Writer: Aubrey Sitterson
Artist, Cover Artist: Fico Ossio
Color Artists: Fico Ossio with Raciel Avila
Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Publisher: Dark Horse

This third iteration of No One Left to Fight presents us, appropriately enough, with three different stories of sorts. Therefore it is a dense issue with a lot to unpack. Not just because of the new information, but also because of the subtext and the little interactions between characters. Everything is set in Mistress Harga’s orphanage, where the crew arrived in the last issue. So, let‘s unpack No One Left to Fight #3.

As was the case last time, Billy von Katz recaps the story for us. The Rock‘N‘Roll cat, who probably deserves his own spin-off series, is an excellent addition to the series. It’s those little things which set a series apart (like the short introductory text Kieron Gillon wrote for each of the characters of The Wicked + The Divine). The covers also prepare you for something new that comes with each issue. Last time, Fico Ossio used the space to introduce us to Winda. This time, he prominently features the Hierophant on the cover. I love the way he also hints at things that happen on the following pages. It creates intrigue and curiosity.

The first story focuses on Vâle and Winda. They grew up together at the orphanage, and Winda always felt more for Vâle than just friendship. Now that they are adults and the big fights are behind them, she pursues those urges. And who wouldn’t want to have a relationship with Vâle (look at him!)? He is gorgeous, with all those muscles and things … but I get distracted. Where were we? Right, Vâle’s reaction to Winda’s advances leaves a lot to be desired because he reacts like Jon Snow did when his aunt wanted to continue their intimate relationship. But sometimes, you cannot help your feelings towards another person, and they really should talk it out — which they do, sort of.

This scene is beautifully rendered. You can get a lot out of the interaction with those two characters alone. Not only is a shirtless Vâle always a win, but the lighting and atmosphere also add to make this interaction the highlight of the issue. There are even some throwbacks to the first issue, which creates an integrated feeling for the series so far.

The cliffhanger of the first issue had a lot to do with the power dynamic of the characters, as Timór prepared his attack on Vâle. This time, another character gets to show off her skillset, which is pretty remarkable. One has to wonder if she unleashed her full force or held back a bit. Either way, the full-page spread that follows the release of Kamehameha not only serves as the release of all the tension and frustration that built up but also serves as a transition to the second scene. Plus, it looks incredible.

The second scene concerns Vâle and the Hierophant, whom we saw in the last issue following our protagonists, as they made their way through the beautiful landscape. His hero shot looks terrific, as he stands on his futuristic hover-board, looking down at Vâle. We, as the reader, have the same perspective as Vâle and need to look up at the Hierophant. He holds all the power in this scene. We are the subordinates in this situation.

The Hierophant radiates authority, which also comes from his style. All characters have a unique design, beginning with the way they look, their body language, and their clothes. Everything comes together perfectly and feels like a natural addition to the world. Nothing feels out of place or as if it does not belong. I love it when the creative team presents us with a thought-out world.

Anyway, besides a sway entrance, the Hierophant brings a whole new mythology with him. He opens the world up with endless possibilities, and I can’t wait to explore them. But those hints you have to discover on your own.

The third story, sadly, ends our time at the orphanage. I would have loved to spend more time there, exploring the characters’ past with Mistress Harga. Our protagonists say their goodbyes to move on to their next destination and meet with two new characters, which are teased at the end.

I enjoyed the different perspectives that came with these three stories. Not only did they enrich the world with creatures and fascinating mythology but also shed light on some relationships. As I said last time, not everything has to be said out loud; sometimes a glance is enough to tell us everything we need to know (just look at Krysta and Timór, for example).

I just hope we don’t move from place to place with each new issue, but instead spend some more time with the new characters, their surroundings, and therefore explore everything on an even deeper level. But so far, No One Left to Fight has been a fantastic journey, and I can’t wait for more.