WAILING BLADE #1
Writer: Rich Douek
Artist: Joe Mulvey
Colorist: Chris Sotomayer & Jules Rivera
Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Publisher: ComixTribe
8/10
It's books like these that I just can't help loving. Fantasy books with dark and gruesome settings are my absolute favorite. The title alone is what first drew me in, WAILING BLADE, I had to learn more. This book is fantasy mixed with a touch of sci-fi and a little barbarianism. Just my kind of book. Rich Douek and Joe Mulvey bring it all in this fantastic debut. I haven't read anything from ComixTribe before, but this book definitely makes me what to seek out future release from this indie publisher.
The story is set in the ruins of Old Earth, after the fall of mankind from the stars. This new civilization is ruled by the iron fist of the Tyrant of Mintur. How does he keep his rule? By the fearsome executioners that mete out his "justice", using the last of technology before the fall. The most famous one being the Headtaker, who wield the infamous Wailing Blade. A blade so terrifying, that as it's swung by it's wielder it wails a shrill cry. The Headtaker is a terrifying giant of a man and Mulvey's design is badass.
From the opening pages, you know this dude is not someone to be trifled with. His blade makes quick work of a "criminals" head. It's clear that these so called "criminals" though are just ordinary people that want to provide for their families.
A group of outlaws, The Windcleavers, are just one of a few groups that continue to defy the Tyrant's rule. While scavenging in a city called Ordz, Tychon and his fellow raiders are attempting to come up on a windmaker. While there they come under attack by the Wasps of Ordz. Tychon's father, Auros, warned his son against it and the Windcleavers paid the price. All but Tychon are captured.
After finding out that his father is set to be executed by the Headtaker, he makes a plan to kill the executioner. After a hard fight, we see that the Headtaker isn't so easy to defeat.
Douek and Mulvey have created a tale that is sure to delight fans of all kinds. The story is engrossing and full of action, with art that is full energy and helps paint a world full of tyranny and bloddy battles. This book was such a pleasant surprise and I can't wait to see what the future holds in store for this book.