Absolutely fun for its sword and sorcery elements, Barbaric: Axe to Grind #1 (Vault Comics) is an action-packed adventure that never loses its campy necessities. When the installment aims for more excitement, the story also manages to sneak in moments of raw emotion.
PLOT: “Follow Owen and his magical companion, the tender, talking Axe as they spread kindness and hope in a world gone bad…just kidding! Owen, Axe, and Soren are back, and so is all the mayhem and bloodshed that follows them wherever they go! This time, they’re out to settle an old score against Gladius, a wicked a$$hole who did Owen wrong way back in his barbarian days. As always…it’s just f***ing barbaric.”
Here are 5 reasons why you should read Barbaric: Axe to Grind #1:
5) New Arc!
Axe to Grind is the start of all-new run. If you haven’t read Murderable Offenses, I highly recommend picking that one up to catch up on previous events. Axe to Grind works for first-time readers as well while raising the stakes and pushing its epic scope.
4) The Writing!
Writer Michael Moreci focuses on the relationships between the supporting cast in order to heighten the comedic dialogue. The humorous one-liners stand out during the witty banter between Owen and the talking Axe. More than just a brute, Owen shows his soft-spoken sympathetic side to another character during the last few pages.
3) The Artwork!
Artist Nathan Gooden illustrates loud and blood-soaked action sequences that kicks up the fantastical elements. Readers will definitely get a chuckle out of the giant vampire mayhem in the opening pages. Gooden also lands the quieter moments and displays the emotional weight that Owen feels in his monologue.
2) The Letters!
The letters by Jim Campbell stand out from the first panel. Owen has his own crude and raw way of speaking. The fonts also change when Axe barks back at Owen, which adds to their rough and expletive banter.
1) A Fun Read!
Barbaric: Axe to Grind #1 has plenty of fun action while dishing out the blood spray. Axe to Grind is off to a great start and I cannot wait to read what happens next!
Barbaric: Axe to Grind #1 arrives on August 17, 2022.