The Pull List – Xena: Warrior Princess #4
Xena, Gabrielle, and Discord find themselves at the snowy forest of the Russian Taiga. Exchanging the tropical jungle for freezing temperatures, the new location gives the group some troubles. Gabrielle falls ill from the cold weather and needs shelter from the elements. Luckily, Discord stumbles onto a strange hut with a courteous healer that takes in the weary travelers. However, in return for the aid, the healer asks Xena to stop the rowdy locals who have accused the woman to be a witch. In order to repay their debt and find a way home, Xena and Discord will have to deal with a mob that only sees more witches to burn.
The artwork in this issue is done by Erica D’urso, taking over for Jordi Pérez. D’urso style gives the characters a bit more animated look. D’urso gives some great exaggerated features, giving the story more like a fairy tale. Vita Ayala has started to explore more worldly mythical lore, expanding far beyond the Greek culture. It’s neat to see Xena and Gabrielle travel to new areas and finding allies and enemies along the way. Ayala also leads Discord to rediscover her gentle side but hasn’t completely changed the character. The ex-goddess still has a snarky side that is quick to snap at her companions.
Issue four brings the group closer to Greece and there is still some distance to go. Their next destination might not be as freezing, but just as chilling. Magical powers have a strange way to make situations better or worst, and now the trio must figure out which one they have stumbled on.