Last Time
When we last left the world of Monomyth, the number of chosen had been reduced by one. One of the perspective wizards tried to use his wand without the knowledge of its power toward Homunculus. The end result was Beto laying on the floor in a puddle of blood and bullets. When your main sustenance is violence and guns, it should come as no surprise that is what you regurgitate.
For Homunculus, this was not a shocking ending. Beto tried to write a story that wasn’t his, the death of Homunculus. He had told him it wasn’t his time. Angry wizards meet with angry endings. If nothing else, this was an object lesson for the rest of them. Be careful what you try to do with your wands in this early stage and the spells you try to attach to them. The results will not be to your liking.
Vadim VS Homunculus
Vadim was not amused. The huge Russian approached Homunculus telling him that he did not NEED a small stick. He could just wring Homunculus scrawny neck. For his part, the old wizard reminded them that they had requested answers. But if not…he slid through a secret passage and disappeared. Much to the chagrin of the others. Vadim may have not wanted answers, but the rest of them did. However, for Vadim, it taught him one thing. Homunculus was afraid of him. For what THAT was worth.
Searching the Castle
In the meantime, without answers, they needed a plan. Vadim suggested they all split up and search the castle. Maybe they could find a way out? Having been exposed to many horror films, the rest of them thought going off alone in different directions was a horrible idea. Although they did agree that exploring the castle had its merits. But instead of everyone going separately, they would team-up. Kerra would go with Julia, Vivienne would go with Ahmad, while Kole went with the not so stoic Vadim.
Kerra and Julia
After going their separate ways, Kerra and Julia found themselves in a classroom. For Julia it made sense. Perhaps this where the young wizards were taught magic. It was good enough for Harry Potter. Kerra found that nonsense. As a reporter, she was skeptical of such a possibility. Although recent events might infer otherwise. As they looked a bout, they could hear a clicking noise getting closer as the room got darker. Two creatures approached with the faces of their respective Mothers. This was followed by a connection from each creature entering through their mouths.
Facing Their Mothers
They each found themselves transported, separately back to their respective homes, talking to their mothers. For Kerra and Julia, nothing had changed for them. Their mothers still showed their disapproval and disappointment in them. In both cases, they were told that they squandered all the advantages given them. Similarly, they stood up for themselves. Julia reminded her mother that she didn’t get bonus points just for doing her job as a parent. She also reminded her that their cycle continued. Whenever Julia did something that her mother couldn’t control, she buried her in disapproval.
Kole and Vadim
Meanwhile, Kole and Vadim explored their path. As they walked, they both probed into each other’s history. Kole with his sister Kerra, and Vadim about the burns on his face. Kole refused to talk about his sister, only telling Kadim there was a history between them that went deep, and he didn’t want to discuss it. As for Kadim, he told Kole that a house fire was the cause of his burns. One that took his parents and his little brother. But before any more could be revealed, they too ran into the creatures. One had Kole’s mother’s face and the other Vadim’s younger brother Mishka. Once again, the creatures invaded their bodies.
Kole
In Kole’s vision, he is confronted by his father for leaving him to die when some bad people had come for him. His father had been shot, but Kole refused to help. Kole reminded him that he had left their family. Left his mom and only returned when he needed what little money they had. Like a blood sucking parasite. For that, Kole felt no loyalty to his father and decided to leave him just as he had them. Kole’s father didn’t disagree. To him, it just proved that Kole would be just like him. Undependable and selfish.
Vadim
For Vadim, his brother reminded him of their family, and how they had burned. Along with their paintings and everything else. But somehow Vadim had survived. Like he always seemed to. But Vadim was not ready to apologize for living. He had chased down those responsible for his family and did the same to them. He had gone to the Gulag for that retribution. That was the extent of what he owed. The past was just that. The past.
Vivienne and Ahmad
Elsewhere, Vivienne and Ahmad were at the windows of a tower. For Vivienne, she was just glad that she and Ahmad were together. They had both been through so much, but somehow through it all, they had once again found each other. To her, that was the most important thing. As they kissed, they were unaware of their visitors. Their creatures that took them over just as their companions had been.
Ahmad
Ahmad was at the funeral. His uncle was by his side offering his support. But Ahmad remembered. It was his uncle who had arranged the deaths in question. All to manipulate him. To keep him under his control. His uncle didn’t deny it. It was all too easy to control Ahmad. He reminded Ahmad that it was he who sent him off to study medicine. To keep him away from his family. He was like clay that bended under the artist’s hand.
But Ahmad reminded him that it was Vivienne that made him see the truth. To see through his manipulations. But his uncle laughed at that. Vivienne was just another handle to be used against him. Another way to control his nephew. Ahmad growled at that notion. His uncle had underestimated Vivienne and Ahmad. He thought that Ahmad would do “almost anything” for her. He was wrong. He would do ANYTHING for her.
Standing Up
It was at that moment that Kerra, Julia, Kole, Vadim and Ahmad took their distinct situations in their own hands. Using their wands against those visions that seeked to control them. Each of the chosen stating that they would no longer fall under the weight of the guilt that their past tried to place on them. They were stronger than that now. All but Vivienne.
Vivienne
In Vivienne’s vision, she has run into her sister. Her sister that has been dead for some time. But like all the others in these visions, she is placing guilt onto Vivienne. Telling her that no matter what she has done, she always seems to need help. Always the damsel in distress. Waiting for someone stronger to come to her rescue. Vivienne could do nothing but cry about what she considered a reality.
Anything to Save Her
On the outside, Ahmad who had already broken free of his vision, tries to wake Vivienne up. Calling her name in a desperate attempt to raise her. The rest of the group, hearing his cries and also free from their particular scenarios go to see what is wrong. Ahmad is cradling Vivienne as the creature still hovers over her. Still resisting his efforts to wake her. He raises his wand and says that if she does not awaken, he will do what is necessary to accomplish it. Even if it means destroying the creature who has her in its thrall.
Lesson Not Learned
Kole races up to him grabbing his arm in the process. Did he not learn anything by what happened to Beto? None of them know enough about their wands or the magic inherent in them to use them properly At least not in the “real world.” Does Ahmad want to take that risk? Using them in their visions was one thing. Using them in reality was another. But for Ahmad, all he knows is he had lost Vivienne once before. He CANNOT lose her again as he blasts the creature with the power of his wand, vaporizing it under its power.
As he holds her, Vivienne stirs. But in addition, Ahmad’s joints begin to click and then bend in unnatural ways as the consequences of what he has done become manifest. Vivienne was awoken, but Ahmad paid the price for that rescue. Much to her heartbreak.
Hard Lessons
That makes only five of the original seven still alive. The Castle is whittling down the Chosen one at a time. Or to be more accurate, the Chosen are eliminating themselves. As for Homunculus, he warned them all about this. They didn’t listen. They NEVER listen. His Master was right as always. “Blood and tears teach hard lessons.” However, when he told Beto it wasn’t his time to die yet, he didn’t lie. But now, his master has informed him. The story of his death has come.
Thoughts
The story of Monomyth started with seven of the chosen. Seven possible replacements for the grand wizard whom Homunculus had served for so long. Now, within a few fleeting moments, as far as one like Homunculus is concerned when dealing with time, there are five. Magic is a cruel taskmaster. Especially if you don’t take to heart the lessons.
Similar Backgrounds
What is interesting in writer David Hazan’s narrative is how similar all of the Chosen were as far as their backgrounds. All of them (at least after viewing their visions) were subject to the disapproval or manipulation of people in their respective families. Living under such pressure can not only affect one’s self-esteem but could also push them into bad choices. A subject that easily reflects current events as far as diversity and acceptance goes. That aspect makes Hazan’s story all the more layered and makes the reader consider what qualifications the wizard was searching for in the Chosen.
Listen
So far, the ability to listen and absorb what you are told has proven to be a problem. At least for some of them. Although, I am more likely to give Ahmad some understanding as his motives were at least altruistic in trying to save his love Vivienne. Which is more than can be said for the first casualty, Beto. As the series continues, it will be interesting to delve even more into the remaining Chosen and perhaps why they were selected.
Artwork
Monomyth is a dark tale, with characters that have dealt with different shades of darkness in their lives. When it comes to capturing that atmosphere, artist Cecilia Lo Valvo continues to shine. Using a nice mix of thick and thin lines while expressing each character’s angst in dealing with the relationships of the past. Not to mention the creatures they encounter. All the while merging expertly with the somber tones and shades by colorist Marrisa Louise. All and all a cohesive combination with the story that Hazan is laying down. I’m all in and ready for the next.
Mad Cave Studios Monomyth, Issue 2 by David Hazan, Cecelia Lo Valvo, Marrisa Louise and Chas! Pangburn is available on June 21st on Mad Caves Subscription site and where great digital comics are sold.
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.