Last Time
When last we left Mad Cave’s Dahlia in the Dark, Princess Maya was forced to defend against her teacher Galvonus and did so with deadly force. If impaling him with roots shooting from the ground is considered deadly. It was for Galvonus. Now Donnie and Maya are once again on the run. For Donnie, these events bring back painful memories. Ones he would like to resolve once and for all. But after all that’s happened, Donnie still doesn’t know everything at play when it comes to Maya. In that manner, he truly IS Dahlia in the Dark.
While Donnie still contemplates his past, his now former handler Ollie is still trying to make things right by the Fairy Council. While they are ready to wash their hands of him, he still believes he can maneuver things to fulfill his promises to them. But, if that is going to be the case, he had better hurry. For soon, it will be too late.
Coping with Killing
Back with Maya and Donnie, Maya is having difficulties coping with the death of her teacher and her hand in it. She asks Donnie if he had any problems dealing with the first time, he took a life. As pragmatic as one might expect a person to be in Donnie’s line of work, he tells her he doesn’t think about it. He suggests she doesn’t either. More importantly, she shouldn’t let an act she did in self-defense define her. Donnie tells her to find some music for them to listen to. Something to take her mind off her recent actions. But as they attempt to lighten the mood, they are being watched.
Ryne Returns
In fact, they are being stalked. Somehow Ryne has returned. Apparently, a bullet in the head isn’t enough to keep a good changeling down (See Issue 3). He uses a rocket launcher to redirect their car. Only Donnie’s quick reflexes kept their trip from ending right there. Regardless of that close call, Ryne was not finished. However, neither was Maya. Just as Ryne was lining up to shoot again, Maya once again used her powers. This time to ensnare Ryne and to keep him from firing. She suggested that they take advantage of the distraction and leave. But Donnie had a captive audience. He wanted answers.
Maya’s Story
Donnie approached the entangled changeling and asked him why he was trying to kill them. Ryne laughed as he realized that Maya had not given her would be hero the full story. It looked like Ryne would need to fill in the gaps. For starters, that package that Donnie and Big Molly were transporting not only contained her, but also an entire fairy prison. One containing all those who opposed King Luna. By ridding himself of anyone who opposed him, it cleared the way for King Luna to carry out his planned takeover of Terra.
The council had plans to thwart him. Using those opposed to the King and some insider information to overthrow him. But at the last moment, their insider had a change of heart. That insider was Maya. She gave up all the knowledge she had on the proposed coup and informed her father in time. For her reward, she was imprisoned along with those who opposed him. However, in the grand scheme of things, Luna had planned to release his daughter. But there was only one problem with that plan. While Luna didn’t want to see her father hurt, she didn’t want to go back to him either. Which has led to their current confrontation.
Ryne’s Intentions
As far as Ryne is concerned, the politics of the situation is unimportant. All he knows is that two parties want Maya and the other prisoners. He will just turn Maya over to whoever offers him the most. It’s not personal, its business. Spoken like Joe Fox from You’ve Got Mail. But Donnie doesn’t care about the politics either. He made a promise to Maya to protect her. He looks to fulfill that promise…even if it means taking out Ryne. Which that aforementioned Rocket Launcher does nicely. Although, it is a messy solution. One that splatters Donnie with blood and causes him to have hallucinations (as all changeling blood does). Just ask Big Molly Bloom (again in Issue 3). Maya calms Donnie and soon he falls to sleep.
Running No Longer an Option
Later, he awakens to Maya explaining that he has sweat out the infection and he should be fine now. But the question remains, what will they do now? Maya fears that Donnie will realize this is too much trouble and will turn her over to her father. But Donnie assures her once again that he had promised her his protection and that has not changed. However, they have now reached the point where running is no longer acceptable. Neither King Luna nor the council will stop pursuing her. They need to face the problem head on and end it. But first, he needs to see his daughter.
From the Frying Pan to the Diner
Soon they arrive at their destination, Tulsa Oklahoma. Donnie’s daughter Amy works at a diner/ convenience store there. While he longs to see her, he is not sure what he will say. He sends in Maya first while he fills the tank and ponders what he will tell her. As Luna enters the diner, she asks Amy what kind of pies they are serving. Amy goes through the list and Maya asks for a slice of apple pie to go. But as Amy goes off to fulfill the order, a group of armed men enter the building. They charge Maya of treason against the Fairy Council and demand she surrender to them. Nothing weird about that in Tulsa. Of course, the event is soon on the news. A possible hostage situation in a small diner in Tulsa. TMZ must have been around. They don’t miss ANYTHING.
Needless to say, the news of the hostage situation is seen by Donnie’s ex-wife. It is her intention of heading to the Diner, but she is intercepted by Agent Vera. She warns her that Donnie has been spotted in the area and that she must come with her. For her own protection. Things are coming to a head in Dahlia in the Dark.
Thoughts
As one might expect, the picture has started to get clearer as we approach the climax. That is, if you can believe what the resurrecting Ryne has to say. Although Maya didn’t deny anything he said. She was just mainly concerned that Donnie was going to turn her over to her father, just to be rid of her. Till this point, that hasn’t happened. But we still have an issue to go.
Donnie’s Dilemmas
However, Donnie has more problems than just Maya to worry about. Whether he wanted to or not, he has once again involved his daughter into his dangerous way of life. Not exactly going to inspire any extra visitation opportunities from his ex-wife OR his daughter. Provided Donnie and Amy survive the coming conflict. Pretty sure the council or King Luna would consider Donnie and his daughter just collateral damage. Not important in THEIR grand scheme. Donnie might have something to say about that.
A Crazy Quilt of Mystery and Power Struggles
Throughout this series, Joe Corollo and Andrea Milana have woven a tight tale that both entertains and intrigues. A crazy quilt made of mysterious politics and power struggles from all ends of the different realms. Only in this issue have they begun to tie together some of the loose ends. Bringing the final product closer to completion. Looking forward to seeing how they wrap it up and if they leave any remaining empty spaces that might lead to a follow-up. Like some back story about Big Molly Bloom. There’s probably a whole series just in her background alone.
Mad Cave Studios Dahlia in the Dark, Issue #5 by Joe Corollo, Andrea Milana, and Micah Myers is available now on the Mad Cave Subscription site. Look for Issue #6 to drop on May 31st.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
