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!

Comic Review 222 // Slaine the Wanderer by Pat Mills

Whoops, I have fallen behind on my Slaine reading and reviewing, I allowed the library finds to distract me for too long. But no more! Today we return to Slaine.

Title: Sláine: The Wanderer

Author: Pat Mills

Art: Clint Langley

Blurb: Tir Nan Og - the Land of the Young, a mystical place of myth and legend. Celtic warrior Sláine, the first High King of Ireland and Ukko his (un) faithful dwarf sidekick encounter everything from evil magicians and demonically-possessed maidens, to the bloody roots of modern day football, as they roam their world in search of adventure.

Collects:

- The Gong Beater (Progs #1635–#1638)

- The Amber Smuggler (Progs #1662–#1665)

- The Exorcist (Progs #1709–#1712)

- The Mercenary (Progs #1713–#1714 and Prog 2011)

Format: E-Book - 112 pages

Review

As mentioned in the opener I have let too much time pass between the reviews. But what a way to come back. A stand-alone graphic novel collecting four short tales. This is the perfect way to reintroduce me to the series. All the stories are created by Pat Mills so we know what to kind of expect and the art of Clint Langley which is always crazy and epic. I expect a fun read.

It was first of great to have Ukko back, he was absent from Invasions, and I missed him, so having him back in the downtrodden sidekick role was uplifting. The opening Tale 'The Gong Beater" was a fun light-hearted tale like the old Slaine. Seeing Ukko attempting to make some fast cash by turning an Old Cyth Tower into condos. Which ultimately goes wrong when the monsters start arriving.

This seems to be the theme of the book as we have a lot of old-school Slaine adventures, with them getting in trouble and fighting their way out again. It was a great reminder of where Slaine started off with humour and tongue-in-cheek fantasy stories, which have of late been replaced with darker tales. It was also full of cameos of old favourites, like Nest and the Guledig, who were actually nice touches as it showed some of the old characters still existed (it has been feeling like most of the characters had died at this point).

Ultimately if you are a fan of Slaine's early tales you will enjoy these. If on the other hand, you started with Invasions you may be wondering what happened to the heroic Slaine and why is the stupid Dwarf here (ha). The art was good and helps bring the stories to life, but I feel like something is lacking, maybe the palette of colours was dulled down too much? Overall a great refresher to the world of Slaine and I am ready for Books of Scars.

Comic Review 212 // Slaine: Book of Invasions Vol.3 by Pat Mills

We made it, people! Sláine: The Books Of Invasions, Vol. 3 - Odracon and Carnival by Pat Mills, the concluding part of this story arc and the exciting ending of this tale. Let's no waste time and just dive in.

Title: Sláine: The Books Of Invasions, Vol. 3 - Odracon and Carnival
Author: Pat Mills

Illustrator: Clint Langley

Blurb: Tir Nan Og is the Land of the Young, deep in Celtic myth and legend. After years of wandering, Slaine united the tribes of the Earth Goddess and became the first High King of Ireland. After defending the Goddess in other eras, he has since returned to his own time and kingdom. Now, as the Fomorians besiege the city of Tara, Slaine comes back from the Otherworld to help.

Collects:

- The Books of Invasions V: Odacon (Progs #1436–#1442)

- Carnival (Progs 2006, #1469–#1475) (less)

Get your own kindle copy from Amazon.ca

Format: Hardcover, 128 pages

Review

Slaine is returned just in time to save Tara from the Fomorians. But not all the Fomorians are killed in the action, and soon a band of warriors led by Slaine are searching the lands for the last of them. The Fomorian in question is Odacon and with aid manages to dup a village into becoming hosts for its spawn. Soon Slaine and his band are striking out against the village before burning it and the foul spawn to the ground. Here ends the arc of the Invasion tales and the lands of Ireland are purged from the Fomorians. As the final pages come to an end Slaine is left to wander in search of his son Kai, whilst Gael is crowned High King of Ireland.

A nice ending for this series. Weirdly this could have been squeezed into the last book in my opinion. But with it being only half this title we can move on to the next piece.

Carnival of Night - Slaine whilst looking for his son Kai has arrived in Albion. As he travels the lands he discovers a travelling Carnival that declares to have a collection of monsters and marvels that can not be rivalled. Well as it turns out it is managed/owned by Slaine's Dwarf ally Ukko, who managed to also recruit Kai, Slaine's son. Kai has grown and become a man, along with finding a partner in Estella, the sleepless beauty. Of course, with Slaine on the scene, the story has to have some mystery/action and soon it is discovered that a murder stalks the grounds of the Carnival. Can Kai, Slaine and Ukko discover the truth or will the show be about to end?

A great return of Ukko and the story itself was engaging, this felt very much like old-school Slaine. It was actually the highlight of the book for me. But with the end of this tale, we have another Slaine story finished.

Let me know your thoughts on this tale. Also, any suggestions on what title to read next will greatly help.

Comic Review 211 // Slaine: Book of Invasions Volume 2 by Pat Mills.

Can't leave Slaine alone for too long! He gets into trouble way too fast. This week's read is Slaine: Book of Invasions Volume 2 by Pat Mills. So sharpen your axe, and let's dive in!

Title: Sláine: The Books of Invasions, Volume 2.

Author: Pat Mills

Artist: Clint Langley

Blurb: Barbarian warrior and former High King of Ireland Sláine continues the epic battle against the fearsome sea demons, but now he finds an ally from an unexpected source. Together they must rid Tir Nan Og of the Fomorian scourge, using every means at their disposal, including calling on help from the Earth Goddess herself!

Collects:

- The Books of Invasions III: Scota (Progs 2004 and #1371–#1376)

- The Books of Invasions IV: Tara (Progs 2005 and #1420–#1425)

Format: Kindle, 100 pages

Buy Now on Amazon.ca

Review

Unsurprisingly this title swiftly follows on from Volume One. Having just defeated the first round of Formanians and Moloch, Slaine returns to Ireland to once again another invading force. As warned by Moloch, the children of Atlantis have returned and plan to take Ireland.

We are introduced to a new race of Fomorian sea demons who have to meld with a host to be able to walk on the land, and we get a genuinely fearsome-looking enemy! The leading group has taken on a host of warriors who seem noble in spirit but have no will of their own anymore. Once more battle is joined, skulls are taken, and blood is everywhere. We get action, betrayal, a love story and a lot of sadness.

The new characters are fascinating, and we start to see some new lore slipping in from outside the traditional Celtic tales. Scota, for example, brings some Egyptian folktales over with the inclusion of Atlantis. The villains also seem extra villainous, willing to sacrifice the hosts if it means a final chance at a backstab. They can also wholly reanimate injured and damaged bodies, meaning you must completely put them down to stand a chance against them! Following some brutal battles, this tale ends with the Fomorians at the Gates of the City Tara. If this city falls, so will all of Ireland!

Overall, this title has something for everyone; I enjoyed it so much. This series has definitely felt like a move away from traditional Slaine. But I don't think that is a bad thing. If Slaine were to stay the same, his stories would become repetitive and dull, so I feel the Invasion series was much needed to refreshen the series. What are your thoughts? Let me know!

Comic Review 208 // SLÁINE: BOOK OF INVASIONS VOL. 1

We are back with Slaine, and it is the start of the Invasion Series. Quite possibly the most chilling story I remember from my 2000 AD days. Here are the details:

Title: Sláine: The Books of Invasions, Vol. 1 - Moloch and Golamh (Sláine #10)

Author: Pat Mills

Artist: Clint Langley

Blurb: The Sea Devils have risen against Tir Nan Og, the Land of the Young, and Sláine, once the first High King of Ireland, must protect his tribe against this new tide of evil. Leading the demons is Moloch a hideous Fomorian lord, bristling with swords and driven by a perverse hunger for human suffering. Fighting alongside his warrior wife Niamh, Sláine must drive back the demons or pay a price too terrible to comprehend...

Collects:

- The Books of Invasions I: Moloch (Progs #1322–#1326)

- The Books of Invasions II: Golamh (Progs #1350–#1355) (less)

Get a Copy via Amazon CA - Kindle Edition

Review

It's an all-out war! The Fomorians aka Sea Devils have been roused to war by Balor of the Evil Eye. He leads them in an invasion of Ireland where Slaine currently serves as High King. The Fomorians having claimed a lot of lands started demanding heavy taxes, and this inspires the Irish to rise up against them.

The battle does not go well, mainly because Slaine is not allowed to fight and is actually chained up! Hearing the slaughter Slaine warps out, escaping and turning the tide of battle. Slaine goes on to kill Balor and even manages to capture Moloch, a High Lord of the Fomorians. Once again Slaine is held back from killing the monster and is instead forced to accept a truce and allow Moloch to leave unharmed! This of course was the wrong choice, and the villainous Moloch returns to murder Slaine's love Quenn Niamh.

Soon Slaine is on a War Path looking for Moloch, having stood down as High King. Moloch didn't really stand a chance and as he dies he warns Slaine that the Lost Children of Atlantis is coming and that another invasion is inevitable. Soon Slaine is heading home but how much of Ireland will be left?

An amazing start to this new series. I am excited for the new villains and a Slaine with no regard for his own safety. The artwork was stunning and captured my attention with all the fine details. The Niamh story was painful and heart-wrenching, well played Mr. Mills. I need to book two so expect that one next week.

As always I appreciate the support thank you all. Please take a moment to check out my unboxing video of the Slaine game and give my Youtube channel a follow: Adventures with Peps YouTube

Warlord Games Slaine 2000 AD - Unboxing

So excited about this! We have a Warlord Games Slaine 2000 AD Unboxing video. I am full of a head cold, so my voice is cracky. I'm sorry, but I had to share. Show me some love with a like, comment or subscribe.

Let me introduce you to Sláine Mac Roth! A Celtic barbarian infamous for his love of fighting and devotion to his tribe and the Earth Goddess Danu! 

This all-new Warlord Games boxset is called Kiss My Axe! And is a skirmish tabletop miniatures battle game for two or more players set within the fantasy world created by the comic creators Pat Mills and Angela Kincaid.

It's a fantastic setting of Axes, swords and magic. Allowing you to become a villain or a hero in the Young World (early Ireland). Three factions: the Earth Tribes of the Goddess Danu, the decaying Drune Lords and the relentless Fomorian Sea Demons, wage war for this new land.

I'm so excited!! Hope you enjoy it and will subscribe to follow my adventures into the worlds of Slaine.

Support the channel:

Buy me a coffee: Ko-fi

Audio Gear: Blue Yeti Nano

Camera Equipment: Sony Alpha ZV-E10

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

#warlordgames #slaine #2000AD #patmills #kissmyaxe #drunes #seademons #celtics

Comic Review 200 // Slaine Horned God by Pat Mills

Well, we are starting to race through the Slaine series now! I now own 18 out of the 19 titles and have completed six reviews. meaning we are a third of the way through. For many Slaine fans, this is the must-read title so I have high hopes and really hope I am not left disappointed.

Title: Slaine: The Horned God: Kiss His Axe!

Author: Pat Mills

Artist: Simon Bisley 

Fluff: FOR TOO LONG THE PEOPLE OF TIR-NAN-OG HAVE SUFFERED UNDER THE DOMINION OF THE DRUNES; strange druids who have poisoned the land with their magic. Slaine has had enough of their tyranny and, through the Earth Goddess, he learns some shocking truths about the priesthood and his own future. Now Slaine must unite the four kings of Tir-Nan-Og and use their mystical weapons as he and the Sessair tribe prepare for all-out war!

This new edition of one of 2000 AD's most popular stories comes complete with an intro and commentary by Pat Mills (A.B.C. Warriors) and features the stunning art of Simon Bisley (Lobo).

Format: 192 pages, Kindle Edition

Buy via Amazon here: Kindle Edition

Review

As mentioned I am rapidly devouring these Slaine titles and if you want to learn more please feel free to check out the other reviews here.

This is the fourth title in the series following Slaine and his adventures for the Earth Goddess. Having become King of his tribe, Slaine must now unite the other fractured groups and collect the treasures of the Goddess to become High King. But whilst he undergoes these trials his two greatest enemies Balor and Lord Wierd Slough Feg, are raising armies of Drunes and Fomorians to raid the kingdom of the Young.

This is a classic adventure tale, leading up to some big moments. The obvious one is the battles but we also delve into the history of the Earth Goddess and how man has raised male Gods above her in order to control her (which I found interesting), this path of discovery then leads Slaine to become the Horned God which is the 'Husband' of the Goddess. This role he will hold for seven years before sacrificing himself in honour of the Earth. It is also at this time that we discover that Slough Feg was also a Horned God, but instead of sacrificing himself, he corrupted his power to sustain his life, which slowly drove him insane and into the monster that he now is.

The battle scenes are epic and bloody, very deserving of a Slaine title. It turns out that all the fighting has enraged the Earth Goddess and she causes the land to convulse, so as Slaine claims victory over the Drunes and Fomorians he is forced to watch as the land of the young is swallowed by the waves forcing the tribes into what would become Ireland.

Overall an amazing story I can see why many recommend it. It shows Slaine as more than just a thug, a barbarian. It shows his leadership qualities, his ability to unite the tribes and even acts of diplomacy. For once we have rounded out Slaine's character and I like it. The artwork throughout the piece is stunning and I definitely know how to paint up my Fomorians finally. So ultimately a win for me.

If you are interested in the Slaine series you should try out this collection. I feel it will set you on the right path.

As always thanks for reading!