Published in 2019 by RAID Studio, RAID: 3 continues the anthology tradition established by the previous two oversized collections, showcasing creators connected to the Royal Academy of Illustration & Design. Like the earlier volumes, the book is produced with impressive physical quality, featuring oversized pages and heavier-stock paper that allow the artwork to stand out in a near art-book presentation.
At 160 pages, RAID: 3 is the largest entry in the series so far, packed with original stories and artwork from creators including Gabe Sapienza, Joe Infurnari, Kalman Andrasofszky, Marcus To, Ramon K Perez, Eric Vedder, and others. The collection is wrapped in a striking original cover by Joverine that immediately captures the anthology’s energetic spirit.
As expected from a RAID anthology, the artistic styles and genres vary dramatically from story to story. Science fiction, fantasy, action, and experimental pieces all share space in the volume, giving readers another broad showcase of Canadian comic talent. The production quality remains consistently strong, and visually, the anthology rarely disappoints.
That said, RAID: 3 does not quite hit the same memorable highs as the previous two installments. While the craftsmanship remains solid throughout, fewer stories leave a lasting impression once the book is finished. It is difficult to point to a specific weakness because the art is still diverse and technically accomplished, and the storytelling remains ambitious, but the anthology overall feels slightly less impactful than RAID: ONE or RAID: TWO.
Even so, readers who enjoyed the earlier books will still find plenty to appreciate here. The anthology continues to function as an excellent platform for emerging and established creators alike, and the oversized presentation alone makes it an attractive addition to the series. While perhaps not the strongest volume overall, RAID: 3 remains well worth picking up for fans of independent and Canadian comics.
About Author
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
RAID: THREE
At 160 pages, RAID: 3 is the largest entry in the series so far, packed with original stories and artwork from creators including Gabe Sapienza, Joe Infurnari, Kalman Andrasofszky, Marcus To, Ramon K Perez, Eric Vedder, and others. The collection is wrapped in a striking original cover by Joverine that immediately captures the anthology’s energetic spirit.
As expected from a RAID anthology, the artistic styles and genres vary dramatically from story to story. Science fiction, fantasy, action, and experimental pieces all share space in the volume, giving readers another broad showcase of Canadian comic talent. The production quality remains consistently strong, and visually, the anthology rarely disappoints.
That said, RAID: 3 does not quite hit the same memorable highs as the previous two installments. While the craftsmanship remains solid throughout, fewer stories leave a lasting impression once the book is finished. It is difficult to point to a specific weakness because the art is still diverse and technically accomplished, and the storytelling remains ambitious, but the anthology overall feels slightly less impactful than RAID: ONE or RAID: TWO.
Even so, readers who enjoyed the earlier books will still find plenty to appreciate here. The anthology continues to function as an excellent platform for emerging and established creators alike, and the oversized presentation alone makes it an attractive addition to the series. While perhaps not the strongest volume overall, RAID: 3 remains well worth picking up for fans of independent and Canadian comics.
About Author
Calvin Daniels
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
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