The thing about endings is that they’re meant to be definitive. Not just for wrapping up the plot and any loose threads, but helping to clarify if the story was worth it in the first place.
In the case of Edenwood, it’s been quite a journey of both intricate world-building and character development — a real test of the readers’ mettle that’s generally been a worthwhile pursuit. But can the arc-ending issue #5 truly stick the landing, or are we better left wandering the worst parts of these haunted woods?
And as far as mid-story breaks are concerned, this one proved to be one hell of pit stop for our traveling hero Rion and company.
For the bulk of this series, writer-artist Tony S. Daniel has tried to build the world as much as he’s been establishing Rion’s backstory. But in this finale, we focus even more on Rion, what happened with his mentor Bastille, his true nature in the war of demons versus witches, and just how important that armor of his really is to the fate of the whole world. That distinctly “quiet” focus is backed up brilliantly with some of the most impactful visuals from Daniel so far (with a big assist from colorist Leonardo Paciarotti). There’s one scene, without spoiling the actual reveal, where Rion is scorched to his very bones before the newly-bestowed armor makes him whole.
The main cover to Edenwood #5 from Tony S. Daniel. Courtesy of Image Comics.
That bit o’ visual magic isn’t just dope but it really draws out how much of this story is about what the armor represents (growing pains, accepting one’s own burgeoning responsibilities, the joy and horror of adulthood, etc.) It pares down a lot of the grander movements and functions of this still-expanding fantasy world to give us a North Star to best follow. Through that, things just feel more streamlined and deliberate as we see this story’s true value as a kind of parable for being young in an increasingly messed up world, and how you must trust in yourself to make a difference. It’s a wildly effective way to give more emotional shape and structure to a story that’s already got heaps of structure regarding the world in general.
At the same time, I think this doubling down on Rion, as it were, did a lot to really play up the fantasy elements and accompanying commitment in a more significant way. Sure, this story now feels more intimate and personable than ever before (even as it’s always been deeply human), but having a more clear understanding of Rion’s role and his unwritten story are an even more robust lens. Daniel has clearly used this book to celebrate a love for fantasy, and to do so with a more rugged and adventurous feel (while adding in horror for good measure). Now it feels even more like a proper fantasy story, as we have our Mr. Frodo (if he were a badass demon-slayer) and his merry gang of warriors (teenage demon killers) heading off to Mordor (the living nightmare that is Edenwood) to destroy a cursed artifact (save friends and smash demons).
A variant cover to Edenwood #5 from Emanuela Lupacchino. Courtesy of Image Comics.
That structural “hardening,” as it were, is enough to further ground this story without ruining its energy and excitement in pushing the fantasy genre forward in significant ways. But it’s the execution that matters just as well. The squad of killers, for instance, also gives the creative team a chance to add in even more layers of humanity (each one with their own personality and emotional reasons for risking their hides in Edenwood proper). And even their designs — which balance fantasy armor/lore with modern streetwear and the like — is a proper snapshot of how this book honors and also seeks to have its readers reevaluate and redefine what makes a proper fantasy story.
Still, as great as this issue works overall, there’s some important concerns to explore. For one, it was a much slower paced issue for sure, and a lot of the visual magic and big action either happened early on enough, or in brief spurts elsewhere, to give room to proper world-building and plot formations. While I’m much less confused over the lore these days (that’s really been over the last two issues), I do question now just how much more there is to discover given how the demon versus witch focus has been cemented. Sure, I get the sense that there’s still more specific histories and legends to discover down the road, but this issue especially demonstrated that a lot of it may boil down to the armor and murdering demons, which does feel a touch boilerplate.
A variant cover to Edenwood #5 from Tony S. Daniel. Courtesy of Image Comics.
I think it’s inevitably a minor downside of the “Frodo-ing” of this issue, and what might happen when you don’t give your Harry Potter or other fantasy hero archetype a world that can extend their uniqueness beyond being some magical soldier. (Even as I’d already mentioned how lively and textured this world still feels as proper fantasy.) But I think that a lot of that hesitancy is what happens with any arc’s ending, and I have enough faith that we can have a perpetually human story about our hero and still get something that works to further that fantasy storytelling without falling prey to its deadliest, most derivative tropes.
The issue and arc really end with a big reveal about the various sides battling across this book, and just who Rion may or may not be able to trust. To some extent, that does play further into Fantasy 101, but there doesn’t have to be anything wrong with that if the next arc can continue to engage and unsettle us in equal measure. Based on the overarching success of this first arc, all of Edenwood’s beginnings, middles, and endings are bound to be packed with extra potent magic.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.