Dahlia in the Dark: An Urgent Delivery

Dahlia in the Dark, Mad Cave Studio’s latest urban fantasy is sure to excite some people. Why? Well the eye-opening presentation and energy will be the trade’s main attraction on August 8, 2023. An action packed urban fantasy thriller like this deserves something like this.

Who’s The Dahlia in the Dark?

The title character Dahlia seems like a guy living in two worlds. And no, I don’t just mean the human and fantasy worlds. But a lovingly mundane family and a life of crime. Wait… what, not that? So, Donny is a freelancer fallen on hard times. With Donny down on his luck, he has to do a job for the slim chance of reconnecting with his estranged daughter. But naturally, he’s in over his head.

It turns out, his cross country delivery job plays a part in a war between fairies. With the number of parties out for Donny’s fairy princess package, there’s a lot riding on it. The series writer Joe Corallo weaves of web of intrigue and threats. He keeps readers in suspense with the amount of players conspiring against each other and Donny’s motivations.

Dynamics & Arcs

Dahlia In The Dark‘s actions are grounded in very high stakes for character dynamics and arcs. Donny finds in the fairy princess a reflection of his relationship with his daughter. Sure, Donny’s no tyrannical exile of a fairy king trying to mold Maya into his image, but that doesn’t excuse the trauma Donny inflicted on his daughter by exposing her to his job. If Maya’s inactions against her father are any indication, it might’ve arrested her development. Layman’s terms, stuck between loving someone unconditionally and being absolutely terrified of them.

It’s a very spine-chilling arc for the title character as he begins to discover a humanity he thought he never had. While he doesn’t do everything he can to protect Maya, it’s because he has faith in her abilities. That in turn gives Maya the confidence to finally stand up to her father and become the leader her people need to overcome him. Tragically, Donny also accepts that he can never do this for his daughter, wishing her luck in life.

What’s Got Your Attention?

Now for the heart and soul of Dahlia in the Dark. Andrea Milana is a new talent putting a lot of passion into the mini-series’ presentation. Every action sequence is brimming with energy and anticipation that keeps reader’s attention. Sometimes it’s in the atmosphere of a huge panel, the SFX, or more rarely the color. But it’s that last bit that really gets my attention in a not so good way. The coloring is not the greatest as some characters like Donny’s contractee can really blend in. Yet, that’s a small complaint in otherwise great sequences.

Are You Still In For Dahlia In The Dark?

 

Right now, Dahlia in the Dark tells a familiar story presented in pulse pounding sequences. A new artist has come out of the woodwork by making a grand impression on everyone. It remains to be seen what surprises are in store. But for keeping everyone in exciting suspense, the first issue gets 8.5/10.