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 196 // SLÁINE: THE KING

Time to get rocking through some Slaine goodies! Slaine: The King continues the story of Time Killer that ended abruptly, in my opinion. So grab an axe, pray to the Earth Goddess and become the King!

Title: Slaine: The King

Author: Pat Mills & Angie Kincaid

Art team: David Pugh, Glenn Fabry, Mike Collins. Letters Steve Potter

Format: Digital Edition

Want to Read? Support me by buying through Amazon.

Fluff:

Book 3 of 17 in the series.

Through the blood of his enemies...he will regain his throne!

From writer Pat Mills (Marshal Law) and artist Glenn Fabry (Preacher) comes a world of mists and magic and the ultimate Celtic warrior, Sláine! This classic tale of sword and sorcery, which makes Conan look like a boy scout, is finally available again, complete with an introduction by Mills and a host of extras.

Exiled from his tribe, Sláine is forced to roam the land of Tir-Nan-Og with his dwarf, Ukko. Ahead of him lie terrifying ordeals that will require all of Sláine's famed warrior strength if he is to return victorious and claim his rightful place as King!

Stories include:

The Tomb of Terror

Spoils of Annwn

Slaine the King

The Killing Field

Slaine the Mini-Series

Plus!

Author Bios

Bonus Material

Gallery

Review

Firstly it is great to get the conclusion from the last book. I was a little annoyed to find that they had split it. But hey, at least I didn't have to wait long. So the story continues with Slaine, Ukko and Nest teaming up with a rag-tag group of warriors and a mysterious Sorcerer. As they progress through the tomb, we discover an Old God is awakening from slumber thanks to the aid of the Cythrons. Of course, Slaine and crew are on hand to save the day but the building dread and the deaths really hit well in this tale.

With the threat passed, for now, we continue onto a trial of Hercules style story as Slaine, Ukko, and Nest travel to a new and strange country, completing tasks that will ultimately lead Slaine to become the King of his people.

But as Slaine returns home, he discovers his people to be enslaved by Northmen. And now prepares to rally his tribes and beat back the invaders. Which seems will be the focal point of the next book.

For the most part, I enjoyed the book, the HR Giger style Cythrons make for a great otherworld villain. This was great, paired with learning about elder races and gods/goddesses. I did, at times, struggle with the artwork, and I found the whole Leyser sword or gun not really needed. But overall a great read that has expanded my Slaine knowledge to no end.

I hope you feel inspired to read the comic and will take a moment to purchase it through the link. Thank you!