By Benjamin Morin — Engineward #3 carries our protagonists off on their quest for a better world. At only a quarter of the way through this twelve-issue series, Engineward continues to provide a solid sci-fi comic. Mann has woven an intricate conspiracy into the roots of his narrative and issue by issue the mystery deepens. The artistic craft on display enhances the work, but by-the-numbers story progression continues to hold the book back from greatness.

This issue follows Joss, Icabod, and company off on their quest to find a mythical “seed” to save their people. All the while the Zodiac inspired Celestials mischievously plot and set events into motion to stop the seed from being recovered. This particular issue feels very much like the end of act one, as our heroes leave their familiar homeland for the desert wastes. Mann’s writing here continues to flesh out his characters along their journey, while also developing the mysterious Celestials. However, due to the generic set up, the narrative twists and turns fail to surprise and come off as predictable.

Aside from the story and pacing, the strongest portion of Engineward continues to be its worldbuilding. From the very beginning, Engineward has thrust readers headfirst into its unique world filled with strange languages and people. Yet it never feels like one is lost within this foreign world. The struggles of the protagonists are familiar enough to grasp; as each character fits nicely into the stereotypical archetypes. This writing style paired with a narration throughline that expounds upon the world’s history creates a fully fleshed out universe.

Engineward’s art team also delivers another excellent entry into the series. Eisma’s linework fleshes out the world and etches the characters out of their dusty homeland. His artwork continues to be a fantastic pairing with Mann’s story. I especially found Eisma’s paneling unique this issue. One splash page in particular depicts our heroes’ journey throughout the day with the pages split up almost like a sundial, with the panels themselves even centered around the sun. Such a unique use of paneling turned what could have been an ordinary montage into an artistic flourish.

When it comes to lettering, Otsmane-Elhaou continues to knock it out of the park. His colored text breathes new life into the book, that cannot be found elsewhere. His style is exceptionally expressive whether it be the cool blues of a “sigh”, the vibrant reds of a warcry, or the sickly green of a diseased cough. Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering further sets this book apart from the average comic and greatly enhances the reading experience.

Engineward continues to present a solid story with exceptional art. Mann’s creativity in worldbuilding is plainly evident but his pacing lags issue to issue. Despite this, the talents of Eisma, Garland, and Otsmane-Elhaou elevate this ordinary narrative. Though the series seems content to not push any narrative boundaries, it still delivers a cohesive and enjoyable product.

Overall: Despite some occasional narrative missteps, Engineward #3 continues to deliver a familiar yet engaging sci-fi adventure with absolutely exceptional art. 7/10

Review - Engineward #3

Engineward #3
Writer: George Mann
Artist: Joe Eisma
Colorist: Michael Garland
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Publisher: Vault Comics
Price: $3.99
As the Celestials gather to discuss the reactivation of the ancient ghoulem, Virgo and Gemini consider their next move. Meanwhile, Kreek's consciousness continues to blossom in surprising ways, and Joss gathers a crew for an expedition into the wastelands beyond the shantytown--unaware of the terror that awaits them in the ruins.
Release Date: September 23, 2020
Buy It Digitally: Engineward #3

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Benjamin Morin currently studies Journalism/Mass Media at Johnson University. He is a comic book enthusiast and aspiring filmmaker. On Twitter, he goes by @BiglikeBen.