(W) Pat Shand (A/CA) Rio Burton. Writer Pat Shand and artist Rio Burton launch a new fantasy epic! Azza was born into a family that* for generations* served in the Obsidian Guard* a military unit of holy warriors. During Azza's Coronation* a magical ceremony that would imbue her with a holy glowing power* something went wrong. Instead of the sacred Obsidian tattoos* she became marred with thorned* black markings and was banished by her people. Now* Azza lives in solitude guarding a great evil... but when that evil escapes and begins to spread its wicked power* Azza must make a choice: save the people that expelled her or allow her home town to fall to evil. With an emotional* comedic* and awe-inspiring story of empowerment* Azza the Barbed blends fantasy* adventure* mythology* horror* and action in this unforgettable new series.