The Darkness: Lodbrok’s Hand #1 – Review

By Phil Hester (Writer), Michael Avon Oeming (Artist), and Val Staples (Colorist)

The Story: A one-and-done comic set sometime long ago in The Darkness universe, Lodbrok’s Hand is a cautionary story about a man’s (good-intentioned) strive for power and the cost that it carries. Lodbrok, his sister, and some others are the few that remain of a village following a brutal raid lead by the tyrant Grimur. The group goes off in search of the legendary Forbidden Horn in the hopes of summoning The Black Captain and his twisted crew in order to even the odds against the might of Grimur. As with similar stories, there is a price to be paid for the powers called forth by the Forbidden Horn, regardless of the success or failure they bring.

What’s Good: I consider this one-shot to be such a success because the creative team manages to make a very familiar story feel like something fresh and almost brand new. First off, Phil Hester’s script effectively captures the feeling of a tale being spoken aloud by a master storyteller; something that is crucial to the book considering how the story told in Lodbrok’s Hand is framed. Secondly, the artwork by Michael Avon Oeming (colored by Val Staples) does a great job of capturing the dark, foreboding nature of Lodbrok’s quest. From the blood-drenched action scenes to the bizarre, supernatural nature of The Black Captain and his ship, Lodbrok’s Hand is a visual treat.

One other thing worth mentioning is how the story can really be enjoyed by anyone. While Darkness fans will no doubt get a kick out of seeing the captain’s crew and a creature from Top Cow’s Broken Trinity event, those unfamiliar with that stuff will still find a lot to like. Simply put, Lodbrok’s Hand is a great example of a one-shot done right.

What’s Not So Good: To be honest, the most negative thing I can say about the stand-alone saga is that it is fairly predictable from beginning to end. While the script and visuals do wonders for freshening up a story told many times before, it is still a story told many times before. That said, it is a story told many times before given impressive visuals and an epic script. While a twist or two would have been nice, I can’t complain too much considering how technically sound the whole thing is.

Conclusion: Definitely give The Darkness: Lodbrok’s Hand a shot if you are a fan of the series or just good stories in general. It doesn’t exactly break any new ground, but then again it doesn’t need to. Easily one of the better one-and-done comics I have read this year.

Grade: A-

-Kyle Posluszny

Mouse Guard – Winter: 1152 #3

By David Petersen

After months of delays, issue #3 has arrived. I’ll be frank. It had been so long since the last issue came out that I almost didn’t buy this book out of protest and was just going to wait for the inevitable trade to come out next year (or whenever). I mean, this book was so late that I feared I’d forgotten too much of Winter: 1152’s story. Thankfully, David Petersen was smart enough to put a synopsis page at the beginning. With a few paragraphs I was right back where I left off. Whew!

I am so glad I bought this issue. I know it’s not really fair to make comparisons between the two, but the thing I like about this book over The Mice Templar is how Petersen is able to tell an engaging story without the use of much dialogue. His characters talk concisely and yet still manage to emit a lot of personality. The other thing I like is that the mice aren’t the only ones who can talk or have intelligence – all the creatures in this series have minds of their owns and aren’t limited to being “primitive”.

So what do we get from this issue? Bats, snow, and owls! The conspiracy against Lockhaven’s shield bearer is briefly touched upon in the beginning, but it goes largely ignored. And that’s fine, I can wait with that. We finally learn a bit more about the legend of the Black Axe. Though we’re not told the whole story, we’re given just enough to be left wanting more. Then there’s the whole sequence with the bats that is the centerpiece of the story and boy, is it awesome. The history of their race and the way they’re portrayed is just wonderful.

Despite being months late, Petersen gets a pass for coming back and delivering a strong, fun-filled adventure. His art really shines this issue (I think this is his best art yet) and his double page splash with the bats is incredible. I’m drooling for issue #4. Please don’t be late! (Grade: A)

– J. Montes