Sequential Tart: A Comics Industry Web Zine

Van Helsing: Black Annis

by Sheena McNeil

Reviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk.

Publisher
Zenescope Entertainment
http://www.zenescope.com

Credits
Writer: Brian Hawkins
Penciler: Vicente Cifuentes
Inker: Vicente Cifuentes
Colorist: Robby Bevard
Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Cover Artist: Edgar Salazar and Ivan Nunes

Grade: 6

Liesel vows to keep her personal and professional life separate, but when Black Annis attacks her boyfriend's nephew, she has to get involved.

This appears to be a one-shot issue, though it's not labeled as such and does leave it open-ended enough for a revisit. Instead, it's called an "oversized issue", but it's not that many more extra pages over normal.

I appreciate that this comic provides some insight into Liesel's current personal struggle while also challenging it. And I especially like her realization and acceptance at the end with regard to making mistakes. It's a good lesson.

Rick, her boyfriend, is ... awkward. I mean, let's face it, it's hard to follow-up when your previous SO was Hades, the actual god of the Underworld. But, I'm not sure if Rick's stammering is a character trait or a way to show us he's nervous or upset. I also get Liesel's desire for a "normal" relationship, but I can already see aspects of how that will break down, especially since she's already lying to him, and feeling the need to sneak out and patrol in costume in order to be herself. She's not doing right by him, and that's a shame.

The vice principal wearing an outfit with a slit in her skirt up to her waist is all kinds of red flags (and certainly unbefitting her profession). And how she treats Rick (possessive) and Liesel (ignoring) is another. And how does Rick not notice that Liesel is being completely cut out? The old woman substitute teacher also gives off some red flags, but hers are more a generational bias that makes me cringe.

The design for Black Annis is definitely creepy! Nightmarish even! I like that there are multiple scenes with her attacking kids before it gets to the final showdown against Liesel. Attacking kids amps the scare factor throughout, and Liesel's battle with her is intense. Liesel's sword adds an unusual aspect to her fight that I enjoyed.

This is a solid stand-alone issue in between bigger storylines. I'm not feeling the new relationship, but I can appreciate her trying.

Written: April 2, 2021
Published: April 5, 2021

Tart: Sheena McNeil
Comic: Van Helsing: Black Annis
Series:
April 2021: All | Comic