Warning: References to rape and fratricide.

Set in the fantasy world of Asunda, this comic is the first issue in a spin-off series of Niobe: She is Life. I’ve been circling around this series for a while, and though it does not focus on Niobe, she is a supporting character in this four-issue story arc. Not being familiar with the world, I did have to read it a couple of times to make sure that I got all the names and relationships straight. I would imagine that if you have read other books in this universe, you will be familiar with many of these characters.

This series features a dwarf by the name of Buxton Stonebeard who has returned home after being banished over 200 years ago. It turns out that he gutted the Crown Prince for the rape of the woman he loved using a cursed axe. Now, he’s come home due to a greater threat to not only dwarves, but to the world at large; however, Buxton not only has to deal with politics and in-fighting amongst the dwarves, but an axe which demands blood and souls.

A huge fantasy adventure about redemption, the story begins with a short narration of how Buston’s troubles began but shows us a person who has a gentle side, as well. It’s a classic “pet the dog” scene, but with a twist. He is broken, violent, but ultimately loyal. The world has all the usual fantasy elements – dwarves, elves, and orcs – but what is nice is that none of these races are monolithic and are much more nuanced and complex. There is also a nice balance of action and character development. I would have liked to see a touch of humor in at least one of the scenes, as this story is very serious to the point of almost being dour.

What really struck me was the art. Clean and crisp, I loved it, along with the coloring. I truly felt like I was walking in the snow burdened by a heavy axe. It was dynamic when it needed to be, yet subtle and extremely detailed in other scenes. I particularly liked the texturing of the stone walls and flooring. (I know that’s weird, but it’s something I noticed.)

This is definitely a treat for fantasy lovers, and I do want to find out whether Buxton finds the soul of the man he once was.

Creative Team: Sebastian A. Jones and Darrell May (writers), Sheldon Mitchell (artist), A Larger World Studios (letterer)
Publisher: Stranger Comics
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