Lady Death
Published by Crossgen Entertainment
32 pages
$2.95.

In a time when a near-immortal race called the Eldritch prey upon humans for sport, a forbidden union takes place, while a village is razed. Upon the realization that her Eldritch lover has led a murderous raid upon her people, a human woman flees, in fear of the consequences. Having grown up in seclusion with her mother, the only positive outcome of that hellish night, a young woman named Hope, one day journeys back to the place of her conception. Eventually, however, the frightened, vengeful townspeople murder her mother, and leave Hope for dead, as well. But, found by her Eldritch father, and touched by his magic, she lives again, a being condemned by the Church (which rules the human world), and set on revenge.

This is the premise of the comic book Lady Death, published by Crossgen Entertainment, and it is a vast improvement from it's previous incarnation, published by Chaos Comics.

Brian Pullido is the creator of the character, and the series writer. With this particular series, he quickly and deftly creates sympathy for the main character, Hope, drawing readers in. Additionally, he introduces Wolfram Von Bach, a knight in service to the Church, and also Hope's savior from her second encounter with a murderous mob. Hmmm, more contradiction and intrigue.

Pullido is doing exactly what writers should do; make readers care about the characters. Artist Ivan Reis also fulfills his role well, as he creates an appealing fantasy world, giving the characters a special kind of "life," with a dramatic, realistic art style. His women are beautiful (without being obscene), his men are rugged, and their environment is spectacular. As of issue four, there is really nothing bad to say about this book.

Lady Death is recommended for all but the youngest readers. Find it at comic shops, online auctions and catalogs, or comic conventions.

To find the comic shop nearest you, call the Comic Shop Locator Service, at 1-888-comicbook.

Mark Allen

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