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REVIEW: Assassin’s Creed Locus #3 Would Benefit from a Gritty Tone

Assassin’s Creed: Locus #3 offers a unique set of characters set during the timeline of Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate, while presenting a unique story set in Victoria-era London. Ian Edginton’s writing and Caspar Wijngaard’s art make for an action packed and very fun adventure.

Previously, Tommy Greyling, a Pinkerton agent, was fatally wounded by a Templar in his quest to find a Piece of Eden. In this issue, we learn that Sean, Tommy’s wheelchair-bound descendant in modern times, is recovering from the wound he experienced while in the Animus. We learn his friend, Nat, is particularly concerned about Sean’s endeavors and questions whether Sean is becoming addicted to being in the Animus, where he can fully walk as Tommy. Sean dismisses this and is says he is committed to continuing the adventures of his ancestors. Nat learns Sean’s other friends are equally concerned, but they are choosing to stay low and see how events play out.

Meanwhile in London, Tommy suffers a few cracked ribs after a bulletproof vest saves him from yet more lethal damage. With the help of assassins Henry Green and Evie Frye, Tommy pursues the mysterious Templar female assassin and tries to foil her plans.

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Overall, the story has some interesting concepts regarding the relationship between Sean’s descendant through the Animus. In just a few panels, we see how obsessed Sean has become with entering the Animus just so he can experience what it feels like to walk again. His addiction is apparent to everyone around him and it is clear that those in charge are using it to their advantage. Whether or not Sean himself will be able to see the problems of his addiction is left to future issues.

The artwork is very fun and adds to the more lighthearted nature of this series. Overall, Assassin’s Creed: Locus is less dark and gritty compared to the video games that the series is based off. On one and, this makes for a purely fun and entertainment piece to read, on the other, it is a little disappointing to be unable to see the true brutality of historic London.

Henry Green and Evie Frye from Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate make an appearance, but it’s very minor and does not add much to the core story. Again, while it’s fun to see familiar faces it’s also a little disheartening to see them with the lack of a dark, gritty tone.

The final moments of this issue provide some pure, enjoyable action-adventure sequences. The chase through London encompasses a grand sense of adventure in just a few panels and leaves the audience wanting more. It’s a good way to end this issue with many motivations still left up in the air and a chase still underway.

You can purchase Assassin’s Creed: Locus #3 from Titan Comics through their website. If you’ve already picked up your copy, let us know what you thought through the comments below or on Twitter.

About the author

Jillian Diblasio