Reviews: Beyond Real, Deathstalker & Barbaric: Born In Blood
From Vault Comics
Two stories conclude this week, and one has its penultimate issue from Vault Comics. Check out my thoughts on Beyond Real #5, Deathstalker #3 and Barbaric: Born In Blood #2.
Note: I now understand that Beyond Real #5 will be released on the 10th July 2024. So, jump ahead if you wish.1
Beyond Real #5
An artist's voice. June must defeat an army of doppelgängers, who reflect her doubt and despair, to reach the mountain of color where the simulation stands guard. There, June must finally choose what is most important to her.
Writer: Zack Kaplan, Artists: Fabiana Mascolo, Toni Fejzula, Vincenzo Riccardi, Dennis Menheere, Jorge Corona, Luana Vecchio, Liana Kangas, Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, Designer: Tim Daniel & Cover A: John J. Pearson
This was an excellent conclusion. Leaving the ending open in such a way that it doesn’t need to follow on from this emotional and artistic piece.
As with the previous issues, you will see that this comic has a large number of art duties. And it is well deserved. It makes this comic unique and gives it its own special voice. In a way, it could be jarring, especially with one turn of the page, but it works on many levels, giving us a new stage or returning to a place and changing the tones of what we are reading.
June gets exciting revelations, with brilliant framing and a combination of new and old characters. The use of powers and the art make this an excellent read.
There are some answers here, and it also gives us a heartfelt ending, full of promise and something for all of the characters.
I think I will get this trade and re-read it when I’m feeling low.
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
Deathstalker #3
After the death of the only friend he had, Deathstalker has fallen to the very bottom, and that's saying a lot. Now, teamed with one of his archenemies, he's concocted a plot to force the paladins of Abraxeon to fight the cancerous evil that's poisoning the realm. He just has to stay sober long enough to execute. It all comes to a head here in the most twisted sword and sorcery tale ever told.
Writers: Slash & Tim Seeley, Artist: Jim Terry, Colorist: Kurt Michael Russell, Letterer: Adnworld Design, Designer: Tim Daniel & Cover A: Nathan Gooden
Combining swords, sorcery and some excellent dark humour, this issue ends the story arc. We have had an entertaining introduction to some characters - some didn’t last long - and some great action.
Deathstalker is a bad place, with some strange bedfellows to keep him company. Even so, things progress, and there are some brilliant scenes of battle and the use of magic and swords.
These facial expressions and timing are excellent - especially at the beginning scenes and the part with the crowning. I loved how it all worked out, and although there was a bittersweet ending, it worked with the world that this was set.
The colouring and ideas in this story have been excellent, and I hope to see more.
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
Barbaric: Born In Blood #2
The team...separated! Owen faces down the worst nightmare of his Barbarian past, while Soren and Axe endure interrogations by the cruel half-giant Orrick. As for Steel? Turns out that half-feral vampires might have their own place on the food chain!
Writer: Michael Moreci, Artist: Nathan Gooden, Colorist: Fabi Marques, Letterer: Jim Campbell, Designer: Tim Daniel & Cover A: Nathan Gooden
Not only do we get some reasoning, but this story also has more exciting revelations.
It works as an exciting cross between the exposition and action required in this story and seems to get the balance right. With the team locked up, there is enough time for them to shine, giving us a good look at their personalities. Later on, there is the action part, which is bloody and has a good double twist.
This was an excellent min-story issue, with the setup for the big battle coming up. The lighting and colouring work well, with some good use of the lettering styles to make the flow of the dialogue easier.
I like the small use of magic here; the story is mystical enough, and the use is fleeting but well played out.
I am looking forward to what comes next!
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
Nevertheless, it is an excellent read, and issue #5 is something to look forward to.