Author: Xavian Tate, MSW, GTC
“Real is just the State of Mind, if you think about it.”
-Leo to Val
Red Before Black continues its pulse-pounding storytelling, and Issue #3 takes things to an even more intense and psychological level. Val, our battle-worn protagonist, is once again thrown into a high-stakes encounter, but this time, something different happens—her attacker can see what she sees.
Throughout the series, Val has struggled with vivid, almost supernatural jungle hallucinations when triggered. Until now, these visions seemed personal, a product of her internal battle with trauma and survival instincts. But in this issue, the lines between perception and reality blur in an unsettling way. Her adversary also experiences the same haunting images, raising an unnerving question: Are these manifestations purely psychological, or is there something deeper connecting them?
This issue continues to peel back layers of Val’s past, forcing her to confront the unsettling possibility that she and her enemy may not be so different. The tension is not just physical but psychological, as the narrative explores the concept of shared trauma and the idea that survival often demands an uncomfortable level of understanding between hunter and hunted. The question of identity—who Val is, who she has become, and how much control she truly has over her mind—lingers beneath every scene.
What makes Red Before Black stand out is its ability to balance raw action with introspective storytelling. Goran Sudžuka’s art masterfully captures both the kinetic brutality of Val’s fights and the eerie, dreamlike quality of her visions. The color work by Ive Svorcina shifts seamlessly between grounded realism and the unsettling glow of Val’s hallucinations, reinforcing the psychological tension at play.
By the end of Issue #3, the stakes have been raised—not just in terms of physical danger, but in the unraveling of Val’s perception of herself and the world around her. This chapter leaves readers with a lingering sense of unease, making it clear that Red Before Black is as much a psychological thriller as it is an action-packed survival story.
Using Red Before Black in Mental Health Settings
Red Before Black provides a compelling exploration of trauma, survival, and the fluidity of perception—making it a valuable tool for discussing mental health themes in therapeutic and educational settings.
Trauma and Perception
The series vividly illustrates how trauma can distort reality and perception. Val’s hallucinations, initially internal, become externalized when another person shares the same visions. This can be used to discuss how trauma responses manifest differently for different people and how shared experiences of distress can create an unexpected sense of connection. Clinicians working with trauma survivors may use this as a metaphor for validating distressing thoughts and feelings, reinforcing that healing requires understanding one’s own mind rather than fearing it.
Dissociation and Grounding Techniques
Val frequently shifts between reality and hallucination, mirroring the dissociative experiences some trauma survivors face. This can serve as an engaging way to introduce grounding techniques in therapy, discussing how characters (or real individuals) can differentiate between what is internal and external. Clients might reflect on what helps them stay present, just as Val must navigate her own shifting reality.
The Complexity of Survivor Identity
The tension between Val and her enemy highlights an often-overlooked aspect of trauma narratives: the ways in which survivors may mirror their perceived threats. This can be useful in therapy when exploring the duality of strength and vulnerability in those who have experienced violence, betrayal, or hardship. It also opens up discussions about moral ambiguity and the ways trauma can shape identity.
Art and Visual Metaphors
The rich visual storytelling in Red Before Black makes it ideal for use in art therapy. The shifting color palettes, surreal imagery, and symbolic hallucinations provide an opportunity for clients to explore how imagery and metaphor can represent internal struggles. Therapists could guide clients in creating their own visual metaphors for their experiences, using Val’s journey as a starting point. For those looking to integrate media into therapy, Red Before Black offers a gripping, thought-provoking way to explore trauma, perception, and resilience. With its layered storytelling and haunting imagery, this series is an example of how comics can serve as powerful tools for discussing mental health.
Did you step into Val’s intense journey of trauma, perception, and survival?
Grab Red Before Black #3 today and share your thoughts—how would you use it in therapy or education?
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About The Author:
Xavian Tate, MSW, GTC, is a mental wellness professional anime enthusiast, and comic book lover with a passion for exploring the deeper themes of storytelling. As a social work professional and researcher, he bridges the gap between geek culture and mental health, using fiction as a tool for education and awareness. When not analyzing characters or writing reviews, he’s crafting innovative ways to make mental wellness accessible, whether through anime, conventions, or creative workshops.