Raven Nevermore 3, Midnighr Dreary. Nuno Xei (Writer), Xerx Javier (Art), Axel Rator (Colours), Ed Brisson (Letters), Samuel Cassal (Cover Artist). XEI (2019)

In this issue the story explodes as a lot of information is provided. Corvan Moore sets about paying the price demanded for the lives of his children. The various groups and individuals who know much more than Corvan are all in motion and trouble starts to come to a boil. Bits of information, hints and allegations abound as new cast members make an entrance and the existing cast move their plans forward. What pins it together is how determined Corvan seems to be to avoid understanding what is going on, he is rushing into action without reflecting on why other can drive him so fast. There is clearly a larger story emerging, there are events happening that will only make sense when the greater context is revealed. Nuno Xei is a confident enough writer to be able to assemble a partial jigsaw in an issue and not frustrate the reader, rather it creates a nice anticipation for how it will play out.
Xerx Javier’s art continues to add detail to the world of Raven Nevermore as new member join the cast and the action develops and extends. The costumes are a pleasure to see, they nicely mix up historical and fantastical to great effect and give the world depth and detail. The shifts from one story to another are very nicely managed, and the art brings out all of the strength of the writing.
With glowing colours, Axel Rator, gives a flashy exuberant life to the story that is needed to make the story soar. The colours pick out the details of the art and support the emotional context with precision.
Ed Brisson’s lettering continues to be vital and unobtrusive, it is smooth and easy to read, never slowing down the flow of the story. The cover by Samuel Cassal is rapidly developing into a powerful declaration for the story.
This issue is full of the sounds of story gears shifting, I am looking forward to where we are going.

Raven Nevermore Issue 1: Days of Yore. Nuno Xei (Writer), Xerx Javier (Art), Axel Rator (Colours), Ed Brisson (Letters), Samuel Casal (Cover Art). XEI (2018)

A very engaging and enjoyable opening issue to a fantasy story. Corvan Moore is a a law enforcement officer in the city of Cog Town and he is involved in a case where a new drug is being distributed by a local crime family. Corvan makes an arrest matters take a turn for the worse. The crime family respond directly to the pressure Corvan is exerting and a strange episode involving Corvan's son hints at unseen forces lurking in the background.
The story starts in one direction and steadily moves in a different one without confusion or the story mechanics tripping each other up. This is a considerable achievement by Nuni Xei as the story lines seems to be moving in two very different directions. The sort of standard fantasy story story  featuring a law enforcement office is set up very well and has a nice edge to it. There is enough force and menace to the crime family to give the storyline weight. The second storyline that emerges in hints and flashes is very different, it does not upset the balance of the cover story, instead it point neatly to new possibilities for the story and the reader. This issue announces its intentions and gives enough sense of the possibilities to capture the reader.
 Xerx Javier's art is done with a flourish  that both story lines need. The cover story of the fight against a criminal gang in a city id observed in close detail, the cast are full of energy and determination. Both Corvan Moore and his opponents are determined and willing to fight for what they want. The details of the city they move through are st up so that the physical context frames them and gives the action a real force. The second story is nicely bound up in a domestic family setting as Corvan's family are enmeshed in a very strange day. The cast are all individual and strongly expressive, they wear their costumes and move in a natural way, their body language is lucid and expressive.
The colours by  Axel Rator bring out the details of the art as well as strongly expressing the emotional tones of the story. They create an atmosphere of tension and threat that nicely picks up the nuances of the story.
Ed Brisson's lettering is natural and easy to read, they flow in the story never slowing down the reader. The sound effects are neatly place and expressive, they give a extra push to the story.
The cover is a pleasure to read and look at, Samuel Casal has captured the sense of the story and provided an intriguing image for the reader.
Raver Nevermore: Days of Yore does what a first issue should do with confidence and flair, establish the story, introduce the cast and invite the reader along for the ride. I am very happy to accept that invitation.