Review - Barbaric: The Long Death #2
From Vault Comics
After the return of Barbaric in the Long Death in December, the story continues from Vault Comics in Barbaric: The Long Death #2 - out now!
Review - Barbaric: The Long Death #1
Returning to the world of Barbaric, Vault Comics has a new series out with The Long Death #1.
War is looming... Owen, Axe, Toro, and Soren are caught in a web of secrets, mysteries, and monstrous jerks who just can’t seem to let them be. Despite the frightening escalation of her powers, Soren might not make it out in one piece this time. While Soren battles her demons, Owen battles whatever’s in front of him, and the dark forces who look to rule Axe--and more--gather. These sides will soon collide as Barbaric heads for an epic confrontation!
Writer: Michael Moreci, Artist: Nathan Gooden, Colorist: Fabi Marques, Letterer: Jim Campbell, Designer: Tim Daniel, and Cover A: Nathan Gooden
Part two of Barbaric: The Long Death continues to crank things up, delivering both action and key revelations as we push deeper into the caves and start to uncover who might actually be pulling the strings behind everything.
Or at least, that’s what it wants us to think.
This issue is packed with entertainment, juggling several moving parts without ever feeling overloaded. The action is plentiful and well-paced, and it’s elevated by Axe’s trademark sarcastic commentary, which cuts through the chaos perfectly. Mace also gets his moments here, bringing some sharp, biting remarks of his own. The battle itself plays out on multiple levels, not just in brute force but tactically as well, with Owen retreating, regrouping, and then diving back in for another solid burst of action.
The locals largely serve as excellent fodder, but they’re more than just background bodies. Toro’s insistence that he will protect them adds an extra layer of tension, and their presence helps flesh out the world and raise the stakes. They feel like a natural extension of the setting rather than disposable extras, which works well in this chapter.
Soren’s storyline continues to simmer beneath the surface, as she faces battles that are far more personal. Her struggle against the ghosts of her past and the weight of her destiny adds an emotional undercurrent to the issue. The idea of fighting against a foretold destiny is always compelling, and it’ll be interesting to see which direction this story takes — because it usually only ends one of two ways.
Visually, the issue is excellent from start to finish. The battle scenes are dynamic and easy to follow, the magic crackles off the page, and the comic beats land thanks to strong facial expressions and visual timing. As we edge closer to the end of this arc, the artwork does a great job of matching the rising intensity and keeping everything engaging.
Overall, this is a strong second chapter that deepens the mystery, delivers satisfying action, and keeps the story moving forward while leaving plenty of questions unanswered.
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
