Synopsis
Maika, Kippa, and Ren return to their own world to discover a full year has passed in their absence—and Zinn is back in the clutches of Maika’s father, the megalomaniacal Lord Doctor. From the relative safety of the pirate-controlled Spice Islands, Maika and her friends must regroup, recover, and find a way stop the Lord Doctor’s murderous rampage before he destroys the Known World.
Review
*This review contains SPOILERS for the Monstress series by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda.*
Monstress continues to be one of the most captivating and well plotted series that I have ever read. Each year I look forward to reading the newest installment in this epic fantasy/science fiction series and I have become incredibly attached to the characters author Marjorie Liu and illustrator Sana Takeda have brought to life. As Monstress progresses, I am in constant awe of the complexity of the worldbuilding and the deft, beautiful way that the plot continues to unfold. Due to the complexity of the series, I also find it helpful (and fun!) to reread the series in its entirety before reading each new volume in order to keep myself “up to date” with Maika Halfwolf and the Known World.
Volume 8: Inferno was a complicated, heartbreaking addition to Maika’s journey that took turns that some readers struggled with. Upon reading Volume 9, I found myself incredibly impressed by Liu’s planning and the ability to develop the history of the world(s) and characters she created while showing the nuances of war, power, growth, love, loyalty, and oppression. Monstress is truly a masterclass in storytelling with The Possessed reintroducing readers to characters from previous volumes and delving deeper into lore.
After spending Volume 8 in the world of Golga, the prison-planet of the Old Gods, Maika, Kippa, and Ren return to the Known World to find it being overtaken by the Lord Doctor, who has untethered the connection between Maika and Zinn and attached himself to the powerful monstrum. However, the Lord Doctor continues to be perplexed by his inability to link himself fully with Zinn. While reading I began developing my own theories as to the reasoning behind this somewhat failed connection. I feel that a lack of autonomy and consent are the most likely causes and I’m fascinated by this portrayal and the way that Liu asks readers to question power dynamics within relationships.
Volume 9 also reiterates the importance of community/support through the characters of Maika, Kippa, and Ren who we learn have a mysterious, powerful connection to one another that has even sparked the interest of Maika’s foes. This trio of characters remain a light in this dark, violent world and I love seeing the ways that their relationships change and grow as they learn more about themselves/each other. Whether this trio of heroes has been brought together by fate or chance is yet to be determined, but Liu provides a satisfying look at the complications of love as these characters examine their roles in each other’s lives.
Monstress has always handled themes of oppression, dehumanization, and the impact of war with immense thought and care. I felt that Volume 9 did an excellent job expanding upon these themes, recognizing that the oppressed can sometimes become oppressors themselves. While the series has never shied away from depicting violence, The Possessed skillfully portrays the trauma of war and how those in places of power enact cycles of abuse/trauma.
The Possessed feels like the beginning of something greater to come for the Monstress series. Maika is preparing to face her father but may have greater foes to conquer as the Defiled set the bearers of the Mask of Power in their sights. It seems that the Cats and their abilities in world-walking will become vital in the battles to come, too. As Maika uncovers the truths about her family, past, and her abilities she will also have to battle internal struggles and trauma of her own to save the Known World for Arcanics and the Federation.
Monstress has cemented itself as an all-time favorite series of mine and I am excited to read the next volume. Takeda’s art is truly breathtaking and deserves the highest praise. Liu’s portrayal of mental illness, the strength of community, and political complexities are incredibly well done and implemented seamlessly into a unique, matriarchal fantasy-setting. I’m looking forward to seeing some of my favorite characters return (looking at you, Lord Corvin) and uncovering more of the mysteries surrounding Maika and Zinn in Volume 10.
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