GVN Talking Comics Review: Mad Cave Studios ‘The Tiger’s Tongue’ Issue #5 -“Happily Ever After Is In the Eye Of The Beholder”

Last Time in The Tiger’s Tongue

When we last left The Tiger’s Tongue, the competition for rulership of the Claw had gotten ugly and tragic. The once mild-mannered Dani had become ruthless for control and power. Unfortunately, her sister Kelindi was in her way. Now, one hand short and recovering from her wounds, Kelindi has no choice but to fight back. Supporting the River People in their fight against the Claw. However, it is a begrudging partnership. Many of the River people believe that this is an alliance of necessity. Once the conflict is over, if victorious, Kelindi will once again be their enemy. If not, Dani has already made her position clear with them. Their place is clearly defined: under the Claw’s boots.

The Fire Awakens

As the battle approaches, Kelindi takes the time to contemplate everything that has happened. The simpler, happier times when her and Dani didn’t have such responsibilities. All the times they played as children. All lost now due to a prophecy and their father’s willingness to pit daughter against daughter. The resentment, hurt and anger built up in Kelindi and when she let it out, her powers manifested themselves just as Dani’s had. But instead of ice, Kelindi’s was fire. And just like Dani, when her eyes both went to blue, Kelindi’s eyes went from multi-colored to a single dark brown. Eyes that flamed with vengeance. Against their father who set this in motion, and her sister who allowed it to consume her.

Sister vs Sister

The Battle commenced with Kelindi leading the charge. With her powers and guidance, the River People started to overwhelm the forces of the Claw with no quarter given or taken. Much to the dismay and fear of Dani. It was not supposed to go this way. She thought she had brought civility and order to the land. A “cooling off” period … if freezing the land could be considered that. But at what expense?

As the carnage continued, Dani knew what must transpire. She was not strong enough in the end to maintain the peace. So, she waited for the inevitable arrival of Kelindi. Putting up no real defense as her sister ran her sword through her. In the end, Dani thanked her for allowing her to be the catalyst to a new age between the Claw and the River People. She only wished they had both been alive to see it. With tears streaming down her face, Kelindi heated up the pool of water near where Dani had stood and set her body into it. Her work was not yet done.

Daughter vs. Father

Kelendi next went to see their father. It was his doing that put this conflict in motion. Now, she would put an end to it. She burst into his chamber, blasting the doors open with her flame. He was not surprised to see her. The question was would she be able or willing to take the deciding stroke. He put up a meager defense but, in the end, her blade did her speaking for her as she cut him down, amidst the raging inferno that was his chambers.

Removing the last Figure Head

All that was left was Karion, the Grand Tiger. He too appeared to know what was coming as he silently waited for Kelindi. His only thought before what was to come was, “where would Kelindi run to, now that this was all over.” The answer to that question was left unanswered. At least for the moment. Meanwhile, with the Claw people killed or scattered, the River People must now rebuild. Deciding amongst themselves how they would do that while forging their own future. One without the oppression of the Claw hovering over them. With only the river knowing what is to come.

Thoughts

Writer Olivia Stephens and artist Diansakhu Banton-Perry have laid out a fairy tale like story with all the elements of the classic narratives. Kings and Queens, Princesses, prophecies, ancestral spirits and talking animals. But unlike many of those types of stories, they have allowed for the reality that things aren’t always pleasant in the end. Social unrest brings about conflict. And sometimes, to bring resolution to a crisis, sacrifices must and will be made.

No Warm and Fuzzies

This was never clearer than in the last two issues of The Tiger’s Tongue where any semblance of the “warm and fuzzies” were sliced, frozen and burnt to a crisp. Would this had gone a different way had the Queen not perished in the beginning of the story? Or would it have been avoided entirely had Dani stepped aside as she originally planned to do, under Kelindi’s urging? But what fun would THAT have been?

As it was, the ending created was far from the sterotypical “Disney-style” conclusion. Instead, The Tiger’s Tongue was engrained with passion, family intrigue and a sometimes-dark reality. But at the same time, exuding hope that the River People were now free to forge their own path.  Done so in a tale skillfully crafted by Stephens, Banton-Perry, Bex Glendining, and Joamette Gil.

Happy Endings?

Over the five-issue series, the creative team of Stephens, Banton-Perry, Bex Glendining, and Joamette Gil delivered on a powerful, and tragic story that was left with hope and even a hint of possible revisit…if the face in the stream was any indication. But was it really a happy ending? I would guess that depends on who you ask. The people of the Claw would question it. However, it just proves that “Happily Ever After is in the Eye of the Beholder.” The River People would no doubt agree.

Purchase

Issue 5 of Mad Cave Studios ‘The Tigers Tongue’ by Writer Olivia Stephens and talented new artist Diansakhu Banton-Perry can be found now at Mad Cave’s Subscription site here. The TPB version is scheduled for release February 1st, 2023.