Lady Mechanika Volume 6

by Marcia Chen and Joe Benitez

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Lady Mechanika Vol. 6: Sangre in exchange for a fair and honest review.

It's that time again! Time for another volume of Lady Mechanika, that is. Lady Mechanika Vol. 6: Sangre is another dark addition to this series about the mysterious Lady Mechanika, and the world she thrives in.

Lady Mechanika has traveled all over the world, and faced all sorts of monsters. Now, she's in Spain, with a promise made to protect the son of a local Baron. Only, protection has many definitions, especially in a world that so badly wants to see things as black and white.

The problem is probably a little more complicated thanks to the local history, as well as the inclusion of yet another supernatural. All of which may help points towards a new lead about Lady Mechanika's creation.

Whew. Lady Mechanika Vol. 6: Sangre is every bit as dark and thrilling as I had hoped. Darker, actually, if we're being honest. Once again the creative team (Joe Benitez, M.M. Chen, Brian Ching, Beth Sotelo, Martin Montiel) are tackling heavy subjects, all while exploring Lady Mechanica's history and nature.

This is not a telling for the faint of heart...then again, I don't think her story has ever been. It's always been dark and brooding, and unafraid to show the massacres left behind by the careless and supernatural.

Now would be a good time to mention some of the warnings that come along with this volume. Along with some of the more usual warnings (graphic injuries, death, gore, blood, etc), there is a fair amount of child death in this one. As well as some (not condoned) homophobia, and abuse in the form of 'treatment.'

Despite those heavier elements, or maybe because of, this is truly a thrilling novel. It's dark, foreboding, and raises many questions about ethics, humanity, and so much more. All while setting the scene for a dramatic conclusion.

Not to mention hinting towards what Lady Mechanika truly is – a question that has lingered since the series first started. There is still a long way to go on that front, but Lady Mechnika Vol. 6 brought us ever closer.

As per usual, the artwork inside this volume is truly spectacular. It's one of my favorite series, in terms of artwork, and will be for the foreseeable future. The amount of details and general exquisite nature to the art style is unforgettable and always leaves me looking forward to more.

Though it does tend to add quite a bit of impact to the fight scenes, both good and bad. All of which is balanced by the steampunk elements, and Lady Mechanika's striking design (yes, it still feels striking, even after this many volumes).

See more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks