Graphic Novel Review – Monstress Vol 3 by Marjorie Liu, Sana Takeda (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Length: 152 pages
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: September 11, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-1534306912
Stand Alone or Series: 3rd volume in the Monstress series
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 stars

Maika has spent most of her life learning how to fight, but how will she fare when the only way to save her life…is to make friends?

This is the 3rd volume in the Monstress series. While this graphic novel series continues to have an amazing story and some spectacular world-building, what really sets it apart is the phenomenal illustration throughout.

In this volume Maika flees to Pontus to find safety for herself and her companions. Pontus needs help fixing their shield and when Maika accidentally destroys it she finds herself venturing deep into the depths of her monster’s mistress’s laboratory to find parts meant to fix it.

This series has gotten rather complicated and there are a ton of characters in here. It would have been very helpful to have a quick story synopsis and character guide at the beginning of the book. I struggled some to figure out who was who and get back into the story. Additionally, at points you would turn the page and suddenly be in a completely different place with completely different characters and this was a bit confusing.

However, I am still really enjoying the characters, the world-building, and the illustration. The illustration in here is breathtakingly beautiful. I also really enjoy watching Maika grow and change as a character and watching her interact with her fellow adventurers.

At some point I would like to sit down and read all the Monstress volumes back to back because the story is getting a bit complex and at times is hard to follow.

Overall this was a spectacular continuation of this steampunk fantasy series. I really love the world, the characters, and the illustration. I would recommend to those who enjoy dark fantasy graphic novels; just be prepared to spend some time unweaving the complexities of this story.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– New Release Reading Challenge
– Goodreads Reading Challenge
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge