Creative Staff:
Writer: Brian Wood
Art: Mack Chater
Colors: Jose Villarubia
Letters: Blambot’s Nate Piekos
What they say:
One thousand years ago, a murderous clan known as the Forty Swords burned a village to the ground, leaving just two people alive: a shattered father and his teenage daughter. Setting off on a revenge quest that will span the width of Viking Age Europe, they find the key to repairing their damaged relationship lies in the swords they carry.
Content (please note that content portions may contain spoilers):
Elsbeth Dagsdottir is a twelve-year-old girl surviving in the wilds of Iceland. Dag is her father and a great warrior, however, since the burning of their village Dag has been asleep. Ten years. Every day since she was two years old Elsbeth has tended to her father in his comatose state. One day she has had enough and decides to smack her dozing father across the head with a rock. Awakened from his decade-long depression sleep Dag only wants answers. Following Elsbeth to a family homestead on a nearby beach, the well-rested warrior seeks answers about his family’s death. The 40 Swords are a well establish crime syndicate with humble beginnings as a band of Viking raiders.
As the duo embarks on the island of Shetland, they are accosted and accused of killing 12 young blonde women. When Dag explains their situation, the man and his daughter are placed on the trail of the killer, who turns out to be a mentally disturbed man. After the pity slaying of the gigantic nut bag, Elsbeth and her father travel to Raven’s End, the homestead of the leader of the 40 Swords, and make quick work of the beserker.
In Summary:
I was very intrigued by the primary issues of this trade. The promise of a great warrior teaching his daughter to defend herself and ultimately avenge their family pulls all my strings. What made this book take a hit was its uneven cutscenes, featuring a full-grown Elsbeth, and the shortchanging of what would have made for an excellent smaller series run. I stand in awe of Brian Wood and his ability to create on type characters in this Viking tale. Chater is a new artist to me, but I like the linework, and it fits well with the drab European conditions.
Grade: B-
Age Rating: T+
Released By: Dark Horse
Release Date: December 4, 2018
MSRP: $11.99
