Sai: Dimensional Rivals #3 – “Metamorphosis!”

Existential horror, dread and butterflies in Sai: Dimensional Rival #3 from Marvel Comics

Just like this comic book, this review is a collaboration between Eda and Yancy. We are both excited to share with you all our thoughts on this spectacular series.

CREATIVE TEAM:

• Writer/Artist: Mike Del Mundo
• Writer/Artist: Elena Casagrande
• Writer:Artist: Bengal
• Writer/Artist: Peach Momoko
• Letterer: Joe Sabino

FROM SOLICITATION:

“METAMORPHOSIS! Sai continues her journey through an artistic Multiverse, landing this issue with creative master MIKE DEL MUNDO! Witness some of the trippiest artwork you’ve seen, all woven into the narrative of Sai’s hunt for the mystical stones!

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #3*

WELCOME TO BATTLE WORLD

Eda: As for the last few issues, the writing here just feels absolutely immaculate. Having followed since the beginning, this adventure has gone in so many unexpected places. To have seen Sai on Battleworld fighting Eternia just feels absolutely bonkers, and I love it. Also, knowing that this is canon to Rivals and that they’re introducing incursions in the game, I’m beyond hyped for where this series is going. Especially after that “Alice in Wonderland” level ending. Lastly, despite the craziness, the pacing feels so spot on. It isn’t too fast, or too slow, it’s just right.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Yancy: Previously, this comic book series has been a showcase of talent and the power of collaboration. Every single issue contains amazing bits and pieces of a story from a selection of a highly talented pool of creators. Until now, there has been a sense of randomness with all the artistic choices and the places Sai has traveled so far. However, issue three has shattered all of that. When Sai follows the mythical stone to a new dimension, she finds herself in Battleword. Along with the presence of a mysterious character named Eternia.

SAME DANCE, DIFFERENT SONG

As you can imagine, Sai had many questions for Eternia. While Eternia only spoke in riddles. But there was at least one interesting reveal by Eternia. Apparently, Eternia was left behind to watch over the Battleword, and this was not the first time she had come face to face with Sai. In fact, Eternia states that Sai has visited her many times before. Like an infinite loop, Sai and Eternia meet in Battleworld and fight. However, something about this version of Sai is different. The paradox has changed in some way. 

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Eda: The art here, by the whole crew, matches the writing in how phenomenal it is. I particularly love the use of color, which lends everything this vibrancy that’s both eye-catching and exciting, matching the story. To point out a specific page, I’m in love with this shot of Sai jumping through a portal between realms, showing this perfect merge of different art styles in action. Simply incredible.

Yancy: As much as I love Momoko’s watercolors, I will admit that was stolen from her in this issue. Elena Casagrande had some incredibly sharp pencils. Alongside the most creative panel sequences, where she absolutely broke every rule in comic books. But somehow managed to deliver the most impressive storytelling visuals. Finally, Bengal brought the surreal elements with the most bonkers pages you will ever see in a Marvel Comic Book. There are no words that will do justice to his portion of the book. Only questions come to mind that I cannot answer.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Eda: The artwork? Immaculate. The writing? Stellar as it’s been since the beginning. I can’t recommend this enough. (10/10)

Yancy: If you consider yourself a fan of comic book art, this is a must-read. Especially because the visual storytelling is rich, layered, and each artist’s style contrasts amazingly well with each other. (10/10)

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON sAI: DIMENSIONAL RIVAL #3 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW: