Roots of Madness #6 – Some Knowledge Takes Time To Carry

In Roots of Madness, we encounter Etta Knight. Following the death of her mother, Etta inherits a legacy of “root work”, creating medicine and hair formulas using natural ingredients. Unable to decipher the cryptic symbols and dark notes within her mother’s recipe book, and driven by a desire to help women in her community whose hair has been harmed by harsh chemicals, Etta accepts a position with the Meridian Fellowship. The elite and mysterious institute based in Savannah, Georgia, is quickly becoming more than it seems. As her fellowship reveals ancient eldritch forces, Etta wonders if she will be able to break the curse before the madness consumes her.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn. Did you miss my review for Roots of Madness #5?

Creative Team

Writer: Stephanie Williams
Illustrator: Letizia Cadonici
Colorer: Alessandro Santoro
Letterer: Andworld Design
Cover Artist: Juliet NNeka

Writing

And….breathe. Just like that, it ends. What an amazing story from Stephanie Williams. In Roots of Madness #6, Williams brings home the incredible story of Etta Knight. I won’t be foolish enough to pretend I understand everything Williams is trying to communicate in this story, and I believe that is in part because different parts of this story are for different people. Roots of Madness has been such a complex, unique, breath of fresh air in the comics world.

Williams weaved the threads together masterfully in this issue as the story winds down. It’s clear from Williams character’s first writing style that Hollywood is sitting on their next successful series once a producer finds Roots of Madness. Every page of this series has flowed with Williams’ love and dedication to her characters and to her story, and there is perhaps no better example of it than issue #6. The greatest power is choosing what we do with what we’re given, is such a poignant and beautiful line that perfectly encapsulates what this story has been all about.

Art

Letizia Cadonici and Alessandro Santoro saved their best for last. The art for this entire series has felt like its own character and this issue was no different in that respect. I truly feel like Cadonici pulled out all the stops and gave readers everything left in the tank in this issue. Santoro beautifully captures the colors of this issue. The hues and auras radiate across the panels.

Every color, every line in this issue feels intentional and meaningful. Cadonici and Santoro spared no attention to detail in this issue and Andworld Design beautifully brought together the narrative and the art through distinct lettering.

Final Thoughts

Roots of Madness is a modern masterpiece. From the first panel to the last, this entire series has been an absolute thrill ride. I’ve stayed on the edge of my seat the whole time. While I know it seems like this is where the story ends, I really hope it isn’t. The world needs more stories like Roots of Madness. It needs unique stories told in unique ways for unique audiences. Roots of Madness did all of those things.

Overall Grade: 10/10

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Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable.