BARBARIC: THE LONG DEATH #1 (VAULT COMICs)
A Man. An Axe. Magic curses and ultra violence.
That is the easiest way to describe the world of BARBARIC. The hit indie series following Owen and Axe has won over fans with each saga since exploding on the scene in 2021.
Now entering its’ ninth volume, it appears fans are going to get some long awaited answers to questions composing Owen’s magical curse. That is if they survive their latest outing.
BARBARIC: THE LONG DEATH #1 by Michael Moreci, Nathan Gooden, Fabi Marques & Jim Campbell (Vault Comics) launches forth its’ latest campaign.
Let’s take a closer look onto what’s going down now.
BARBARIC: THE LONG DEATH #1 by Michael Moreci, Nathan Gooden, Fabi Marques & Jim Campbell (Vault Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Moreci presents the unlikely groups’ latest trek with much of the same winning formula. Toro’s “storytelling” skills are on full display early. The crass and raunchy dialogue ushers in the quick conflict. It is an early indication of how wild this latest trek is going to be. Once the group maneuvers to its’ latest destination, Soren takes the lead spot. Readers watch as her back story turns into a catalyst for where events lead. It is a more serious tone that breaks up the unstable reactions.
After settling some ghosts from her past, Soren leads the charge for answers. This pits the group into a bit of reflection as to where their destinies lead. Trust me, things don’t get very deep for long. The action comes back swinging fast. It leads into a very frantic close. A ghost from the past re-emerges with his own axe to grind. It sets up the cliffhanger ending perfectly. Knowing who is on the last page, readers shouldn’t expect anything “peaceful” when this story returns.
Gooden and Marques bring the pain and punchlines with his initial outing. Toro’s “extravagant” recap of a story is playful and crude all at one. It gives way for the first monster encounter. While brief here, it’s as violent as the series has set the benchmark for. Once events get calmer, a new character enters the frame. This leads into a heavy emotional release from Soren. Its’ one of the book’s more steady points until pivoting back into the violent trek.
The full page image of Soren and Axe thrashing the house will be a fan favorite. It conveys the release of frustration that the witch needs. This moves events into their inevitable destination. An incredible two page splash lights the explosive action. This is vintage Barbaric! It is complimented by a bright Soren panel cutting loose. These action scenes usher in the closing stages. The returning threat debuts via a smaller panel. What he presents after steals the show. Readers are left with an imposing final image which spells nothing but trouble for Owen and company.
FINAL GRADE: 9
The return of Owen and his motley crew comes with its’ wild action and distinct tone. Moreci’s script delivers on the strong dialogue and deeper sub-plots. Gooden and the art team unleash the ruthless aggression that only this series can. Barbaric is a fan-favorite for many reasons. Pick this up and see what all the hype is about!
Let me know your thoughts on BARBARIC: THE LONG DEATH #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
