The biggest problem with Kill Shakespeare was their inability to use Shakespearean language correctly and effectively, but it also had problems building characters that felt three-dimensional with solid personalities. The biggest strength of Toil and Trouble is that it does both of these exceedingly well.
Toil and Trouble tells the story of Macbeth from the perspective of the three witches he encounters in the first act of Shakespeare’s play. In Toil and Trouble, these three are actually the guardians of the land, and are responsible for guiding the fate of its people and choosing the next king. However, at the beginning of the story, our narrator Smertae, the youngest of the three, is returning from nine years of exile as a result of a disagreement she had with the eldest, Riata.
During one of their rituals to determine the next king, Smertae and Riata interpreted a prophecy in different ways, with the third sister Cait pleading for balance. Riata is more malicious and capricious when dealing with mortals, while Smertae is often too soft-hearted. In this story, Macbeth and his contemporaries are little more than pawns in the conflict between the two witches.
Writer Mairghread Scott takes the source material and expertly weaves in these expanded characters and additional background stories to create an exciting new story that still feels a natural extension of the original. Although the witches take on the role of the main protagonist and antagonist, familiar characters such as Lady Macbeth, Banquo, and Malcolm are also given the opportunity for development and growth.
The dialogue itself is exceedingly well executed, incorporating direct quotes from the play but not depending on them too directly.
Artists Kelly and Nichole Matthews bring the story to life with beautiful landscapes, distinctive and expressive designs for the “mortal” characters, and especially with the witches. Their look, their shapeshifting powers, and especially the way the Matthews show the way the witches influence the mortals around them are both unique and gorgeous.
With plenty of action and intrigue, Toil and Trouble has a very well constructed first half that will be enjoyable by English nerds and comic fans alike.
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