"Tart #11" Comic Review

Some new warriors have joined the fight against demonic tampering with the time stream, but they still have a lot to learn. Tart takes these rookies out for their first mission and delivers a powerful lesson along the way. At long last we get an idea as to how these time-traveling demon hunters operate and the rules that govern their existence.

While the story in Tart #11 is intriguing as always (and we'll get to that in greater detail in a moment), artist Ludovic Salle turns in some downright mesmerizing imagery. What is most impressive is how he changes to a completely different style partway through the issue. We start with the usual wavy, colorful panels that have come to define Tart, then when the mission starts, the style shifts to a more classic-looking one, matching up to the time period. At first glance, you'd think they were two different artists. Each one is so distinctive.

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Although the bulk of Tart #11 takes place in this more drab palette as we're transported to Berlin in 1936, the colors still pop, particularly those of the Toxic Acid warriors. This is especially true for the reds that really pop against the faded tones of the rest of the setting.

Salle delivers some great art direction, telling the story in a way that is entirely his own. Sure, there are some standard panels and layouts, but where Tart really shines is when that's broken, showing new perspectives or techniques.

I could gush about Salle's work all day, but let's get back to writer Kevin Joseph's story. There's a major lesson to be learned in Tart #11 and it's taught in a direct and almost brutal fashion. It pulls no punches and makes it abundantly clear as to what the Toxic Acid bunch can and cannot do in their mission to save time.

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Letterer DC Hopkins helps to drive this point home with some great sound effect work in the big climax. These hollow clicks come through in an increasingly harrowing fashion as the truth settles in.

Tart is really coming into its own as the mythos is fleshed out even further in this chapter. While aspects of this issue could have been shown in a quick exposition dump, we explore it deeper, allowing us to fully embrace every aspect and appreciate it further. It all builds to a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that shows how this book is really ramping up. Just in case you needed more convincing to check out a time-traveling demon hunter comic, the gorgeous artwork and incredible storytelling help seal the deal.

The creators of Tart are currently running a Kickstarter to fund the release of this issue and the next.