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Slick and Gripping, Boat Vol. 3: Blood in the Water Leaves us Wanting More

A while back I was given the opportunity to review the first 2 volumes of this series (the links to which are here and… here) and believe me when I say, this is not a happy tale. We are introduced to a dark and desperate place, where the sea has claimed the world we once knew, and those that are left, fight to the death for the little scraps that remain. David Lumsden now brings the next issue of this series out into the masses. But how does it compare to the previous issues? And do we finally get some answers to the plethora of questions on offer?

Judgement day has finally come for our Drifter in No Land. His punishment? A trip down the well and whatever lies below. Meanwhile, fellow survivors are attempting a daring night-time rescue mission to save one of their own from the rival faction that controls the castle. As tension flares and survival instincts set in, we learn more of our Drifter’s narrow escape from the raiders that tormented him and his father all those years ago, his unforeseen ally, and the actions that made him what he is now; a silent, badass protagonist. What is the true horror that dwells in the well? And what future implications will this night have on the fragile allegiance between the residents of the castle and the town? Our Drifter’s troubles may have only just begun…

David has once again kept the tension set to high and the story flows at strong pace. We learn some important answers that show just how our Drifter has lived for so long and how it has shaped him. Or to borrow a quote from the story itself “wearing his past like chains”. But will they continue to weigh him down? Other survivors get decent screen time as Evie & Gwyn mount a raid on the castle, each with their own agendas. We even get a name for the drifter at long last, but is it truly his own anymore? Many questions reach a conclusion, but so many more rise to surface.

Marc Olivent returns as the leading artist for this instalment and the graphic noir style contributes perfectly with the genre. The intricate use of shading and character design quickly establishes the brutal world they live in and the setting fits perfectly; an old, decrepit castle in the dead of night, creepy enough for you? Special highlight is (not spoiling it but) the lair of the well itself and the beast that dwells within. Maybe we can learn how this catastrophic event led to these creatures to roam the ever-raising waters.

However, once again I find myself encountering the same gripe I had with the previous instalment. Whilst we learn more of this world and the big players in the story, in terms of progression it feels a little lacking, one major event and that’s it. But this issue fulfils its purpose of setting up the future for what could be a bloody and violent altercation that could affect everyone we have gotten to know. There is still a lot of stories left here and plenty more shocks in store for our survivors that I can’t wait to see.

Personal gripe aside, what we have on offer here is a slick and well-scripted story that entices you just enough to want more in the story and the future battles that are bound to unfold. Our Drifter’s arrival has had a dangerous effect on the fragile agreement between surviving groups and war may be on the horizon. This issue’s title Blood in the Water may be a reflection of what is to come. A satisfying read that left me wanting more. Don’t leave us drifting David.

You can find out more about Boat’s third volume via Comixology, as well as check out past issues there and on Comichaus. Have you had the chance to dive into the world of The Boat? What would be your action plan in this world? Sound off in the comments or send us your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter!

About the author

Connor Filsell