Graphic Novel Review: Phenomena Book 3 - The Secret
Brian Michael Bendis and André Lima Araújo deliver a thrilling story with Phenomena Book Three: The Secret, capping off their imaginative sci-fi adventure with explosive revelations, high-stakes battles, and deep character moments. As Boldon, Matilde, and Spike journey to the heart of the mysterious phenomena that reshaped their world, long-buried secrets come to light, forcing them to confront their pasts and unite against an impossible threat.
ABRAMS, the publisher of the Phenomena series, describes the plot:
Phenomena is the story of a young boy named Boldon, a mysterious girl named Matilde, and the warrior Spike—survivors of a phenomena that took over Earth years ago. Not an apocalypse... something far more interesting.
After Matilde faces her past in Valentia Verona, Boldon realizes that he has unfinished business to settle. Worried, Spike and Matilde chase their unusually serious friend all the way to the rumored birthplace of the phenomena. This is where it happened. But what is it?
The closer the trio get to their destination, the more Boldon reveals about his past—he wasn’t “cast out” of his tribe like he’s been claiming throughout their adventures together. In fact, he ran away. He ran away from something so bad that he can barely bring himself to speak of it.
What is it that is waiting for our ragtag band of heroes? What is the secret behind the phenomena? Spike is reunited with his legendary brotherhood of Warriors just in time to face and impossible evil brought on by none other than Boldon’s family. In such dire circumstances, what kind of hero could possibly rise to the call?
Review
It was an interesting journey to read Phenomena Book Three: The Secret. I caught up with the whole series over the past week, and the story brought back memories of the types of books I read as a child. The in-depth examination of the characters' relationships is what makes this conclusion of the story so captivating. You can actually see how they complement one another, conflict, and eventually show concern for one another. Strong character dynamics are essential in a story that is full of action and combat, and this one does not disappoint. It's crazy how their little arguments suddenly turn into full-fledged conflicts, but the changeover seems natural. It's similar to watching a Cartoon Network program where characters fight and clash one minute, then wind down with a serene moment, filled with introspection.
Stories like this intrigue me. I read more romance now, so I don't read them as much as I used to, but going back to this genre makes me realize how entertaining and captivating action-adventure stories can be. The characters' banter is particularly noteworthy. It's genuinely humorous, and their facial expressions, particularly in the artwork, perfectly convey their feelings. Those who enjoy action-packed novels with appealing character interactions should definitely check this out. You can simply enjoy the ride without having to overanalyze every detail in this type of book. Although there is a lot of dialogue in some parts of the story, it never feels overpowering because the exchanges deepen relationships and provide essential context without being tedious. It strikes the ideal balance, providing readers with all the information they require to comprehend the characters and their world.
I think the artwork tries to portray a lot of detail, particularly in the "ZOOM" scenes, where the linework is particularly intricate. A character is throwing up in the top-left panel I'm referring to, and the vomit is depicted realistically and clearly, broken up rather than in a single line like some other artists might. This is just one example of how much work goes into the drawings. It's an excellent illustration of how well the artwork captures details. In keeping with the artwork's level of detail, the characters' facial expressions are particularly powerful and convey a great deal of emotion.
Overall, the book was a nice conclusion to the series that started some years ago. Publisher ABRAMS kept up the quality, and I'm sure this ending will appeal to the fans of the series, which in turn, might result in some new eyes.
Phenomena Book 3: The Secret is now available on the official website.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, illustrated by André Lima Araújo
Copyright © 2025 Jinxworld Holdings, LLC.
Anime Atelier receiveda review copy of the book.
