, we've got enough demand here that the comic can go all-out into epic awesomeness, as seen in this volume. War? The breaking out of all the old gods? Great SF elements as well?
It's all here. I'm loving it all.
Not only the artwork was there to be enjoyed, but the nicely deep storyline that keeps evolving in sometimes complicated but oftentimes traditional and satisfying ways reminiscent of some of the best mangas. But no. This is not a manga. It's lush, with lines very much unlike manga, but very reminiscent of it in the tentacles and oddities and mind-blowing depths of the imagination.
This is, and remains to me, an adaptation of the East to the West's purposes. Wonderfully so. The colors are freaking amazing.
And the story? Ah, we've got enough demand here that the comic can go all-out into epic awesomeness, as seen in this volume. War? The breaking out of all the old gods? Great SF elements as well?
It's all here. I'm loving it all.
November 2, 2019
The first thing to say about Monstress is that the award-winning artwork of Sana Takeda is as usual breath-taking. This is sweeping fantasy with myriad characters (some favorites are cats and foxes) and factions, sometimes with a touch of horror, sometimes involving ultra-violence and featuring mostly women, almost all of them gorgeous and many of them evil. There is deep mythology, complex politics, goddesses, ancients, monsters. I still really don’t know what is going on half the time with the various factions--I couldn’t begin to tell you the difference between the Dawn and Dusk Courts--but at base these things seem to be true: The central character, Maika Halfwolf, is searching for the truth to her identity, seeking Kippa, and seeking the truth to the mystery surrounding the Shaman-Empress and the Monstrum.
If you boil all the gorgeous art and all the talk down, not much really happens in this volume except talk, but when Maika finds her Father, the “Doctor,” some of the mysteries about her identity get (closer to being) known. And in that process deep political conspiracies get revealed that portend a coming war between humans and Arcanics. So much drama in the telling and viewing! But this is high fantasy, so you gotta expect something operatic.
A highlight: Takeda’s War Masters Sketches, collected in the appendix.
If you boil all the gorgeous art and all the talk down, not much really happens in this volume except talk, but when Maika finds her Father, the “Doctor,” some of the mysteries about her identity get (closer to being) known. And in that process deep political conspiracies get revealed that portend a coming war between humans and Arcanics. So much drama in the telling and viewing! But this is high fantasy, so you gotta expect something operatic.
A highlight: Takeda’s War Masters Sketches, collected in the appendix.
October 28, 2019
As I suspected from volume 1 on, the author is playing the long game.
In this 4th volume, Maika and Kippa are in different places, Maika is trying to find Kippa with the help of Corvin while Kippa was taken by forces working for the mysterious "Doctor", who turns out to be none other than Maika's father (not much of a spoiler, don't worry)!
Moreover, the Dusk and Dawn Courts have been united by marriage and all sides are gearing up for war ... not even realizing that what destroyed Pontus in the previous volume - a god - will destroy them all if they don't band together (and, really, might do it even if they do fight it as joint forces).
There is finally a reunion, even a sort-of reunion with Master Ren, but only after we get to know more about his reasons for betraying Kippa and Maika.
Moreover, this volume had even more background information. On the Shaman Empress as much as on Maika herself, her parents, the battle at Constantine and the nature of the Arcanics as well as the Gods. And yes, it's all rather riveting! So we get answers to some questions, we are shown some of this world's glorious past, but we're also often given only puzzle pieces to other questions while some entirely new questions arise. Such as Zinn's relationship to his "beloved" and what that mysterious Marium has to do with anything. Thus, as usual, there is a lot going on, but the stakes are getting incredibly high now so we're nearing the final resolution and it promises to be grandiose!
Once again, there was a lot of intrigue, though we are revealing more and more of the plots, slowly but surely. Nevertheless, to see who's in bed with whom and for what reason(s) was still a nasty shock sometimes.
Last but not least, let me gush about Sana Takeda's art some more. I know, I know, I keep repeating myself, volume for volume, but her art is still so rich in detail, often interspersed with hidden plot elements, showing the most wonderful colour palette / combinations.
It's simply stunningly gorgeous. I can't get enough of it!
In this 4th volume, Maika and Kippa are in different places, Maika is trying to find Kippa with the help of Corvin while Kippa was taken by forces working for the mysterious "Doctor", who turns out to be none other than Maika's father (not much of a spoiler, don't worry)!
Moreover, the Dusk and Dawn Courts have been united by marriage and all sides are gearing up for war ... not even realizing that what destroyed Pontus in the previous volume - a god - will destroy them all if they don't band together (and, really, might do it even if they do fight it as joint forces).
There is finally a reunion, even a sort-of reunion with Master Ren, but only after we get to know more about his reasons for betraying Kippa and Maika.
Moreover, this volume had even more background information. On the Shaman Empress as much as on Maika herself, her parents, the battle at Constantine and the nature of the Arcanics as well as the Gods. And yes, it's all rather riveting! So we get answers to some questions, we are shown some of this world's glorious past, but we're also often given only puzzle pieces to other questions while some entirely new questions arise. Such as Zinn's relationship to his "beloved" and what that mysterious Marium has to do with anything. Thus, as usual, there is a lot going on, but the stakes are getting incredibly high now so we're nearing the final resolution and it promises to be grandiose!
Once again, there was a lot of intrigue, though we are revealing more and more of the plots, slowly but surely. Nevertheless, to see who's in bed with whom and for what reason(s) was still a nasty shock sometimes.
Last but not least, let me gush about Sana Takeda's art some more. I know, I know, I keep repeating myself, volume for volume, but her art is still so rich in detail, often interspersed with hidden plot elements, showing the most wonderful colour palette / combinations.
It's simply stunningly gorgeous. I can't get enough of it!
November 24, 2019
Not sure I have a clue of what happened in Monstress, Vol. 4: The Chosen. I think I may need to reread the first 3. Beautifully drawn like the other volumes in any case. There is promise for a new volume with a new heroine, but admittedly, the storyline is still relatively hard to follow despite the gorgeous graphics.
October 10, 2021
La trama se complica y no tengo ni idea de adónde va, pero es atractiva y sigue interesándome.
El trabajo de la ilustradora, genial.
El trabajo de la ilustradora, genial.
July 1, 2021
Second read: Ah similar with the first book, I found rereading enhanced the enjoyment scale. The introduction of the Blood Court and you-know-who was so intriguing. One star added!
First read:
Just when I thought it could not be even more complicated. I enjoyed the previous installments better.
It is easy to get lost among characters, especially factions, even though we have visuals. There were new characters (and a new faction) but the worldbuilding felt a bit forced/prolonged.
I did enjoy Kippa's adventure (though some images were quite nightmare-inducing) and Ren's storyline. The rest - if not because of the fantastic visuals - are just alright, nothing special, except maybe that scene-stealing little doggy owned by the inquisitrix. OMG. SO. CUTE.
First read:
Just when I thought it could not be even more complicated. I enjoyed the previous installments better.
It is easy to get lost among characters, especially factions, even though we have visuals. There were new characters (and a new faction) but the worldbuilding felt a bit forced/prolonged.
I did enjoy Kippa's adventure (though some images were quite nightmare-inducing) and Ren's storyline. The rest - if not because of the fantastic visuals - are just alright, nothing special, except maybe that scene-stealing little doggy owned by the inquisitrix. OMG. SO. CUTE.
August 26, 2021
Monstress is really excellent fantasy. When combined with the beauty of the art, this is one of the best comic series I've run across in a long time. The breathtaking art highlights an epic story rife with treachery, violence, and war. It's as good as some fantasy books I've come across.
The Fourth Volume sheds a great deal of light on Maia's background, as she meets her Father. But, her father is a very interesting character that I really appreciated. His connection to the Monstra and his plans to use them add a new dimension to an already complicated story.
Meanwhile, an alliance between the Dawn and Dusk Courts may prove a balm to the steady preparations for war. Imperial politics also takes a move forward, as the various Courts vie for dominance. The various back-stabbing and alliances make for a great story.
I really like this world. It's a weird fusion of Asian anime influences with Western Steampunk. While some of the characters make seem cute, they are not. This is not a children's tale. It is dark and violent. It is also complex. Coupled with the magnificent artwork this is a captivating series and one I look forward to owning, in the future, in some nice HC version instead of these paperbacks I currently have. Well worth it! Fantasy fans? You need to be reading this. Now.
The Fourth Volume sheds a great deal of light on Maia's background, as she meets her Father. But, her father is a very interesting character that I really appreciated. His connection to the Monstra and his plans to use them add a new dimension to an already complicated story.
Meanwhile, an alliance between the Dawn and Dusk Courts may prove a balm to the steady preparations for war. Imperial politics also takes a move forward, as the various Courts vie for dominance. The various back-stabbing and alliances make for a great story.
I really like this world. It's a weird fusion of Asian anime influences with Western Steampunk. While some of the characters make seem cute, they are not. This is not a children's tale. It is dark and violent. It is also complex. Coupled with the magnificent artwork this is a captivating series and one I look forward to owning, in the future, in some nice HC version instead of these paperbacks I currently have. Well worth it! Fantasy fans? You need to be reading this. Now.
Want to read
June 28, 2019Wake me up when September ends.
August 21, 2019
Actual review: 4.5
The artwork is just as stunning as it has ever been. I have noticed, in other graphic novels, how the art suffers with each new book, so I’m glad to see that that hasn’t happened in this series. The art has lovely texture and creativity that cannot be seen in any other graphic novel, which makes the art and the world unique to this story.
Besides the artwork, I found this edition easier to follow than the previous one. The story is about Maika, also known as ‘Halfwolf’ as she tries to find answers to what had happened to her. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book. A few questions were answered, and a few reveals took me by surprise.
Although I found the beginning of this series heavy and hard to follow, I feel like the story is finally hitting its stride.
I look forward to the next instalment.
The artwork is just as stunning as it has ever been. I have noticed, in other graphic novels, how the art suffers with each new book, so I’m glad to see that that hasn’t happened in this series. The art has lovely texture and creativity that cannot be seen in any other graphic novel, which makes the art and the world unique to this story.
Besides the artwork, I found this edition easier to follow than the previous one. The story is about Maika, also known as ‘Halfwolf’ as she tries to find answers to what had happened to her. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book. A few questions were answered, and a few reveals took me by surprise.
Although I found the beginning of this series heavy and hard to follow, I feel like the story is finally hitting its stride.
I look forward to the next instalment.
November 1, 2021
Monstress continues to be a very richly drawn and written book, with evolving characters, a detailed backstory, and a richly designed fantasy world. It reaches epic proportions here, in the classic sense of the word (which I dislike using because it's been so over- and mis-used it's lost meaning. But anyway...) In this one, the team is split up and the quest to be reunited is the driving force, though Maika does spend some quality time with her father (yea..?), and gets some answers about her heritage. I should note that this is a series I'd think would have to be read in strict order or the reader would be hopelessly at sea.
July 13, 2021
☆ 4.5 / 5 ☆
Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening: 5 / 5
Monstress, Vol. 2: The Blood: 4 / 5
Monstress, Vol. 3: Haven: 4 / 5
“But I don’t want to die that much anymore. That might make you happy. Might make you think I’m stronger now. I wonder if it just makes me weak.”
This truly might be my favourite volume to date since Volume 1, I absolutely love the direction the story is taking.
While Maika and Corvin have to deal with Arcanics being plagued by a bloodlust reminiscent of Constantine, Kippa tries to survive on her own and rescue herself, meeting mythical creatures and revealing hidden abilities along the way. I would still 100% give my whole life for her and discovering new levels to her character with every issue make my heart so very happy.
Kippa isn’t the only one learning new things about herself as Maika meets her father for the first time as well as his Blood Court, bringing new players and a new side in the war ravaging this world. His intentions seem very self-driven but he still might give Maika new insight about her mother and knowledge Zinn has hidden in the depths of his psyche.
We also learn who was controlling Ren and more about his past and how far back he’s been involved in Maika’s life. Tuya continues to play her own game as the Baroness and we see our first glimpses into her marriage to the Warlord.
“War is the deadliest child of living and its appetites are illimitable.”
All sides seem to be converging towards open warfare and destruction, completely uncaring of the threat the Monstra represent. I can’t wait to delve into the next volume and see how long newformed alliances will last and what next revelations will turn this conflict on its head.
Youtube ☆ Twitter
Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening: 5 / 5
Monstress, Vol. 2: The Blood: 4 / 5
Monstress, Vol. 3: Haven: 4 / 5
“But I don’t want to die that much anymore. That might make you happy. Might make you think I’m stronger now. I wonder if it just makes me weak.”
This truly might be my favourite volume to date since Volume 1, I absolutely love the direction the story is taking.
While Maika and Corvin have to deal with Arcanics being plagued by a bloodlust reminiscent of Constantine, Kippa tries to survive on her own and rescue herself, meeting mythical creatures and revealing hidden abilities along the way. I would still 100% give my whole life for her and discovering new levels to her character with every issue make my heart so very happy.
Kippa isn’t the only one learning new things about herself as Maika meets her father for the first time as well as his Blood Court, bringing new players and a new side in the war ravaging this world. His intentions seem very self-driven but he still might give Maika new insight about her mother and knowledge Zinn has hidden in the depths of his psyche.
We also learn who was controlling Ren and more about his past and how far back he’s been involved in Maika’s life. Tuya continues to play her own game as the Baroness and we see our first glimpses into her marriage to the Warlord.
“War is the deadliest child of living and its appetites are illimitable.”
All sides seem to be converging towards open warfare and destruction, completely uncaring of the threat the Monstra represent. I can’t wait to delve into the next volume and see how long newformed alliances will last and what next revelations will turn this conflict on its head.
Youtube ☆ Twitter
February 6, 2020
Two things happened when I finished reading Monstress Volume 3:
1. I learned that I was simultaneously desperate to continue reading and scared that something awful would happen to Kippa. My fear for Kippa won and I’ve been putting off reading this Volume for months now as a result.
2. I bought Book One, the signed Barnes & Noble exclusive version, and it’s gorgeous! It even includes postcards, which feature some of Sana Takeda’s extraordinary artwork.
Maika and Corvin are trying to find Kippa, who is being taken to the ‘doctor’. That sounds ominous. In their travels Maika winds up seeing
While all of the adults are strategising for the coming war it’s Kippa who again softens the narrative with her ability to forgive someone who betrayed her.
1. I learned that I was simultaneously desperate to continue reading and scared that something awful would happen to Kippa. My fear for Kippa won and I’ve been putting off reading this Volume for months now as a result.
2. I bought Book One, the signed Barnes & Noble exclusive version, and it’s gorgeous! It even includes postcards, which feature some of Sana Takeda’s extraordinary artwork.
Just in case I wasn’t already too invested in Kippa’s wellbeing, this Volume begins by upping her adorability quotient to infinity by showing me baby Kippa! Because apparently my emotions are fair game.
Aww!! Incidentally, toddler Maika is also a sweetheart.
Maika and Corvin are trying to find Kippa, who is being taken to the ‘doctor’. That sounds ominous. In their travels Maika winds up seeing
While all of the adults are strategising for the coming war it’s Kippa who again softens the narrative with her ability to forgive someone who betrayed her.
“I can’t abandon people because they make mistakes - I would have to abandon myself.”I’m not always entirely clear what’s happening at all times or whose side I should be on but I do know one thing: war is coming, people, and it’s not gonna be pretty.
October 19, 2019
Good story, although quite often confusing. Complicated, far reaching, complex.
Consistently above average artwork. Recommended, this comic still delivers.
My weird non-review, written down along the way:
Chapter 19–confusing beginning, creepy ending, very nice artwork.
Chapter 20–still confusing. Kippa‘s storyline is good so far.
Chapter 21–huh?
Chapter 22–underground, good stuff! Dragons! Good chapter! The plot is moving in a meaningful way!
Right? Right! You have been warned.
Chapter 23-eeeew! Bloody! And revealing and a little meh?
Chapter 24-time of reunion! And more confusing story telling... Interesting ending. Nice cliffhanger. The plot thickens, we are drawing closer to a major story arc closure.
And isn‘t he adorkable?
This comic received a ton of awards, one of them being „Best Publication for Teens Eisner Award 2018“. That surprised me, it‘s strong stuff for teens.
Fourth volume, collecting issues 19-24.
Knocking off one star because I felt really confused a lot of the time. Considering all the awards, also for storytelling, it‘s probably me. One of these days, when the story is done, I might have to spend a month or so re-reading it all.
Consistently above average artwork. Recommended, this comic still delivers.
My weird non-review, written down along the way:
Chapter 19–confusing beginning, creepy ending, very nice artwork.
Chapter 20–still confusing. Kippa‘s storyline is good so far.
Chapter 21–huh?
Chapter 22–underground, good stuff! Dragons! Good chapter! The plot is moving in a meaningful way!
Right? Right! You have been warned.
Chapter 23-eeeew! Bloody! And revealing and a little meh?
Chapter 24-time of reunion! And more confusing story telling... Interesting ending. Nice cliffhanger. The plot thickens, we are drawing closer to a major story arc closure.
And isn‘t he adorkable?
This comic received a ton of awards, one of them being „Best Publication for Teens Eisner Award 2018“. That surprised me, it‘s strong stuff for teens.
Fourth volume, collecting issues 19-24.
Knocking off one star because I felt really confused a lot of the time. Considering all the awards, also for storytelling, it‘s probably me. One of these days, when the story is done, I might have to spend a month or so re-reading it all.
December 26, 2020
The art work is still so beautiful with the steampunk style, and the storytelling I feel was even better in this book. The story held so much depth in the writing and the art, it was so easy to get sucked back into this world. This story continues to get more intriguing with each volume while answering some of the questions that were presented in previous volumes. I also loved that in this volume there was a lot of questions that got answered that had us looking back into understanding the pasts of some characters like Maika’s parents. Also, Kippa continues to be an amazing and cute character that I love so much. Another character that I liked learning a bit more from is Master Ren, which is towards the end in the characters reunion.
April 26, 2020
#1: Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening : 3 Stars
#2: Monstress, Vol. 2: The Blood : 4 Stars
#3: Monstress, Vol. 3: Haven : 4 Stars
3.5 “ Deadly “ Stars
I struggled with this one a little bit. I don’t know why I felt like I haven’t read the three other Volumes before this one but it was like the story slipped through my fingers. Luckily, I was reminded by the recent events at the start of this one and that helped a lot.
Monstress, Vol. 4: The Chosen picks up after the catastrophic events of the previous book; Our characters are in a shitty situation and there are no guaranties they’ll control what’s coming to them.
The world building as always was complex and impressive. The richness of the world and the bloody horrifying history of it give the story an edge of intensity and high stakes. The looming threat of war brings urgency to the characters and their journeys that make the stakes even higher.
But Honestly, I still feel confused by some elements, the story throws a lot on us and sometimes it is hard for me to keep everything straight in my mind. I also think this book didn’t keep the same momentum of what happened before it and it was slightly disappointing that it backed down a little bit.
My biggest problem with the series so far and in this book in particular that I felt more distant than before from the characters; I have nothing for them, I don’t care whether they live or die and where the story will do to them. But I’m so invested in the mystery revolving around Maika so I really can’t wait to get all the answer and too see where all these conflicts will lead.
The art as always is stunning, I love the colors, they perfectly fit the tone of the story and I love how the magic, the fights and the characters are interpreted.
All in all, this book has spectacular world building, a heavy tome filled with dread, danger and death and a mystery wrapped up with the magic in the world. Even though, I have no connection to the characters I still appreciate the great work done here despite some flaws here and there.
June 22, 2020
Rereading all the previous installments before getting to this was the best choice I could have done, and I ended up enjoying The Chosen immensely; I think it might even be my favorite so far. I mean, this series is somehow managing to get gayer with every volume, so I'm not surprised.
It's still difficult to follow, but after a few rereads I think I can more or less see the outline of what is going on right now, even though I'm still confused about certain details; and while the scope of all of this + the beauty of the art are so overwhelming that I tend to miss the subtler things, like character development, they are there! I really appreciate seeing how Maika's priorities are shifting as she understands more about the ancient gods, and how Kippa is finding her own footing amidst all of this. This is turning more explicitly into a series about the senselessness of war and cyclical nature of harm, and I'm interested in seeing where the authors will bring these themes to.
My priorities haven't shifted, by which I mean I'm mostly here for the art (as usual) and the gay villainess aesthetic of it all. And this volume gave me a horrible F/F arranged marriage with backstabbing and a blood pact! (I've been looking for this kind of thing since The Stars Are Legion's Jayd/Rasida storyline... I can't believe how much this is reminding me of it.)
Also, my favorite eldricht-god-possessed villainess - yes there's more than one and I'm living for it - kissed Maika with ulterior motives! This series is a gem.
Do I know where this series is going? Honestly, no, but I have some theories and can't wait to find out what Tuya is really up to. I also hope to see more of the Dracul.
It's still difficult to follow, but after a few rereads I think I can more or less see the outline of what is going on right now, even though I'm still confused about certain details; and while the scope of all of this + the beauty of the art are so overwhelming that I tend to miss the subtler things, like character development, they are there! I really appreciate seeing how Maika's priorities are shifting as she understands more about the ancient gods, and how Kippa is finding her own footing amidst all of this. This is turning more explicitly into a series about the senselessness of war and cyclical nature of harm, and I'm interested in seeing where the authors will bring these themes to.
My priorities haven't shifted, by which I mean I'm mostly here for the art (as usual) and the gay villainess aesthetic of it all. And this volume gave me a horrible F/F arranged marriage with backstabbing and a blood pact! (I've been looking for this kind of thing since The Stars Are Legion's Jayd/Rasida storyline... I can't believe how much this is reminding me of it.)
Also, my favorite eldricht-god-possessed villainess - yes there's more than one and I'm living for it - kissed Maika with ulterior motives! This series is a gem.
Do I know where this series is going? Honestly, no, but I have some theories and can't wait to find out what Tuya is really up to. I also hope to see more of the Dracul.
January 6, 2020
1) Ανέφερα πόσο λατρεύω την Kippa;😍
2) Πού είναι ο επόμενος τόμος;;;😭
2) Πού είναι ο επόμενος τόμος;;;😭
November 7, 2019
He sido fan de esta serie desde que comenzó, el arte es fantástico (en mayor parte), y aunque seguimos estando lejos de un final igual me tiene enganchada entrega a entrega.
Después de la cuasi invasión y del desastre acaecido en la ciudad , una ola de demencia mortal se abate sobre todos los sobrevivientes. Mientras tanto Kippa ha sido secuestrada, y Maiko parte detrás. Se develan como siempre nuevas traiciones y aparece el misterioso padre de Maika, un sujeto tan truculento como el resto de los mayores jugadores y que va por su propia agenda.
My dear, in my limited experience, how parents exercise power over their childen is the *only* conversation family truly has.
Your mother would agree, I'm sure, she was quite the expert.
(issue 21 -Montress)
#19 ★★★★
#20 ★★★
#21 ★★★★
#22 ★★★★
But no one builds better homes than those who have lost home.
(issue 22 -Monstress)
#23 ★★★
#24 ★★★★★
(leido entre enero y agosto)
A esperar hasta enero ....
Después de la cuasi invasión y del desastre acaecido en la ciudad , una ola de demencia mortal se abate sobre todos los sobrevivientes. Mientras tanto Kippa ha sido secuestrada, y Maiko parte detrás. Se develan como siempre nuevas traiciones y aparece el misterioso padre de Maika, un sujeto tan truculento como el resto de los mayores jugadores y que va por su propia agenda.
My dear, in my limited experience, how parents exercise power over their childen is the *only* conversation family truly has.
Your mother would agree, I'm sure, she was quite the expert.
(issue 21 -Montress)
#19 ★★★★
#20 ★★★
#21 ★★★★
#22 ★★★★
But no one builds better homes than those who have lost home.
(issue 22 -Monstress)
#23 ★★★
#24 ★★★★★
(leido entre enero y agosto)
A esperar hasta enero ....
October 17, 2019
Star Rating: —> 5 STARS
SO EFFING BEAUTIFUL! Such an intriguing plot! I cant get enough of moriko halfwolf, kippa, ren, etc...
This story gets more and more interesting with every vol. i tried to read it as slow as humanly possible, like little bit heeeere... little bit there.... haha but it didn’t work so well; i still finished it in 3 days time, no matter how many moments, other books, whatever in between 😂
SO EFFING BEAUTIFUL! Such an intriguing plot! I cant get enough of moriko halfwolf, kippa, ren, etc...
This story gets more and more interesting with every vol. i tried to read it as slow as humanly possible, like little bit heeeere... little bit there.... haha but it didn’t work so well; i still finished it in 3 days time, no matter how many moments, other books, whatever in between 😂
October 16, 2020
Things got complicated (and somewhat confusing) for our characters in this installment. I liked this one but not quite as much as the previous ones. The artwork continues to be stunning and I will definitely be continuing on.
April 25, 2020
3.5 Stars-- Not my favorite in the series, but I do think this was a big step forward narratively. As in... I think I finally get where the narrative is going :). Artwork was GORG as always, and I did enjoy getting more about Kippa
October 31, 2019
Mini review:
Trigger warning: Pretty much everything.
DNF
I've read all the previous installments, so I was really excited to read this volume! Unfortunately I was utterly disappointed.
I've felt that the series has been declining a bit. I was really hoping that this volume would make the wait worth it. Alas it didn't.
But you know what? Half truths and mind games can only keep a plot going on for so long. And this was the limit.
I don't recommend.
Trigger warning: Pretty much everything.
DNF
I've read all the previous installments, so I was really excited to read this volume! Unfortunately I was utterly disappointed.
I've felt that the series has been declining a bit. I was really hoping that this volume would make the wait worth it. Alas it didn't.
But you know what? Half truths and mind games can only keep a plot going on for so long. And this was the limit.
I don't recommend.
June 27, 2020
Another great installment!! I honestly have no idea where these next volumes are going to go, but I can’t wait.
January 31, 2024
Oh man!! This was so good!!! Rereading this series has helped put the pieces together and I’m not feeling confused as I was the first time around. This is a fairly complex storyline with a number of factions who all have their own agendas, which because there is a war coming, the agendas are often hidden, especially as the characters can never be sure who is friend or foe. So this really keeps a reader on their toes and of course the art and world building continues to knock my socks off. Just stunning.
Well, I still don’t have a clue what’s going on but damn! This is so good! There are some things that are revealed and placed together and so the story begins to be more revealed but the way these books are written is to keep the knowledge of things hidden which also adds greatly to the confusion. There are a number of factions and groups which add to the confusion. Who’s the good guy? Who’s the bad? So far all the factions seem not to be on the up and up and some characters who appear to not be on the up and up may actually be playing a long game in which they’re one of the few who actually are. Very confusing but also completely engrossing and the art work is simply gorgeous! So though I’m still in the dark about a lot of what’s going on I’m enamoured enough to carry on with the next volumes.
Well, I still don’t have a clue what’s going on but damn! This is so good! There are some things that are revealed and placed together and so the story begins to be more revealed but the way these books are written is to keep the knowledge of things hidden which also adds greatly to the confusion. There are a number of factions and groups which add to the confusion. Who’s the good guy? Who’s the bad? So far all the factions seem not to be on the up and up and some characters who appear to not be on the up and up may actually be playing a long game in which they’re one of the few who actually are. Very confusing but also completely engrossing and the art work is simply gorgeous! So though I’m still in the dark about a lot of what’s going on I’m enamoured enough to carry on with the next volumes.
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