Scurry: The Shadow’s Curse is the third book in Mac Smith’s Scurry series and is now available in print thanks to a successful 2019 crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.com! Smith again delights the eyes and mind with a fantastic portrayal of his post-apocalyptic world. Readers are drawn in by his talents both as an artist and a storyteller. As one would expect, this book continues the tale of Pict, Wix, and their many acquaintances from the previous two books – as well as introducing some new ones! – and brings readers back to what is truly a pleasurable and delightful experience with excitement and adventure to spare.
In our last review, we mentioned Mac Smith’s progression as an artist, but to see how far he has come in that development to the art for this book is phenomenal! The details and use of scale are mind-blowing; the composition and color usage is excellent, and the lighting and tone do a great job of setting the atmosphere for the story. From the very first page to the last, we couldn’t help but be amazed. Smith’s portrayal of his world comes through with such artistry regardless of whether it is in the forest, a dark cave, the colony house, or any of the places in between. Scurry: The Shadow’s Curse utilizes an expanse of the special effects seen in The Drowned Forest, particularly the fire. Panels are set ablaze as Mac Smith weaves his tale of dangers and adventures both real and in the minds of the characters.
As the story progresses through the three chapters of this volume, we watch our two heroes, together once again, fight against all odds to achieve their objectives of saving the colony, their family, and their friends. True to Mac Smith’s style this undertaking is brimming with danger, action, and excitement. The friends that help along the way, both new and old, bring depth to the story as we wade in the waters of Mac Smith’s imagination. It is with similar creativity that we, as readers, finally learn what became of the humans when it is explained to Wix through the understanding of a woodland inhabitant. The destructive forces are beyond the comprehension of the timberland storyteller, and as such we are presented with a fantastic tale of wolves of fire descending from the skies above – setting the world ablaze as their rampage destroys the world they have cascaded towards and plunge it into an ashen disarray.
In the end, all great stories come to a close…or must they? For those that follow the Kickstarters, Mac Smith has teased at new stories within the world of Scurry, but it has not been made evident if Wix or Pict will return. What is known, however, is that we here at The Cardboard Cantina will be ready and waiting for the next installment, whatever it may be. If you still haven’t checked out Scurry, definitely pick up a copy of the books as soon as you are able. If you can’t wait, you can read the web version at the link below this article!
All photos included in this review of Mac Smith’s Scurry: The Shadow’s Curse were taken and edited by Krista. Scurry can also be read as a web-comic.