Comic Book Review Once and Future 29

10

Rating

Published On:2022-09-07

Published by: Boom Studios

Author:Kieron Gillen

Artist:Dan Mora

Colorist:Tamra Bonvillain

Letterer:Ed Dukeshire

Pick Your Favorite Expletive and be Prepared to Use It

Comic book review written on September 18, 2022

In This Issue of

What Else Happens in this Comic?

Last issue (Once and Future #28), Grace put in motion a plan to fix the story magic bleeding into reality. While we knew there was a plan, we couldn’t have expected the full breadth of it. She’s been working on an entirely different level three steps ahead of her enemies (and the reader). Duncan is pulled along for the ride. Lancelot matures as a magical character this issue showing an awareness of the story magic itself. Previously we’ve only seen this with Merlin who we found out last issue was the source of the story magic (and once human).

How is the Writing in ??

The Dialogue

Bridgette doesn’t appear in Once and Future 29 until mid-issue, but the moment she does you can tell the dialogue is pure Bridgette. She has a sarcastic wit that colors everything she says. It’s a joy to read every word and every line.

Showing Versus Telling

Bridgette doesn’t appear in Once and Future 29 until mid-issue, but the moment she does you can tell the dialogue is pure Bridgette. She has a sarcastic wit that colors everything she says. It’s a joy to read every word and every line.

The Vibe

Comic Art Review

Character acting has always been a strong point, but it was really noticeable with this issue. Dan Mora is a master at the facial expression. Look at the Green Knight! His face screams ‘shall we play’ with gleeful delight at another challenger. The single splash pages need special mention for Once and Future #29. There are amy ‘wow’ moments in this issue and each on is dialed up to ten with a full page, giant, powerful image to sell it.

Capes could be seen as a boring cloth hanging from the shoulder of the characters. For an illustration master like Dan Mora, the character’s capes become an illustrative element. In the second ‘wow’ moment, Rose’s cape is way more than a piece of cloth. It’s a panel border. It’s energy and dynamic captured visually all pulling you to the primary figure of the panel. The same can also be said of Arthur’s cape which often forms huge bat wings.

On the Cover

On the cover for Once and Future #29, we have part 2 of the interconnecting covers by series regular Dan Mora. Our alternate cover is by Nick Robles. It is filled with many Easter Egg symbols from the overall story.

World Building

Locations

– Bath, Otherworld
– River Lethe, Otherworld
– London, Otherworld

Who's Who

- Lancelot
- Rose's mom
- The Green Knight
- Classic King Arthur
- Merlin
- Rose
- Bridgette
- Duncan
- Gorgon
- Mary

Big Question

If Merlin becomes the villain of another story, can he find his way back to Arthur?

Shall we play a game?!

Green Knight

Who Will Like

If you’ve never read Once and Future and can tolerate not knowing everything that’s happening, Once and Future #29 may be the best issue of the series so far. It may not be the best jumping on point, but it will give you everything that makes this series a ‘must-read’ every month.

I Need More Content like

To really appreciate Once and Future #29, there are many previous issues that would help fill out the story.

Once and Future #12 features Grendel’s mother
Once and Future #13 introduced us to the Green Knight
Once and Future #21 was the first appearance of the Gorgon and Rose’s parents.

Should You Buy This Comic Book?

Once and Future had more unexpected twists and turns than any comic I've read in a very long time. Every page turn was followed by a 'no way'. It was an amazing read that ratcheted up the energy and expectation we have moving toward the series finale. If you haven't bought Once and Future #29 yet, what are you waiting for? Grab it today.

Official Website

Boom Studios, Fantasy, Once and Future