The Reckoner Rises vol. 3 - God Flare

Continuing where The Reckoner Trilogy novels (Strangers, Monsters, & Ghosts) left off, the four-part The Reckoner Rises graphic novel series gives superhero characters Eva and Cole new territory in which to wage their fight against the evil Mihko and their secret laboratories. The nefarious corporation is bent on capitalizing on a particular anomaly in the residents of Wounded Sky, Manitoba, that allow them to unleash superpowers in their subjects, which they use for their own ends. Within the theme of good versus evil, Robertson’s characters bring their own narratives, perspectives, and experiences as Indigenous people to the classic comic book genre. As the community has been impacted by the labs harmful experiments, this is not a simple story of superhero against villain; winning this fight will take all hands on deck and Eva and Cole will need their family and friends if they want to bring Mihko down and save the members of their community who have been kidnapped and turned against them, and the greater community of Wounded Sky.

God Flare, Volume 3 –The Reckoner Rises sees Mihko Laboratories, reestablished and recovered from the destruction of their labs in Version Control, Volume 2, running full steam ahead. Engaging with potential buyers, they are once again threatening the world with a new host of mutants. Eva finds the escaped Brady, captured and turned mutant in volume 2, hiding out in an elder’s cabin in the woods. She and Cole need his help if they are going to mount a successful campaign, but he is still held within Mihko’s clutches, brainwashed to see his friends and family as the enemy. Seeking help from an elder, Eva hopes Brady will find his way back to them. After a clandestine mission into the new laboratories Eva has nabbed the group a chance to combat the villain, via stolen portable hard drive. On it, the group discovers the God Flare. Will it be the answer they’ve hoped for? A way to destroy Mihko, once and for all?

Not your parents or grandparents comicbooks, Robertson, Henderson, and Yaciuk elevate the genre from a traditionally niche market aiming for a wider appeal to a whole new generation of young adult readers. With smart characters, witty repartees, and slick delivery of full colour illustrations, in a high quality format, The Reckoner Rises is an engaging and satisfying read.

Strong language and graphic violence makes this series more suitable for older students, the publisher suggests grades 9-12.

David A. Robertson (he/him/his) is a two-time winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer’s Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Scott B. Henderson (he/him) is a freelance illustrator, whose reputation for cultural sensitivity and an openness to listen and learn has garnered a large body of work in collaboration with Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities. His work spans several critically acclaimed graphic novels, including 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga (Indigenous history & Residential Schools); A Girl Called Echo series (Métis history); A Blanket of Butterflies (2016 Eisner Nomination); a short story in Marvel Voices: Pride #1 (2022); and the post-apocalypse graphic novel, Last Breeds (fall 2024). Scott is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. He resides in Winnipeg with his partner.

Andrew Thomas (he/him/his) is a comic book artist and letterer from Brantford, Ontario. As an artist, Andrew has worked on a number of projects such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Trek Strange New Worlds, and Kevin Smith’s Quick Stops. As a Letterer, Andrew has worked on over 200 publications for companies including Disney, Archie Comics, BOOM! Studios, Image, and Dark Horse Comics. Follow him on Instagram @thefatmanwholetters

Publisher: Portage & Main Press (Sep 3, 2024)
Paperback 10″ x 6″ | 88 pages
ISBN: 9781774920442

Christina Barber

Christina Barber is a writer and educator who lives in Vancouver. An avid reader, she shares her passion for Canadian history and literature through her reviews on Instagram @cb_reads_reviews. She has most recently been committed to writing and staging formally innovative single and multi-act plays.