Hola!
Apologies for the lack of updates - I'm hoping I've still got some readers left... As usual I have a ton of things I'd like to review and, as usual, the task is a little bit daunting. So, to make it easier on my myself (and to get some posts on here for you dear lovelies to read) I'm going to do a few posts on the best stuff I read in 2013.
I'm going to start with books from a couple of smaller publishers: Grendel: War Child, from Dark Horse comics; and Top 10 from America's Best Comics.
Grendel: War Child
Writer: Matt Wagner
Art: Patrick McEown and Ken Henderson
Colours: Bernie Mireault and Kathryn Delaney
Inks: Matt Wagner and Monty Sheldon
Letterer: Kurt Hathaway
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
What's it about?
I did have a full length review of this written in rough, it inspired me so much, but then I lost the bits of paper and now I have to re-write it from memory. There's a lesson to you all - organise your paperwork!
War Child is a 10 issue mini series and part of the wider Grendel story. I haven't read any other Grendel books, although I am a big fan of Matt Wagner (the writer), so this review comes from my understanding of this single story.
Grendel is the senior bodyguard/protector of the leader of the empire, Orion I. After Orion's death his son, aged about 10, is kidnapped by Grendel. Orion's widow is now ruling as regent; however she is a little unhinged. She is desperate for power and wants the son back to give her leadership legitimacy. She has locked her daughter in her quarters, ostensibly for her protection from the threatened rebellion - but honestly? I think her daughter just isn't a high priority.
Grendel has taken the son on Orion's orders and they are travelling through the wastelands to safety. Orion's widow sends the army after them, and predictably they all fail. Eventually Grendel and the child find sympathisers and can rest, and wait.
