The boy-emperor steps in it again.
Creative Staff:
Story: Mark Russell, Bryce Ingman
Art: Craig Rousseau
Colors: Dearbhla Kelly
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
What They Say:
The boy that will kill Red Sonja encounters The Bird Overlord. Normally, the Overlord’s deadly birds seek only gold. But for the power this boy possesses, they may make an exception…
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
This series has certainly been a delight in getting more of the world Sonja inhabits without having to really focus on Sonja herself. Mark Russell and Bryce Ingman keep things moving well here and while the gap between issues has made the series a little hard at times it still works as it has a straightforward plot to it. Craig Rousseau has done a great job with the book in giving it that proper fantasy setting that reminds me of a lot of books I grew up reading in the indie market but working some solid creativity for the more unusual scenes that delights, such as the birds in the last issue and this one. Dearbhla Kelly manages the artwork really well in bringing it to life in color and it just makes it all the better.
Cyril’s quest is one that has him continually learning the wrong lessons. His downtime for the moment sees him engaging with Amaya a bit over the food, something where Kump even makes out well but still complains about everything. The group is still hoping that Cyril will get it together and head back home but the arrival of the Bird Overlord and the gaggle of birds means it’ll be anything but that. The colorful flock descends on the little home that they’re occupying and it definitely sends worry through some of the men who have heard of the tale of them, even if not believed. But seeing it for real, and the arrival of the Bird Overlord and his companion, really cements it. The piece that works is that the Overlord is just so utterly charming in how he presents himself and plays off Cyril while figuring out what’s going on.
Of course, there are moments where the truth comes out and Cyril’s life is actually in danger, such as Laslo revealing himself and throwing Cyril under the sword. But he’s got a strange confidence as emperor and that allows Cyril to hold his own, even if the other side is just letting him play at it. The back and forth between them here really does show that Cyril doesn’t realize how close to death he really is and that makes it a lot of fun to watch play out, especially as he attempts to gain knowledge that will let him continue to go after Sonja. The idea of getting magic to control birds himself is definitely appealing as he sees what they’re capable of but the Bird Overlord isn’t just going to give that up. The naivety of youth. What that will lead to when it comes to the Sorcerors has me excited for where the book can go next.
In Summary:
This installment is pretty dialogue-heavy but it works really well in order to showcase more of Cyril himself but also that of the Bird Overlord and how he manages those that he doesn’t kill outright. It’s an engaging chapter of hope for Cyril’s men in thinking they may be finally heading home only to watch it be dashed and for Cyril to take a firmer hand with them after some of what happens here. I really enjoyed watching the flow of the conversation and how well Rousseau was able to weave it between the various players and provide tension and al little extra death along the way. This continues to be a great supplement to the main series.
Grade: B+
Age Rating: 15+
Released By: Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: August 19th, 2020
MSRP: $3.99