Tales From Nottingham #3 from Mad Cave Studios continues showcasing talent winners that complement the main story. This time Maid Marian becomes the point-of-view, showing another side of her role as the femme fatale.
Tales of Nottingham #3: Show Off The Winners
Sabs Cooper writes our viewpoint character with a sense of controlled agency. Throughout the issue, whenever she’s in a vulnerable position like interrogation or a brawl, Marian feels relaxed. Part of that comes from Federico Bertoni’s expressive artwork juxtaposed with backgrounds reflecting situations at hand. The hanging chains in a cell don’t bother Marian as much as panels where the background disappears.
One scene especially steals the issue, where Marian breaks out laughing after being touched by Prince John. She looks very uncomfortable as she keeps her posture straight, still struggling from pouring drinks for people she clearly doesn’t like. Especially since Prince John keeps his gaze on her and cuts off any praise to her strengths.
In juxtaposition, Marian’s scenes with her father show a mutual vulnerability and understanding. Whether it’s their sword training or their last talk, Marian keeps herself resolute but lets her feelings out. She loses the only person who didn’t just treat her like a person, but respected her power. Unlike Blackthorne or Hood who only give one and not the other. It gives Marian’s arc in A King’s Ransom a little more weight.
One More Bit
On that note the characters all feel authentically unique and in line with continuity. Prince John being a self-entitled braggart, Blackthorne the insightful gruff cop, and Hood’s passive-aggressiveness. It shows a love for this setting thanks in part to the lettering by Chas! Pangburn.
Guess I should mention the colors by Rebecca Nalty, who uses Marian’s attire to keep readers attention on her. Or at least when her red hair doesn’t do that.
Tales of Nottingham #3: Fascinating Fatale
Every creative is showing off their best effort in this piece of the anthology. The contest winners make Maid Marian come across as a genuinely interesting character with clear ambitions. Plus it helps enhance the main story while standing on its own. Final score 8.5/10.
Thanks for coming to the end and as always remember to look between the panels.
