The Sword, working through its second year, has hit a snag that I do not think it can overcome. No, the art is still great. Yes, the characters are still reasonably engaging, if terribly emo.  The plot is moving along well enough, though it has had a few fits and starts.

The problem with the Sword is, well,, the Sword. They have made an almighty drubbing stick that cannot be defeated or overcome - even by characters that are pretty much gods. This, in turn, has made the story become a number of relatively unbelievable scenes in which we try to figure out 'How will Dara lose the Real, Ultimate Power this week?' In short, they are using the same contrivance over and over and over again because there is only one way to actually threaten the character. The authors have backed themselves into a literary corner.

I'm becoming frustrated with this incessant repetition of the same trope. Lets hope it clears up.