BARBARIC: THE LONG DEATH #2 (VAULT COMICs)
What have Owen and company gotten themselves into now?
Soren’s powers have caused a return visit home. The witch needs to find answers and fast. Orrick and the Black Knight are waiting to welcome Owen and Axe into death. Somehow, this isn’t going to end in a peaceful discussion.
BARBARIC: THE LONG DEATH #2 by Michael Moreci, Nathan Gooden, Fabi Marques & Andworld Design - filling in for Jim Campbell (Vault Comics) continues its latest saga.
Let’s take a closer look at what is happening now.
BARBARIC: THE LONG DEATH #2 by Michael Moreci, Nathan Gooden, Fabi Marques & Andworld Design - filling in for Jim Campbell (Vault Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Moreci doesn’t stray too far from the winning formula for the opening. The face-off with the Black Knight is filled with great action and crude humor. Fans might not look at a mace the same way again. The quick finish allows time for Soren’s plot to start growing. Her mystery has much from to flex. The interaction with Orrick teases just enough to tide readers over till later. Bouncing back and forth between characters helps stage the impact for later.
Readers watch as Soren’s path comes with more frustration and fear. Her powers seems to be unravelling, which is never good. Her conversation with a certain ghost leads into a soul search. This provides a solid finish before heading back to Owen. Once here, the story speeds up to match the frantic action. Owen’s rematch with the Knight lives up to the marquee billing. It does spiral into a more complicated finish. With more invested parties joining the mix, it leaves readers with a sound statement before bowing out.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Gooden and Marques let the punches fly in the beginning pages. The back and forth between Flail and Axe is a nice break between blows. Readers see business picking up, albeit fleeting. This transitions to Soren’s time with Orrick. The mood is uneasy as she wraps her head around his haunting words. This leads to a better scene later. Soren confronting the “lost souls” is filled with smoke and mirrors. There is a horror vibe to this scenario, which plays well to Soren’s curse.
As the final act commences, the violence this series is known for resumes. Owen’s fight with the monsters is brutal and unapologetic. The exchange with Toro throws a quick laugh in before diving further into fighting. A fantastic two page spread resumes the fight with the Black Knight. Fans will enjoy seeing this throwdown happen. The finish is more complicated, but leaves on a nice landing spot. Never the less, a great issue to check out.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
Soren’s problems take center stage in this latest Barbaric chapter. Moreci maneuvers between plots to establish both lead character’s issues . Gooden and the art team deliver the classic brutality fans know and love. This is one to keep an eye out for on New Comic Book Day.
Let me know your thoughts on BARBARIC: THE LONG DEATH #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
