The Lover is the third part of the Artema comic series from Rachel Cholst and illustrated by Angela Boyle.
We’ve got to part three thanks to Kickstarter success and you don’t pull off a successful Kickstarter for a sequel unless the first story was well received.
In some ways, Artema is a “deontology versus utilitarianism” story. Artema is booted from her tribe of warriors after she’s accused of abusing her power and committing a taboo. What did she do? She decided to fight when it wasn’t self-defence.
It’s not a linear story, but once expelled from her tribe Artema makes allies and finds a lover.
Whether it’s duty or a personal conviction that drives you to do the right thing, there are always consequences, and that’s the territory The Lover takes us in.
That said, I don’t want to give the idea that Artema #3 is a grimdark loaded with angst and sparse on hope. In fact, Artema finding a Lover is hope. Our tough as nails hero is maturing and growing. She’s finding out more about herself, and that’ll encourage her to see the world in whole new ways.
Rachel Cholst and Angela Boyle work well together and have plenty of practice at it now. Artema is a black and white comic book, but the visual details are there when you need them; look especially to the facial expression on characters, even minor ones, in crucial scenes.
Overall
Don’t start here. The Lover is part 3. Head to Itch.io and buy The Exile for a few bucks, and if you like part 1, then you’ll be safe with part 3.
It took me a while to get around to reading The Lover, it sat on my Kindle for too long, but I’m glad that I eventually found the time to do so. Thanks, Windows update; you did good for once.
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