If you've been keeping with this story thus far, I'm sure you've noticed the amazing artistry and world building that has already gone into it. We left off setting sail from the beautiful seaside city of Thyria.

For reviews on prior issues: 1- 2, 3, 4-6, 7.

The hunt for answers takes Maika and her friends out to sea...

This issue doesn't really delve into Maika's progression toward her goal as much, though they are at sea and moving toward it still. This one focuses predominantly on some character growth for Maika. She's still got the attitude that I really love so much about her, but she's also still struggling with the monster inside her.

I'm intrigued by the captain, she's the first black woman in the story and has a respected position of power. She's a great character who commands respect in the small dealings we see with her. I love Kippa and the way her character grounds Maika. She's a reminder for Maika to fight for her own humanity. The siren was an interesting touch and I'm sure we'll get more about  the significance of her presence in another issue. The world of this story continues to expand and I just can't get enough of it.

Then there's the mysterious island they are all heading toward and that Maika is supposed to be kept from. We'll see how all of that goes. It wasn't looking too good for her but she's not a character that is easy to be rid of either. I can't wait to see what happens next!

This issue is set in Thyria, which is a beautiful city with it's own rich history and set of characters. It was great to see some more people from Maika's past. Seizi particularly interested me and not just because he's  a tiger. I love the whole Arcanic thing, it gives the world this whole other edge. Seizi is one of those characters that are great because they aren't just one thing. I get that his kind of not-one-thing seems a little tropish for now, it's very pirate with a heart of gold, but if there's anything I've learned about this series, it's to not trust that the trope will be all there is to any character. I also loved to see Ren a little less sure of himself. Necromancers have always been creepy in other books and he's almost normalized in this series, other than being a cat. Then there was the Warlord of the Dawn Court. What a title.

Altogether, another great issue from this team of creators. As always, the art and world-building in this series is just unparalleled. They're doing something new and interesting with the evil matriarchal society and the little hints about the mysterious weapon that no one can figure out. I love the mystery aspect of it. Okay, I love everything about everything.