Amala is an assassin, the greatest in the land, and she’s been sent forth on a suicide mission; one that could lead to another war between the Modifier and Purifier peoples. Little does she know, this is but one layer of a much larger and more complicated game.

I continue to adore the setting and art of Amala’s Blade. The variety and character of both the Modifier and Purifier peoples and architecture are astounding. Even without spending much time among the populace or on the streets, I’ve got a good idea of the cities’ peoples and personality just from these quick glances. The cover art on this issue is ridiculously cool, and the giant cybernetic snake (GCS) looks just as good inside the issue. The GCS has raised a whole new list of questions about the wildlife on Naamaron for me that Horton and Dialynas can’t possibly address in one more issue, which means we need a second series of Amala’s Blade, right Dark Horse? Speaking of something new, this is the first issue where I can really think of vehicles heavily coming into play and the look and feel of these different crafts will not disappoint.

Issue #3 is filled with drama and plenty of—there’s no other word for it—cool moments, ranging from some new duds for Amala to the borrowing of a lights—sorry, “laser sword” to, of course, the many moments with the GCS. Issue #3 may have some of the most impressive visuals the series has offered thus far, but, if I’m right, this is going to pale in comparison to what Issue #4 brings along. Not to worry, while this issue of Amala’s Blade is the most serious to date, it still finds plenty of moments for humor. Even in the middle of all of the drama, we get little gems like two Purifiers talking about what is and isn’t appropriate to have—ahem—cybernetically enhanced.

All of that said, the plot development in Issue #3 takes some hits. There is a big contrivance that felt meaningless and cliché to me, logic gaps, a deus ex machina, and several moments where I’m going, “How does she know that?!” It feels like plot compression in order to make Issue #4 the grand sendoff, but I couldn’t help but be confused and disappointed by the cut corners. Amala’s Blade #3 may have its weak points, but it’s still a smartly written and great-looking series that is well worth a look. I mean, just look at that cover!

Four Not-Patent Infringing Laser Swords out of Five