Review - Jungle Book: Last of the Species #1

A jungle book isn't as exciting as it sounds. Well, it's sort of exciting. But it usually does involve lots of angry animals fighting each other for battle of said jungle. Sometimes, humans get caught in the middle of it. Jungle Book: Last of the Species #1 is one of those times.

The first issue in the new series is written by Mark L. Miller, with pencils by Jorge Mercado, colors by Liezl Buenaventura and letters by Jim Campbell.

The isle of Kipling can't seem to escape the theater of war. A war among the animal tribes that is further complicated by the arrival of four orphans. Mowglii is riding high as the unofficial leaders on the island (considering her felling Shere Kahn). That's not enough to keep the peace though, as Bomani seeks revenge for his previous run-in with Mowglii. Revenge that could lead to an all-out war on the island.

Miller picks up the tone of the first series. That series ended up focusing on Mowglii and the responsibilities she now shoulders because of her actions against the tiger tribe. The new comic presents a more carefree Mowglii, enjoying her freedom. Of course, the other orphans aren't feeling quite the same way, with some looking to take her side and others to be against her. The animals are sort of using the humans as pawns in their battle for island supremacy, but they'll likely end up proving to be a little less malleable than they previously thought.

Mercado's art is consistent as well with the first series. He does a really good job personifying the animals as soldiers, upping the stakes on the island and reinforcing the notion that even animals fight for social reasons. The jungle itself is presented as a lush, living creature, with the animals acting as extensions of it. The influence of the jungle on the orphans is also shown, as each have adapted their appearance and way of life to the clan that they've become a part of.

Jungle Book: Last of the Species #1 looks to be starting off the new series with promise. Mowglii is still acting as the primary character, but her role is going to be grander relative to the other orphans. Bomani is still bitter from the first series and his blind hatred will likely lead to a lot more collateral damage than is necessary. The first issue of five is interesting and is setting the right tone...hopefully, it keeps it up.

Jungle Book: Last of the Species #1 is available now.

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