WICCAN: WITCHES’ ROAD #5 – Never Alone

Creative Team – Wyatt Kennedy, Andy Pereira, Bryan Valenza, VC’s Ariana Maher, Lucas Werneck

Catch up with Wiccan: Witches Road #4!

The Story

This review is a joint review from Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Shawn!

Shawn – Now THAT is how you do cameos. Kennedy brings in some heavy hitters for this final issue of Wiccan and does so in a way that still lets Teddy and Billy be the center of the story. Wyatt Kennedy gave me life with that exchange between Morgan and Teddy. Even Kate Bishop’s attitude is captured perfectly by Kennedy.

Kennedy crafts a perfect ending to the story. The narrative threads are pulled together in a way that feels satisfying and complete. We are treated not only to the epic battles early issues led up to, but tender stories of family and love as well. The inclusion of some of Billy and Teddy’s closest friends and family really hammer home the overarching theme of this arc.

Megan – As fantastic as this comic run has been, there’s nothing that beats that ending. Wyatt Kennedy gave everything you could have wanted from an ending. There was action, there were clever tricks and plans, plenty of magical goodness, excellent cameo usage, and above all else, there was heart. Kennedy wrapped this story up with a perfect bow, and all I’m asking is that Wyatt Kennedy gets a chance to write for Billy again. The depth he brought to the story, while having the best parts of Billy shine alongside his vulnerability makes this one of the best miniseries I’ve read in a long time.

With Billy outmatched, outplanned, overwhelmed, and literally on fire, all hope seems lost. No matter what Tommy tries to do to help Billy, it doesn’t work out. As hopeless as the situation feels, it’s a perfect time to remind Billy that he’s never alone. With the help of his brother, Hulkling, Wanda, Storm, and even a Young Avengers team mate, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

The Art

Shawn – Andy Pereira, Bryan Valenza, and Ariana Maher bring this one home. Every single panel in this issue feels perfectly crafted. The art on Baba Yaga feels truly terrifying and worthy of such a creature with such a dark reputation. Pereira really nailed the emotions in this issue with me finding myself being able to read the faces of the characters even if Ariana Maher’s brilliant lettering wasn’t there.

Maher again does an amazing job on lettering, helping to drive the emotion and story. The spellcasting moments are particularly well done. Valenza’s colors are spectacular, with several poster-worthy moments with vivid color set against the backdrop of the dark and grim colors of Baba Yaga.

Megan – There is not one page that dulls from the others in terms of the artwork. Andy Pereira, Bryan Valenza, and Ariana Maher made each page powerful, cementing what I’d call a perfect ending. What truly sticks out about this particular issue is how the artists were able to capture the high energy of the story and make the reader feel every bit of it. Whether it be the exasperation of Billy being on fire with Tommy not having a way to put the magical flames out, or the incredibly sweet ending that makes an audible “aww” come from your mouth. The artists brought every emotion to the surface and allowed the artwork to tell the story itself.

Pereira and Valenza worked perfectly well off of each other’s work, combining the excellent detailing and the vibrancy of the coloring, making every page hit home. Maher’s work on the lettering is what truly wraps the comic in a neat bow. With so many characters, Maher was able to capture each of their personalities through the dialogue. That and the perfectly portrayed emotions, such as screams only a monster can conjure, keeps the reader locked in completely on the story.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 9.5/10. This is as satisfying an ending as you can ask for on a limited series. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion while leaving room to return should fans demand it. The series is truly a treat and enjoyable from beginning to end.

Megan – 10/10. This was the perfect ending to what’s been a thrilling story that gives you an entirely new respect for the characters. The creative team put their soul into these five issues and I would love to see them come back to Billy again in the future. That’s how you handle a final issue. Well done to the creative team!

Overall Grade – 9.75/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of Wiccan: Witches’ Road #5!