WYNONNA EARP SEASON ZERO #3 by Beau Smith, Tim Rozon, Angel Hernandez, and Jay Fotos Art Characterization Plot Summary WYNONNA EARP SEASON ZERO #3 delivers an intensely thrilling and action-packed story with art that pops right off the page. WYNONNA EARP SEASON ZERO #3 delivers an intensely thrilling and action-packed story with art that pops right off the page. 100 % Exciting and Emotional User Rating 0 Be the first one !

With the recent conclusion of season 2 of WYNONNA EARP, I thought that no other narrative could ever come close to that level of bad ass-ery. WYNONNA EARP SEASON ZERO #3 proves me wrong. This issue kicks off at a sprint and never lets up from the danger. Writers Beau Smith and Tim Rozon know better than to just fill a comic with frivolous action, though. The story cuts deep with loss and betrayal. To make what is great even better, the artwork by Angel Hernandez and Jay Fotos is so gripping that it comes off the page. In all honesty, I think this issue is perfect in its entirety.

Exciting Escalation

Wynonna and the gang position themselves to take their last stand against Alpha X in order to keep them away from the mystery that Wynonna’s key unlocks. Keegan, a former member of the biker gang the Banditos, as well as the chosen family of Wynonna’s past, leads the opposition. Wynonna’s crew take the first shots, kicking this showdown into gear. Initially, I worried about where the rest of the issue could possibly go from here. However, Smith and Rozon throw in an exciting chain of escalating blows. A spray of bullets gives way to explosions of grenade launchers. The combination of the fully human Wynonna, an immortal cowboy, an ancient Mayan warrior princess, and some biker gang werewolves coming together to take down a genetically enhanced army is, for lack of a better term, bad ass.

READ: Refresh your memory with this review of WYNONNA EARP SEASON ZERO #2!

When the chaos of the battle reaches its peak, we get a closer look at individual fights. Valdez single-handedly takes on a group of six soldiers. She knocks them out with her clubs and bashes their heads together, using their underestimation of her to her advantage. When Valdez seems to be in the clear, a woman from the opposition proves to be an equal match. She brandishes a sword and incredible speed, and the last we see of Valdez is that of her exhausted body sprawled out on the ground. Wynonna takes on Keegan. Rather than brandishing her signature gun, she fights with fists and kicks — and she fights dirty. Her unconventional fighting seems like it will lead her to victory, but at the end of the issue, Keegan fights the dirtiest of all with some emotional leverage.

Emotional Impact

While WYNONNA EARP SEASON ZERO #3 is an action heavy issue, the emotional impact of the confrontation and its stakes balances the action out. Wynonna is no stranger to familial betrayal, but that doesn’t make it easier this time around. Keegan was a part of her chosen family for a time. Wynonna even admits to him that she used to look up to him. Seeing him cause the death and suffering of the Banditos — a family they used to share — is heartbreaking. However, Wynonna isn’t the only one affected. Doc takes a particular loss rather personally, and a bloodthirsty vengeance reaffirms his will to fight.

With the emotional leverage that Keegan reveals at the end, it will be interesting to see how Wynonna acts to the thought of more loss. Will she concede and give Keegan the key from around her neck? Or will she use that unconventional wit of hers and find a way out of this impossible situation?

READ: For more on emotions in comics, check out this article on the similarities between comics and musical theatre!

Action-Packed Art

Typically, I get bored if a comic is comprised mostly of battle sequences. However, the penciling by Angel Hernandez and the colors by Jay Fotos kept me on the edge of my seat. The bright glow of the gunshots and the explosions lift off the page, pulling me into the action. The composition of the pages is exciting, too. The action flows, and every inch of the page has something to take in. I found myself taking the time to really absorb the artwork, rather than skimming through the action to get to some more substantial plot. Hernandez’ and Fotos’ work makes me feel as if I’ve been physically transported into the thick of the battle.

Final Thoughts on WYNONNA EARP SEASON ZERO #3

Just when I think this series can’t get any more intense and interesting, WYNONNA EARP SEASON ZERO #3 proves me wrong. I was completely wrapped up in this issue, and I’m anxious to see how the choice Wynonna’s presented with at the end will play out. With the way this series gets better and better with every issue, I more than recommend this great read.