Review - Barbaric: The Long Death #3
From Vault Comics
With some interesting revelations, Barbaric: The Long Death #3 is out now from Vault Comics.
Toro recovers his memory and discovers the truth about Owen’s curse, just before the battle begins! It’s Owen versus The Black Knight, Axe versus Flail, and Soren versus Doxon.
Perhaps some truths are better left buried, however, for the Hydra of the Abyss calls to Soren. What will victory cost our heroes this time? And will they all still be heroes when the fighting ends?
Writer: Michael Moreci
Artist: Nathan Gooden
Colorist: Fabiana Marques
Letterer: Andworld Design
Cover Art: Nathan Gooden
There’s an impressive density to this issue that really stands out straight away. It doesn’t just move the story forward—it feels like it accelerates it, delivering far more plot, character insight, and action than you might expect from a single instalment. Nothing feels wasted either; every page is doing something meaningful, whether it’s building tension, revealing backstory, or pushing the characters into new, more dangerous territory.
Amid all the chaos, key revelations begin to surface. Through Toro, Owen, Soren, and even the sentient weapons, we’re given fragments of memory and perspective that start to reshape how we understand everything that’s happening. These aren’t just throwaway moments—they actively challenge what we thought we knew about these characters. It raises an interesting underlying question: are these characters truly evolving, or are we just now seeing who they’ve always been?
The action itself is relentless, but it never feels overwhelming. Instead, it pulls you deeper into the world, especially as the lore continues to expand alongside the combat. The battle scenes are chaotic in the best sense—fast, brutal, and creatively staged. There’s a strong mix of visceral melee combat and magical elements, with plenty of gore that fits the tone of the series without feeling excessive for the sake of it.
Visually, the issue is just as strong. The artwork complements the story's intensity perfectly, especially in the tighter, underground setting. That confined environment adds a sense of pressure and immediacy to the fights, making everything feel more claustrophobic and dangerous. The use of colour and lettering is particularly effective, helping to convey emotion, highlight magical effects, and guide the reader through the more chaotic sequences without losing clarity.
Despite the large cast, the comic does a great job of giving each character their moment. No one feels sidelined, which is impressive given how much is going on. By the end, there’s a stronger sense of who these characters are and how they fit into the bigger picture.
Overall, this issue continues the series’ strong run. It deepens the lore, delivers intense and inventive action, and keeps the characters engaging throughout. It’s another standout entry that reinforces why this series remains such a compelling read.
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
