Comic Review 237 // Slaine: The Brutania Chronicles - Book 4

The penultimate graphic novel. As far as I know, there is only one more collection! How scary, no more Slaine tales. I will have to start painting the figures soon. But back to the review:

Title: Sláine: The Brutania Chronicles Book Four

Author: Pat Mills

Illustrator: Simon Davis

Blurb: Stone Killer! Albion. Celtic Warrior Sláine United the tribes of the Earth Goddess and became the first High King of Ireland, but is now a wanderer. Having journeyed to Monadh to rescue Sinead from the Drune Lords, Sláine has discovered that they have been experimenting on their own creations, much to the displeasure of the Cyths’ jailer, the Archon Yaldabaoth. Now, the Archon has awoken, and destruction will surely follow…

Format: 96 pages, Kindle Edition (Buy now via Amazon)

Review

Hmmm. There's so much I like about Sláine, but I am finding the story of his parentage to be dragging on a bit too much. The last collection dealt with his mother and set up the options of who could be Sláine's father and in this collection we finally get the answers. But boy did they drag it out!

We continue the overarcing themes of Folklore alongside the hatred of Christianity. It would seem unsurprisingly to Mills fans that he has issues with Patriarchal faiths (as we should), but it came across a bit to heavy in this title.

Overall the story wrapped up nicely and all the pieces are in place to leave Sláine  heading off into the wild. The real highlight of course is Simon Davis' artwork. It was beautiful, intriguing and had you searching out the details. The Stone Men, were brutal and I really hope we will see them in miniature form soon. Fingers crossed!

Now for a little break from Sláine before I read the final book. Maybe we should visit Judge Dredd for a bit? As always I appreciate you stopping in for the read and I hope you will consider supporting my blogging adventures by using the following links:

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Comic Review 235 // Slaine: The Brutania Chronicles - Book 3

Sad to think our time with Slaine is drawing to an end. There have been some spectacular highs in the series, along with lows. But no series has divided the crowd as much as the Brutania Chronicles. I've enjoyed the pace change, but I can see how this new/older Slaine is upsetting the fans. A broken hero in a world that no longer wants him is a step away from the young heroic barbarian of the 80s. Now I remember reading this series, so I am excited to revisit it; I remember the artwork being great.

Title: Sláine: The Brutania Chronicles Book Three

Author: Pat Mills

Illustrator: Simon Davis

Blurb: UNLEASH THE BEAST!

Overpowered by the fury of the Primordial, Sláine is on the brink of defeat. 

Cyth Lord Gododin attempts to break him by summoning memories that he would rather forget… 

Confronting the demons of his past, the Celtic Hero must cut through the Drune Lord’s twisted minions and reunite with Sinead to rescue Zana, the ape-woman, one of the last remnants of humankind before they were ‘improved’ by the Cyth. As their attempts to suppress humanity fall before Sláine and his axe, the Cyth must answer to their master and jailer – the Archon Yaldabaoth!

Format: 105 pages, Kindle Edition

Buy now on Amazon 

Review

Yep, stunning artwork as I remember. Simon Davis produces some beautiful panels. I also like how the colouring of the artwork helps us to know when we are in the present vs the past. The classic sepia filter really does help. 

It was a great read and we got to rediscover Slaine and the emotions that drive him. We basically get a Slaine with depth finally. This volume continues to build on the theme of isolation that Slaine has found himself in, no family, no tribe and no Ukko. These combine together to lead us to a self-doubting Slaine alone in the world and this weakness is punished by enemies who attempt to tap into this trauma to finally break Slaine's spirit.

Cyth Lord Gododin forces Slaine to relive parts of his childhood in an attempt to manipulate the warrior, and we take a back seat and join the ride as we watch the death of Slaine's mother, and attempt to solve the mystery of who Slaines father is (lots of fun twists here). Whilst this is happening Sinead with a weakened Slaine also attempts to rescue Zana, the ape-woman. Possibly the final survivor of the pre-Cyth races of earth. But with all the death and battling an older more scary power has woken and it would seem in book four that Slaine will have to face the Archon Yaldabaoth.

Everything is now nicely set for the final volume and I for one am excited to read it.

Comic Review 234 // Slaine: The Brutania Chronicles - Book 2

I love that my joy of Slaine is upon me and I am devouring the Brutania Chronicles. Are you ready? Because I am!

Title: Sláine: The Brutania Chronicles - Book Two: Primordial

Author: Pat Mills

Illustrator: Simon Davis

Blurb: TROJAN WAR!

ALBION, IN A TIME OF LEGEND. Celtic warrior Sláine united the tribes of the Earth Goddess Danu and became the first High King of Ireland. After ruling for seven years, he travelled through time to fight for the Goddess in other eras before returning to save his people from the Fomorian sea devils. Now, having journeyed to Monadh to rescue Sinead from the Drune Lords, he must face the powerful might of the Trojan army and their superhuman warrior, the Primordial, in a battle to the death!

This thrilling continuation of The Brutania Chronicles was written by 2000 AD creator Pat Mills (Ro-Busters) and features the breathtaking, painted art of Simon Davis (Missionary Man, B.L.A.I.R. 1).

Format: 112 pages, Kindle Edition (buy now on Kindle)

Review

I really enjoyed this one. The artwork looked amazing the characters were interesting and having to learn some Celtic terms and lore was a true highlight. Good job I have google. Also for the love of all things, I hope a model of the Fishhead Drune wearing the Salmon of Knowledge becomes a real Warlord Games model in the future!

The story continuing in Albion has Slaine facing down against Slough Gododin. Gododin is the chief of the Drunes lords but also the Son of Slough Feg, meaning he has a well-rounded and thought-out back story. We actually have a revenge story that isn't just thrown together. With Slaine's link to the warping powers broken, we also have a Slaine who is broken and physically at his weakest. Add into this mix the psychological abuse Gododin is adding and we get a really meaty plot.

The plot highlight of this volume is Slaine's back story as we try to work out and discover who his real day is and how it may affect Slaine moving forwards. I don't want to give spoilers so you have to read this volume yourselves!

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this title, but being book two means ultimately it is setting us up for the main action. So there is a little feeling of a lull in the story, but in no way is this bad if read correctly. Reading it all in one go is very important (if long when it is multiple volumes), if you pick this up as a stand-alone read, you will be disappointed and you are also missing the point. Read in sequence and you should not be disappointed.

Comic Review 233 // Slaine: The Brutania Chronicles - Book 1 by Pat Mills

Continuing my adventures into the Worlds of Slaine. This title is the beginning of something new. The series is called The Brutania Chronicles and is spread over four books (I believe). It is also a change in art styles as we get treated to Simon Davis's version of the world. So let us dive in.

Title: Sláine: The Brutania Chronicles - Book One

Author: Pat Mills

Illustrator: Simon Davis

Blurb: THE CELTIC WARRIOR RETURNS!

ANCIENT ALBION. Celtic barbarian warrior Sláine united the tribes of the Earth Goddess and became the first High King of Ireland. After ruling for seven years, he fought for the Goddess, travelling through time to battle her enemies before returning to save his people from the Fomorian sea devils. Now, he's crossed over onto the isle of Monadh in an attempt to rescue Sinead from the evil clutches of the Drune Lords...

This brand-new chapter in the life of Sláine is the perfect jumping-on-point for new readers as writer Pat Mills (Marshal Law) transports the Celtic warrior to the ancient world of Albion. This book also introduces the fully-painted art style of Simon Davis (Ampney Crucis) to the strip for the first time.

Format: 112 pages, Kindle Edition

Buy now via Amazon

Review

Wow, a change of pace with this title. Slaine is a changed man, older, wiser, disgruntled and grizzled. The wars and deaths have taken their toll, and now Slaine wanders Albion alone, almost a shade of his former self. This is a depressed Slaine; the world has changed, and his people have gone to a new dimension to live in peace with the Earth Goddess. The temples of old now lie abandoned and cold, many being plundered by raiders. Whilst the few Fomorians still left alive have carved out a new empire where they impose their fearsome nose tax!

It does feel like Slaine has lost his spark, finally beaten by the constant fighting and loss. He isn't the hero of old, but that makes this title interesting. He fights only when he has to; he no longer seeks out adventure. This is a true insight into what happens to the hero who lives for too long. What happens when you become broken and disenchanted by the world around you. It is an exciting direction to take Slaine, and it also feels like a point many reviewers miss.

I am a big fan of Simon Davis's work; it feels like proper fantasy artwork, which you would have seen in the 70s and early 80s. The creatures are genuinely fantastical, with a hint of realism still about them, whilst the large panel artwork keeps you focused on the story. But the problem you have is this is following on from such an epic story arc, "Invasions," that it is hard not to compare. Our heroic saviour of his people being broken and depressed will not please everyone. But this arc promises to be great and seems very fitting for the times it was written in.

Let me know your thoughts. Are you reading these as well?

By far a highlight!