• 8.0
  Comics Bulletin - Jason Cornwell Oct 13, 2002

  The opening page of this issue threw me for a loop, as I had just assumed that Simon had kept Lightbourne from destroying the city, so to learn that he failed was not only a surprise, but it also takes this book into very interesting territory, as there is sure to be major fallout from this adventure. Now I'm still a bit concerned by the idea that Emma seems to have lost some of her fighting spirit, as Simon is suddenly cast as the chiseled jawed action hero, while Emma seems to exist to stumble & bumble her way around the battle. Now I realize that it's only been two issues, and given Lightbourne is Simon's mortal enemy, it makes sense that he would be the one to fight him. Still, I do have my eye on this situation, and I'm going to start making a fuss if Emma continues to play the role of second banana/helpless damsel, as the opening ten issues did too good a job of making her into a truly exciting character. Read Full Review

• 8.0
  Comics Bulletin - Paul Dale Roberts Oct 3, 2002

  Simon Archard and Emma Bishop have the most incredible investigative adventures since Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes! I loved the winged gargoyles in the sky that was depicted in Ruse #12! What an incredible place that Simon Archard lives in. The Enigmatic Prism is a jewel that seems to be as hexed as the Hope Diamond or the Crystal Skull. Death surrounds the Enigmatic Prism and a madman like Malcolm Lightbourne will easily kill to get his hands on this mysterious gem. It was quite horrifying to see Malcolm torture Simon, just to find out where the jewel was. It was almost like something out of the new Hannibal Lecter movie "The Red Dragon". What a marvelous twist in the story as Malcolm learns that he had the jewel all along and now his life is in danger and he falls to his death...or does he? Read Full Review

• 6.0
  Comics Bulletin - Ray Tate Oct 5, 2002

  The issue is not without fun. Amid the death and destruction, Emma renews acquaintances with Pete, the humorous strongman from past issues. She also enjoys the role of hero in what may be the climax. On the other hand, perhaps the battle between Lightbourne and Simon continues next issue. Who knows? Read Full Review

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