Crimson Empire III: Empire Lost #5

Story: Mike Richardson and Randy Stradley
Script: Mike Richardson
Artist: Paul Gulacy
Colorist: Michael Bartolo
Letterist: Michael Heisler
Cover Artist: Dave Dorman

Things are nearing the end with only one more issue to go in Crimson Empire III. As this chapter of the story progresses, a few more pieces begin falling into place. Kanos and Sinn head to the meeting with D’asta. Luke evades being blown up. Han gets wind of what Devian’s up to, and Devian’s fleet makes their move.

Some of the heavily shadowed panels really looked nice in this issue.

The artwork in this issue is pretty solid. While Han and Luke continue to look weird, Leia looks more like herself. There are also some real good head shots of Kanos, Sinn, and Pellaeon. Throughout the issue there’s a good balance of portraying the action, the characters, and some nice scenic shots. I really like the panels in this issue better than the last one. There’s some good work.

There was a nice array of artwork covering the faces of various characters throughout this issue.

The story doesn’t offer a lot of closure, but it has progressed to the point of reasonable speculation. Some of the build ups offer some decent clues that may indicate what’s going to happen in the last issue. Kanos and Syn seem to be on the cups of meeting someone essential to stopping Devian. Pellaeon and Han’s fleets are being drawn away but to what purpose? Will Nom Anor fit in somewhere? Will Kanos be able to clear his name? Obviously there’s a lot of question left, but I’m optimistic the next issue will be able to offer a satisfying conclusion.

With good artwork and some tantalizing cliff hangers in the plot, I give Empire Lost #5 a four out of five metal bikinis.

Reviewed By: Skuldren for Roqoo Depot.