End of a Good Story Arc
Arak, Son of Thunder #25 - With the disappearance of White Cathay, and Malagigi rescued, Arak and company head westward where they encounter another company of Tartars. After defeating the Tartars in a brief skirmish, Hakaan leaves to head north, while the rest of the host shelter in a cave. Exploring the cave further, Valda and Arak skinny dip in a hot spring and make love before falling asleep. But Arak has fitful dreams, and when the pair awaken, a lone vengeful Tartar releases a fire-breathing salamander upon them!
If last month’s epic 2 Anniversary issue represented the climax of the ‘Quest for Malagigi’ story arc, this issue is the story’s denouement. In many ways it delivers what any regular issue would, hand-to-hand combat, magic, monsters, etc. But it also has Arak come to realize that he has a destiny to fulfill, and by issue’s end, that destiny will split his small group of friends apart.
It’s a great end to the best story arc so far in the Arak saga. While the art isn’t as great as some of the previous issues, it’s still pretty good, and the story has a great pace and bittersweet flavor.
All of that, and a letter from legendary superfan “T.M. Maple” in the letters column too! While even new readers could probably enjoy this issue, I’d recommend either going back several issues, or waiting until next issue.