The Dark Ages were never so much fun as this book.
What They Say:
Set in the Dark Ages of the DC Universe, a barbarian horde is massing to crush civilization. It’s fallen to Madame Xanadu and Jason Blood, the man with a monster inside him, to stand in their way–though the demon Etrigan has no interest in protecting anyone or anything other than himself!
The Review:
The realm of magic has always been a key part of the DC Universe and one that at times seems like it never fully gets its due, especially as a lot of it got shifted to Vertigo years ago and other times it gets shafted into superheroics like Shadowpact, which I dearly loved but still felt like it missed some good opportunities. With Demon Knights, we get something extra special – magic and a book that’s set some three hundred years prior. Under the guidance of Paul Cornell, the book serves as a cornerstone for the DC Universe as we learn that the group that slowly forms here eventually becomes either a part of or an inspiration for Stormwatch in the 21st century. And having a group with this kind of history, detailing the past and the present in two separate books, is a huge draw for me. Add in the diverse cast and it’s even better.
The series kicks off with the fall of Camelot, as we see the sword thrown back into the depths of the lake and Xanadu trying to get it but being rebuffed. At the same time, we learn that the demon Etrigan, who thankfully does not rhyme (yet?) in this incarnation, has been trapped by Merlin to be a part of the castles defenses but that has not worked. In an attempt to make sure Etrigan doesn’t cause further problems, he shocks both Etrigan and the man named Jason into being bonded together, allowing Jason to call out Etrigan when he needs him. It’s not the best relationship in the world, but it has its quirks. And that kicked off the journey between both Jason/Etrigan and that of Xanadu as they’re the immortals that walk the countryside. They make an interesting couple since Xanadu comes off just a little spicy and Jason calls her out lightly on it.
When the book advances forward in time to the Dark Ages, the pair have certainly gotten along well as they’re a couple, but there are some hilarious quirks to it when Etrigan is revealed towards the end that made me grin like a fool, and love every moment of how the relationship works between the three of them. What is awkward at this stage though is the setting, as we’re shown how the “questing queen” is roaming across the countryside looking for something with her lover, the magician known as Mordru. Sacrifices are made and they know where they have to go, which leads them into sending troops to where Jason and Xanadu are. And that area is bristling with interest since it has another immortal named Vandal Savage there that they get along with and a few others that are introduced. It sets up the basics well but still keeps a mystery as to what the questing queen is after but still shows just how much she wants it.
While there’s a bit of an odd structure and pacing to the book, it does work very well overall by bringing together a diverse group of characters slowly rather than forcing them onto a team from the start. With the reworked DC Universe in play here, the characters are essentially new in a way and they’re easy to connect with but we’re not given anywhere near all that there is about them and I like that. It focuses on a couple, gives us a clue as to the setting and then sets up where it’ll progress from there. What sells it even more is that Diogenes Neves does a great job here with the artwork, made more striking with Oclair Albert’s inking, as it has a great fantasy/medieval look to it and nothing like superheroes transplanted to the past. It has a lot of detail, plenty to spend time going through and lots of little points that merit spending time going over. I imagine those familiar more intimately with Camelot will find even more to take in for the scenes that’s involved with as well. But as a casual fan, it has a distinct look without being outlandish.
Release Notes:
This digital edition of Demon Knights from Comixology contains only the first printing cover and no extras as of this writing.
In Summary:
With the opening issue, Demon Knights has given me a whole lot to like. The setting is great, the general plot concept as introduced has a lot of potential and it’s got a cast that I want to curl up with for ages so I can watch as their adventures unfold. DC Comics is definitely taking a chance with this book by doing fantasy, even with familiar heroes from the last couple of decades being put here, and I think this first issue does a fantastic job with it. It’s got me excited to see where it goes and to get to know these new incarnations of the characters and what they’ll bring to the table. With a lot of things touched upon in interviews and articles about the general plans, this is a solid foundation book for things and one that has an immense playground to work within, and can manage to avoid getting heavily involved directly in present day activities. That may hurt it, but it should also draw fans who don’t want a huge continuity heavy series that can do its own thing. Very recommended.
Grade: B+