Connect with us
Ragman #3 Review

Comic Books

Ragman #3 Review

An already interesting series is kicked up a notch!

[amazon_link asins=’B076DRHHYL’ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c600b2f2-dd31-11e7-b2cf-652d6c92d343′]

Ragman has the potential to be one of the most interesting characters in DC Comics. As series artist Inaki Miranda put it, the character could end up on the Justice League. So far, the series has slowly developed the character’s origin and with his powers explained it’s time to flesh out the plot!

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about?

The official summary reads:

As Rory learns how to use the Suit of Souls, he hits the streets of Gotham City, finding and interrogating demonic fiends that continue to crawl into the city. With every demon he defeats, Ragman begins to build a name for himself, and unseen enemies and allies are taking notice. But when Ragman finds himself fighting a former ally, he must turn to the help of a different kind of demon…Etrigan!

Why does this matter?

Ragman is a rather underdeveloped character and this new series allows DC to flex its muscles with another supernatural hero. If you’re a fan of Constantine or Swamp Thing you’re going to enjoy the darker tone and mystical nature of the character.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Ragman #3 Review
Sick montage!

This issue kicks things into gear, raising the stakes and pace of Ragman’s mission. He’s been taking out demons across the city and in one awesome full page montage Miranda reveals he’s getting the hang of this superhero thing. This issue is very economical and reads like we’re getting the content of two issues of a typical American comic. It opens with Rory talking to his father, setting the readers up if they’re just jumping on, cuts to some action, drops a cameo in, cuts to a flashback for a villain, then drops Ragman into a dicey situation involving portals to Hell. This conflict evolves into Etrigan’s entrance and on top of all that we get a reveal as far as how high the stakes are rising. All in all, this issue packs in a lot of character, action, and killer art.

The military angle is an interesting one that rears its head a few times in this issue. Rory for instance has a style of fighting that others note is clearly based on military action. The villain who is empowered later in the issue has his own military background too. Early on, Fawkes writes strong captions which capture Rory’s point of view on the current battle and how his battles in the Middle East have carried over to this new war. One could say that’s an allusion to the PTSD and baggage soldiers take back home and this adds an interesting layer to the narrative.

The issue looks excellent and while it’s heavy on the inks with a darker tone, the color by Eva De La Cruz is allowed to splash in the yellow light of the city, the red glowing eyes of the demons, and some interesting pinks and yellows in the seance scene. Ragman’s look is pretty cool and differentiates from other heroes with tendrils (I’m thinking of Venom for instance). The entrance of Etrigan is a major moment that Miranda sells well too.

Ragman #3 Review
The war never ends.

It can’t be perfect can it?

[amazon_link asins=’B076DRHHYL’ template=’BottomAdAIPT’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ce8f6751-dd31-11e7-b3e8-7300ca80a4f9′]

It’s close to perfect, though the seance scene runs a bit long. The book’s pace is excellent, don’t get me wrong, but it bounces around and cuts between some interesting scenes in quick efficient ways, which makes the longer seance scene seem slow in comparison.

Is It Good?

This is an excellent supernatural story that’s kicked up a notch in this latest installment. If you haven’t jumped on board yet, dammit do so now!

Ragman #3 Review
Ragman #3
Is it good?
This is an excellent supernatural story that's kicked up a notch in this latest installment. If you haven't jumped on board yet, dammit do so now!
Good pace with an issue that packs a lot in
Good action and supernatural sequences
Interesting connection to the military
The seance scene runs a little long in comparison to the breakneck speed of the opening pages
9.5
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today

In Case You Missed It

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Films to check out at SXSW Films to check out at SXSW

Films to check out at SXSW

Movies

'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024 'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024

‘My Adventures with Superman’ gets new comics series starting June 2024

Comic Books

'X-Men' #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age 'X-Men' #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age

‘X-Men’ #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup