Comic Book Review Barbaric Book One: Murderable Offenses

9

Rating

Published On:2021-11-30

Published by: Vault Comics

Author:Michael Moreci

Artist:Nathan Gooden

Colorist:Addison Duke

Letterer:Jim Campbell

Cursed but in a Good Way

Comic book review written on August 3, 2022

In This Issue of

What Else Happens in this Comic?

We start with a standard barbarian origin story. Owen is a wild man with incredible strength and dangerous skills. He was indiscriminately killing his way across land until he caught the attention of three Sea Witches. Seeing the potential for something good, they cursed him. A while later, Owen encounters another minor witch, Soren, and holy havoc ensues — zombies, demons, and dark magic.

How is the Writing in ??

The Dialogue

I could do without the modern curse words in Barbaric. I like my historical-esque dramas to make up their own curse words and stick to them. It pulls me out of the story like a coffee cup surrounded by chalices of mead would from an artist. Michael Moreci is clearly having fun with Axe. The weapon’s dialogue is a delight to read. Owen and Soren have strong back-stories and their words stem from those deep roots.

Showing Versus Telling

I could do without the modern curse words in Barbaric. I like my historical-esque dramas to make up their own curse words and stick to them. It pulls me out of the story like a coffee cup surrounded by chalices of mead would from an artist. Michael Moreci is clearly having fun with Axe. The weapon’s dialogue is a delight to read. Owen and Soren have strong back-stories and their words stem from those deep roots.

The Vibe

Barbaric Volume 1 reads like a novel. Think in terms of Conan or Red Sonja with modern humor sensibilities. He’s a barbarian; there’s always going to be a comparison to the iconic Conan.

Comic Art Review

Nathan Gooden really hits his artistic stride when we get to the scene on the boat. After that, his star quality shines through with each and every page. The line-work is thin, precise and detailed. The character acting is kinetic. Every panel seems filled with something happening. There are many different camera angles used throughout the book (and all perfectly balanced). Plus you’ll find great character designs and solid facial expressions. Barbaric is a visual feast.

On the Cover

We have an all-star line-up of artists providing covers for Barbaric Volume 1.

Nathan Gooden draws all the regular issue covers plus several variants.
Tim Seeley drew two, NSFW Soren covers.
Corin Howell gives us a Battle Chasers-esque take on Soren.
Richard Pace created two realistic Owen images.
Tim Daniel’s piece is in honor of legend Barry Windsor Smith.
Darick Robertson’s Owen and Soren are surrounded by demons.
Josh Hixson’s covers leaned into the barbarian aspects of the comics.

If I had to pick favorites, the original issue covers are the best with Tim Daniel’s cover coming in a close second.

World Building

Locations

Owen makes travels all over the realm: gladiator arena, ocean by ship, town bars, monastery, hell, and mountain caverns — all that in just the first volume!

Who's Who

- Owen (Barbarian)
- Axe
- Soren (witch)
- Sea Witches Three
- Burning Warlock of Ga'Bar
- The Mad Baron
- Sooku-Kemp
- Priest
- Cultists
- Demons
- Steel (Vampire)

Big Question

What was Axe before it became a magical object?

You will do good, or you will suffer for eternity.

Sea Witch to Owen

Who Will Like

Fans of many different shows will like Barbaric.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Hercules the Lengendary Journeys
Xena Warrior Princess
Conan
Red Sonja
Game of Thrones

Babaric is obviously about a barbarian, but its style and tone cross-genres easily.

I Need More Content like

You are in luck. Currently, there’s a one-shot called Barbaric: Harvest Blades. In September 2022, we’ll see Barbaric Volume 2: Axe to Grind start. Grab your Kindle reader and download some Barbaric goodness to read today.