The Pathfinders Society, Vol. 2 - The Curse of the Crystal Cavern

Kyle, Beth, Harry, Victoria, and Nate are back for the second part of their search for the hidden treasure!  In the first graphic novel, writers Francesco Sedita and Prescott Serfaydarian and artist Steve Hamaker introduced us to these five youngsters who find themselves drawn into the world of the Pathfinders Society after they learn that Henry Merriweather, a famous adventurer from years ago, may have left behind a treasure that only the truly dedicated and adventurous can find!  At the strange Moon Tower, the kids uncovered a box that contained a jeweled hand, a guidebook, and a very odd device that they had no clue how to use.  Well, now, in this second volume, their adventure continues...

The Curse of the Crystal Cavern opens with a glimpse into the past, as we learn that Henry Merriweather was not an only child - he had a brother named Jacob who was just as interested as Henry in danger and adventure.  They are each gifted a small jeweled hand to represent the bonds of their brotherhood - and just as we (the reader) are about to discover more about the two young Merriweathers, we are drawn back into the present where Kyle seems to have been having a flashback (of what we just saw).  He rejoins his friends as they explore the underground tunnels and the path headlined by the phrase, "Plus Ultra!"  Sedita and Serfaydarian send these young pathfinders on a journey unlike any other, where each of their skills and knowledge-set is put to the test to help them through the various traps, mazes, and riddles put in front of them.  

The story is chock full of cryptic clues and peril at every turn - but the Pathfinders never give up hope and keep following the path that lay before them.  Along the way, they have another vision from the past to learn exactly what happened to break the bond between Henry and Jacob Merriweather and why Fairly seems so intent on buying up the Merriweather estate.  So, if the Pathfinders have any hope of finding the treasure, they must no only figure out all of the puzzles left by Henry Merriweather, but they must also evade the ever-present Mr. Fairly, whose construction and demolition crew seem to be everywhere.  Plus, Sedita and Serfaydarian offer up a very surprising cliffhanger at the end of this volume that definitely brought me back to my days of watching Dark Shadows (and for those who know me, and who know my favorite storyline from Dark Shadows, then you'll have an idea of what happens at this end of this book!).

The art in this volume is absolutely exceptional!  Hamaker makes the caverns feel dark and spooky, and at times, even cramped, so much so that even the reader feels like they are right there with the kids as they make their way down one tunnel after another in search of the clues to the treasure.  His transitions between past and present are almost cinematic, as one panel flows so smoothly into the next.  Hamaker is definitely getting more of a feel for the characters and their environments, and I can hardly wait to see what he has in store for the next book.

Sedita, Serfaydarian, and Hamaker have created a thrilling series with characters that you can't help but like (or hate, as the case may be) and a story full of adventure, suspense, surprises, and mystery.    Can't wait for volume three to come out!

RATING:  9 musty volumes of minutes out of 10 for furthering the mystery of the Merriweather treasure in way that only draws you more into the story than ever before!