Millennium Vol. 3: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest is
a 2017 crime thriller graphic novel written by Sylvain Runberg, art by Manolo
Carot and Jose Homs, published by Titan Comics. Lisbeth Salander fights for her
life and freedom after surviving a brutal attack. With journalist Mikael
Blomkvist’s help, she exposes a secret government faction that conspired to
control her since childhood. As they seek justice, Lisbeth faces her powerful
enemies in court.
Plot:
Volume 3 brings Lisbeth Salander’s intense
journey to a simmering yet powerful conclusion. Picking up where the previous
volume left off, the story sees Lisbeth recovering from her injuries while
grappling with legal challenges and a web of threats aimed to ensure her
downfall. Journalist Mikael Blomkvist, relentless as ever, is determined to
expose the truth and vindicate Lisbeth, but sinister forces, including the
shadowy Section—a covert group responsible for much of Lisbeth's trauma—work to
obstruct his efforts.
The shift in
tone and pacing, leaning more on legal drama and character introspection, has
divided fans. Some miss the high-stakes action and breakneck pace of earlier
volumes, while others, like me, appreciate the deliberate buildup and tension
these changes bring. The courtroom scenes, particularly, offer a compelling,
layered examination of justice and revenge, letting the story marinate before
hitting key moments like Lisbeth’s trial and the confrontation with Niedermann.
Supporting
characters play a significant role in enriching the narrative. Mikael’s sister,
Annika Giannini, shines as a skilled lawyer and determined advocate, while
Camilla, Lisbeth’s enigmatic twin, adds complexity, mirroring Lisbeth’s
darkness but with a life of her own. This layered exploration of family and
loyalty deepens the emotional core.
While the slower pace and legal focus may not appeal to
everyone, the story’s resolution feels both satisfying and true to the
characters. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest is a fitting, thoughtful
conclusion that rewards patient readers with a rich, intense story.
Rating: 4 out
of 5
Production:
In volume 3, Sylvain Runberg expertly adapts
Stieg Larsson's thrilling narrative into comic form, though his writing style,
while strong, has moments that feel a bit unpolished. Runberg captures the
complex tone and essence of Larsson’s intense storytelling, immersing readers
in Lisbeth Salander's gritty world. The dialogue is engaging, conveying the
characters' personalities well, though some exchanges feel overly vulgar and
lack finesse. The story's direction remains faithful to the original while
adding a fresh comic-book intensity, blending suspense with dark themes of
vengeance and survival.
The artwork by
José Homs and Manolo Carot is a highlight, bringing energy and depth to each
scene. The illustrations are vivid, effectively capturing the raw emotions and
adrenaline-pumping action. Each character is depicted with meticulous detail,
especially Lisbeth, whose defiant stance and fierce expressions convey her
hardened spirit. The cover art is stunning, perfectly embodying the edgy tone
and strength of Lisbeth’s character.
The paneling is well-executed, moving the story forward with
a sense of urgency that matches its tone. However, while the artwork is
generally impressive, some scenes lack polish in the backgrounds, leaving them
somewhat sparse. This can detract from the immersive experience, and
occasionally, the detailed character designs clash with simpler elements,
creating an uneven visual style. Despite these minor setbacks, The Girl Who
Kicked the Hornet's Nest comic adaptation is an intense and visually engaging
continuation of the Millennium series that fans will appreciate.
Rating: 4 out
of 5
The Verdict:
In the end, Millennium Vol. 3: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, Sylvain Runberg’s 2017 graphic novel adaptation of Stieg Larsson's crime thriller, Lisbeth Salander’s quest for justice reaches its gripping conclusion. Recovering from a brutal attack, she faces her darkest adversaries in a fierce legal battle, exposing a covert government faction that has haunted her life. With the relentless Mikael Blomkvist by her side, Lisbeth's story becomes an unforgettable journey of resilience, courage, and redemption. Millennium Vol. 3: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest gets 4 out of 5.
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