Comic Book Review Savage Hearts #1

9

Rating

Published On:2021-07-14

Published by: Dark Horse Comics LLC

Author:Aubrey Sitterson

Artist:Jed Dougherty

Colorist:Lovern Kindzierski

Letterer:Taylor Esposito

Action, Comedy, and Romance in this all-new Jungle Fantasy Romcom

Comic book review written on July 15, 2021

In This Issue of

What Else Happens in this Comic?

Our warriors three, Bronwyn, Pheaux, and Fo, are on the trail of evil sorcerer, Tretch, who’s minions are terrorizing the jungle. While on their quest, the hero of our story, Graow, sees Bronwyn. and it’s love at first sight. Graow hatches a plan to win his lady’s heart not knowing that her heart is broken. Mix in some grabbers, dinosaurs and talking birds and enjoy the fun.

How is the Writing in ??

The Dialogue

Starting immediately on page one, our characters are easily defined by the dialogue in the comic. What I liked even more is that the characters didn’t always fall into the stereotypes we’d expect. Bronwyn may be our bruiser barbarian, but she’s no fool. Graow’s love-struck and not completely on the level with her (although he does a great job fooling her companions Pheaux and Fo).

Showing Versus Telling

Starting immediately on page one, our characters are easily defined by the dialogue in the comic. What I liked even more is that the characters didn’t always fall into the stereotypes we’d expect. Bronwyn may be our bruiser barbarian, but she’s no fool. Graow’s love-struck and not completely on the level with her (although he does a great job fooling her companions Pheaux and Fo).

The Vibe

Comic Art Review

The cartoon style of Jed Doughterty is simply a blast to look at. There’s an energy to every panel, and the character’s facial expressions are extremely good. The characters designs are all unique. You won’t confuse one character for another. There’s a b-story about Bronwyn’s past that’s illustrated for us through several background visuals. Those visuals are all colored in monotones, and it works. You instinctively know you’re looking at a quick flashback. We also get color used to show emotion.

On the Cover

World Building

Locations

Premiere issues are all about world building as we are introduced to new characters, new places, and new situations. In Savage Hearts #1, we have an eclectic mix of barbarians, satyrs, humans, talking birds and dinosaurs. We’re treated to a visual feast of villages, jungles, and temples. Plus there’s magic in the form of Soul-cleave, our barbarians mighty axe and the mysterious Fruxia Orb.

Who's Who

Bronwyn - our barbarian
Graow - lonely beastman
Pheaux - husband
Fo - wife
Lord Tretch - evil sorcerer
High Priestess of Fruxia

Big Question

Bronwyn still has strong feelings for Arkot, but beyond her flashbacks, we haven't seen what kind of person Arkot was.

"My most capable cantaloupe! I knew it from the instant we met!"

Graow

Who Will Like

Fans of the sillier episodes of Hercules or Xena will really enjoy Savage Hearts #1. There’s a thread of humor throughout the story that reminds me of those television shows.

If you enjoy romcoms, from children’s afternoon cartoons to feature length movies, you’ll like Savage Hearts #1. It has all the elements you want to see.