(Image Comics, 2015)

Writer: Kel Symons
Art: Nate Stockman
Colors: Paul Little
Lettering & Design: Pat Brosseau

After helping Reyn escape from the brutal Menica Mines, the young sorceress Seph was critically injured. The mysteries and legends of the Land of Fate are explored in Reyn #3, when Reyn must return Seph to her father and the Followers of Teck. Reyn is the warrior they have been waiting for; they ask him to join them on a dangerous mission, one that will stop the Venn from achieving their goal to destroy the Land of Fate.

This excellent Image Comics fantasy adventure series, written by Kel Symons (The Mercenary Sea), with art by Nate Stockman, colors by Paul Little, and lettering and Design by Pat Brosseau, continues Reyn’s and Seph’s adventures in the Land of Fate as Reyn leans the truth about the Follows of Tek and discovers the full extent of the Vennís plans.

Reyn #3 begins with a death-defying ascent of the Haunted Peaks. Reyn is determined to get Seph to her people so her father can use his power to heal her, but the climb is long, arduous, and fraught with hidden dangers lurking on the wing.

When they finally reach the Followers of Tek, Reyn is not exactly welcomed as these people have a deep-seated mistrust of lowlanders. Seph’s father, Adon, soon restores order though, and while his daughter’s injuries are tended, he asks Reyn to help them prevent the Venn from destroying Fate. So far, Reyn has been reluctant to accept his role as a Warden of the Land of Fate. Kel Symons masterfully weaves the mythology of this fantasy world throughout the narrative of this issue, magic and innovation entwine with legacy and myth as Reyn discovers the secrets of the Followers of Tek, and the vile schemes of the Venn are finally revealed.

Reyn and Seph make a great team, circumstance seems to have thrown them together, and their bond of friendship seems stronger than ever following the dangerous mountain climb to reach the Follower of Tek. During Reyn’s travels he has been guided by some invisible power, Aurora mistress of Light, whose influence put Reyn on his quest to protect this land from evil. Reyn often appears to be talking to himself when he receives these messages, and its great fun to see the bemused looks on the faces of those around him. It’s also clear now this guiding light has been instrumental in bringing Reyn and Seph together. Symons makes these characters all so believable, the dialogue is pitched perfectly, and with several new characters introduced this issue as well there is real a sense that this fantasy series is evolving into something very special indeed.

The art by Nate Stockman continues to impress as it envelops us in the wondrous spectacles of the Land of Fate. From the vertigo inducing peril faced at Haunted Peaks to the camp of the Followers of Tek imposingly carved into the rock face itself, Nate Stockman has made this world his own, brining every nuance of it to life in intricate detail. There are some amazing creatures in this issue as well, particularly of the feathered variety, swarms of screeching bats, and some especially stomach churning monstrosities towards the end of the issue with voracious appetites for flesh. The colors by Paul Little are rich and textured, stylishly enhancing the atmosphere of the story, and the lettering and Design by Pat Brosseau is also spot-on.

As the issue draws to a close Reyn and the Followers of Tek sets out on the next stage of their mission to reach the Venn’s homeland in The Rift, traversing dense forests, before making a descent into a dark abyss that reaches down into the very beating heart of the world itself. Here, grotesque horrors lurk, waiting to strike at the unwary, before Reyn and his new allies find themselves in awe of the sights that await them in the hidden depths of the Land of Fate.

Reyn #3 is a great issue in this new Image Comics series. Kel Symons fills in some intriguing points concerning the history of the Land of Fate, stories are told of the Haunted Peaks and even the great cataclysm, and it gives us a real sense of this world’s diverse history and many cultures. Kel Symons intricate storyline effortlessly draws you into the story while Nate Stockman is superb art will keep you glued to every scene, and if this issues final page is anything to go by it certainly looks like Reyn’s adventures are about to even more dangerous and exciting!

Paul Bowler is a self-Confessed Sci-Fi Geek, Doctor Who fan, and Zombie Disposal Expert. He likes movies, comic books, and all things PS3. He likes to write about his interests, would love to write a novel one day, and also enjoys chatting to the many people he has gotten to know on Twitter. When he’s not busy being an Impossible Astronaut, he likes to take a break from his adventures in time and space to enjoy some of his favorite TV shows and movies, preferably with a nice cuppa tea & a sandwich! You can follow him on Twitter @paul_bowler, or find him at his website, Sci-Fi Jubilee.