Tomb Raider #5
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The good
Exciting action sequences, and the plot thickens as the true goal of the group is revealed and Lara receives new warnings
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The bad
The artwork still takes away from being more engrossed in the issue. Lara reiterating her desire to rescue Sam
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The ugly
- Total score
Tomb Raider #5 continues with Lara returning to Yamatai island to rescue her friend, Sam. She reminisces on how the two of them met back in college and how Sam was bolder than she was in some ways. Where as Sam always wanted to go to locations that were colorful, Lara always enjoyed exploring ancient ruins. Despite this difference the friendship only strengthened in time and they both grew as a result. So Lara can’t let go of the fact that it was her idea to visit Yamatai and as a result Sam became the target of the Solarii, who wanted her to be the host for their queen Himiko. And even now Sam is held captive but Lara is prepared and yells out on the island that she has the artifact, knowing those who took Sam would definitely come after her. But Matsu informs Sam that they’re not the Solarii nor is their goal to resurrect Queen Himiko. In fact, they’re worshippers of the Solarii and they intend to resurrect Mathias, the one, true disciple who Lara killed. Can Lara save Sam and put an end to the schemes to resurrect Mathias?
I’ve been mixed on this series lately because I’ve enjoyed the writing but I didn’t like the artwork, and it’s been distracting at key points. I don’t want to keep singling out the artwork since neither my hope of it improving or getting accustomed to it has been fulfilled so at this point, as the saying goes, it is what it is. So for now on I’ll just treat its lack of detail as if I’m trying to view something at a distance without my glasses. Focusing on the story, we’re shown some history of Lara and Sam’s friendship including how they first met, and even though it gives more depth to Lara’s character, considering the fact that Lara has chosen to travel back to Yamatai island to rescue Sam it’s already clear that Sam means a lot to her. I did appreciate Matsu’s goal being revealed and the group’s identity clarified, and yes it was somewhat intriguing, but as one who played the video game the pros and cons of revisiting this character crossed my mind and took away from some of the excitement. But things would pick up fast and Lara in action is still as electrifying as ever and it was so good to see the one that emerged at the end of that game appearing on these pages in what is the best action sequence in this series to date. A wonderful job is done by Gail Simone in advancing the story while tying it with mysterious elements mentioned throughout the series raising the suspense tremendously. I’m putting it that way to avoid spoilers, of course, but now I feel really good about where the story is heading and what’s around the corner. After seeing her in action you’ll understand why I say Lara is back.
SUMMARY
Tomb Raider #5 is an exciting issue where Lara finally shines in her own element, and the story becomes more engrossing as motives are revealed, warnings are given, and intentions are questioned. It was great to see a more assertive Lara again and I hope that balance remains going forward to maintain the character development from when she first met Sam. When this series was first announced I was excited about the possibility of new Tomb Raider stories, and now it seems like things are starting to come together to make that a reality.
Release Date: 6/25/14
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Nicolas Daniel Selma
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