CORPSE KNIGHT #1 (IMAGE COMICS)

A young girl and her father are targeted by some marauders who kill the father as the girl gets away. Now, the marauders are back to finally get the girl as well, but they didn’t prepare for a father’s undying love.

Corpse Knight #1 - Written By Michael Chaves - Art By Matthew Roberts - Colors By Rico Renzi - Published By Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics

Credit: Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

It’s 1429 in France, and a young girl Foy and her father are simple farmers. Foy’s mother had died and this left just the father and daughter duo. The father is trying to teach Foy how to use a bow, which she is having difficulties with. To encourage her, he tells her about a girl not much older than her that is dominating in battle for the French, this girls name is Joan D’ Arc. Just then a group of marauders ambush them. Foy’s father gets her on a horse and sends her off as he’s hit by arrows. The father dies, but Foy carries on without him allowing people to think he’s just sick. The marauders return and try and get Foy. Trapped with nowhere to go, Foy prays like Joan D’ Arc to give her strength. Her prayers are answered, but not the way she thought, and definitely horrifying for the marauders.

WRITING:

The first issue gives us a great backstory and really gets the series off to a good start. Michael Chaves creates a world that is based in history, well at the same time bringing supernatural elements to it. Chaves does a great job of building a connection between the reader and the father and daughter rather quickly. You find yourself instantly invested in them and their well-being. The way Chaves slowly rolls out that there is something troubling going on in this small village could be overlooked but is a nice subtle touch for observant readers. The tie-in with Joan D’ Arc gets the supernatural element started before ramping it all the way up with the reveal at the end of the issue. Chaves does a great job of leaving intrigue that will surely be revealed as this series continues.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this first issue really brings this world to life. Matthew Roberts does a fantastic job of bringing France in the 1400’s to life for the readers to enjoy. The character designs are well thought out and give each character an individuality. The watercolor look in the flashback and tale scenes give them a separate feeling which helps the reader know what’s going on. Couple that with the pastel colors Rico Renzi uses in those scenes, and they then become even more unique. Most importantly the brutal nature of the final pages takes the story in a completely different direction, and the artwork really makes those scenes stand out.

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Final Thoughts:

Corpse Knight #1 introduces this brand-new series a big way and hooks the reader throughout the pages of the first issue. The closeness you feel with Foy and her father makes what happens to them that much more impactful. But it also makes the promise of revenge that much sweeter as well. The art team does an incredible job of bringing this world to life and pulling the reader directly into this world. The fact that they didn’t go completely over the top in the first issue is great and builds intrigue for what’s to come. This will be a series that you don’t want to miss if you like supernatural action stories or just unique stories in general. Grab a copy at the LCS this week, give it a try, and if you like it make sure you add it to your Pull List, so you don’t miss an issue.

FINAL GRADE: 9/10

Let me know your thoughts on Corpse Knight #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!