Shade the Changing Girl is published by DC comics under their Young Animals imprint. It is written by Cecil Castellucci with art by Marley Zarcone.

Megan’s soul is drifting farther from Earth, while Shade’s is drifting farther from her body on Meta. Although she is frustrated by many things on Earth, like school, she is still finding things she really enjoys. Music, friends, loving parents, even boys. She has even begun to come to terms with the guilt she feels from Megan’s past and seeks to make amends with the people who were wronged. This new feeling of apologizing and overcoming guilt enables her to keep the madness from spreading. However, the memories from the night Megan was put into a coma are trying to surface, shaking Shade out of peace and back into madness.

In this issue, we see yet another side of Shade. Finally breaking out of her self-loathing and selfish behavior, she discovers the joy in making amends and even creating friendships. While River continues to help her search for her star so she may return home, she tells him more about herself as an alien and her home world. Each issue we see Shade experience the depths of a new emotion, one we all have felt, but she is experiencing (at least at this frequency) for the first time. Meanwhile, Lepuck seeks help from Mrs. Deeps to try and bring Loma (Shade) back. It doesn’t exactly go as smoothly as he hoped, though.

Pros: I’m glad we got a happy emotion this issue. Last issue Shade was “embracing” Megan or whatever and she turned back into an unlikable bully. This issue was more about her redemption. Her changing into a being better than Megan, better than Loma. We see her overcoming the madness, we see her adapting and overcoming life’s obstacles. We see her being herself and opening up to River, making a real friend, though she may not know it yet. It’s incredibly encouraging. This issue also solidified how much I love and respect River’s character. However, Megan’s memories of the night she went into a coma pose to threaten all that. I’m really intrigued to see what happens when Shade finally realizes what happened to Megan. I feel like a climatic point is approaching and I’m so psyched for it.

Cons: What is Lepuck doing? Like…I know he’s trying to bring her back, but why would he basically announce to one of the scientists suspicious of him that he knows where the madness coat is? “Yeah, I just want to learn more about the madness”. Ok, Lepuck. Everyone will totally believe you that excuse is totally not suspicious at all. Then humanoid scientist guy just shows up and shoots him? He didn’t even give him a chance to talk. Just “If you don’t talk, I’ll make you full of pain” – then shoots him! What? Why?

Anyway.

This comic doesn't have a lot of action but it's still incredibly enthralling and exciting to read. The writing, the art, its all amazing and even with my little qualms I HIGHLY recommend it. So go pick it up at your local comic store!

P.S. The mini story written at the end by Magdalene Visaggio with art by Paulina Ganucheau? SO good. Loved it. Even if you aren't a Shade fan, then pick up this issue just for that mini. It's worth.

OVERALL SCORE: 9.5 / 10