Published On: 2022-05-05 by Boom Studios
Artist: Dan Mora
Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Catch-up on Last Issue
The story magic has overtaken Britain. Bridgette, Duncan, and Rose are trying to find a way to put the genie back in the bottle, but the forces of Kings Arthur are too great. They need help.
In This Issue of Once and Future #25
Bridgette’s plan to summon Robin Hood and his Merry Men succeeds. However, these Merry Men don’t look like the men in tights you’ve seen before. It’s a desperate gambit, but one that buys our heroes time and a few magical gifts.
What Else Happens in this Comic?
Elaine appears at the Grail Castle. She’s trying to get her son back (he was transformed into a nasty centaur by Merlin). What else is she trying to accomplish?
The Comic's Themes
If the land had an every day hero, it would be Robin Hood. The great balancer, robber, and seeker of justice for the regular folks. Bridgette explains a lot about why she summoned Robin Hood and what his purpose has been throughout the ages. The team catches a break and gathers a few wins as we try to defeat Merlin.
Hear the Robin Hood
How's Once and Future #25's Writing?
The Dialogue
Kieron Gillen writes a really good Robin Hood. All of Robin’s words has a double meaning like “that’s what you said but are you sure that’s what you want?”
Showing Versus Telling
We get both a lot of showing and a lot of telling in this issue. There’s plenty of action as Robin Hood and our trio chase through Sherwood Forest avoiding Kings Arthur. There’s also a lot of exposition about myths and legends. It doesn’t feel forced and happens while things are moving.
The Vibe
This issue has things that only a comic book or a big budget movie could accomplish well and not look goofy. The arrow and Little John. You have to see it to believe it.
Comic Art Review
Dan Mora has his hands-full with the art duties on Once and Future #25. We have many characters, new character designs, facial and body acting, and big budget action. Focusing on facial expressions, Dan imbues our characters with so much emotion. When the Green Knight appears, look at Rose’s eyes. They say it all without saying a word. He does it all with the help of Tamra Bonvillain on colors.
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- Once And Future 25 Cover
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- Once And Future Cover Alt Simone Di Meo
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- Once And Future 25 Cover Jonboy Myers
On the Cover
We have three covers for Once and Future #25. The primary cover is by Dan Mora featuring the issues new mythological hero(?) Robin Hood. The second cover is by Simone Di Meo and has an absolutely creative and fun use of weapons. The last cover is by Jonboy Meyers and shows two fo our problem kings. All of them are great covers for this issue.
The Comic Panel by Panel
There’s a nice balance of panel work in this issue of Once and Future. There are five panel pages, nine panel pages, and several full page spreads. They are all used to perfection. When we hit that full page, it’s a ‘wow’ moment that deserves attention and focus. The only one that doesn’t really work is the Green Knight at the end. Rose says it best, “I’d almost forgot.” I had forgotten that extra plotline and the image of the knight could have been stronger to convince me this was something to remember.
World Building
Sherwood Forest is more than just a place. The forest has magical qualities and our trio of adventurers take advantage of those powers. We also have scenes at the Grail Castle and Margate.
Live the Robin Hood
Collect the Robin Hood
Who's In This Issue of Once and Future #25
- Duncan
- Rose
- Robin Hood
- Merry Men
- The Green Knight
- Elaine
The Big Question for Next Issue
What's Bridgette's endgame? She has a plan and it involves Christmas.
Live the Robin Hood
Get to Christmas and maybe we can save a whole lot of people.
Who Will Like Once and Future #25?
With twenty-five issues behind it, Once and Future has likely found it’s audience of mythology junkies. If you’re new to the comic, try it out with a freebie preview from Boom Studios.
I Need More Content like Once and Future #25
If you’d like to get into Once and Future, but you feel hopelessly lost, check out the extra feature in the back of issue #25. Olly Macnamee gives a long but good summary of what Once and Future is all about. You’ll get tidbits on the huge cast and how they are portrayed in the comic. I’d like to see a visual version of this included with every issue.
Should You Buy This Comic Book?
The introduction of Robin Hood and his Merry Men was pulled off as only Once and Future could. Little John is inspired. It's a fast issue moving from scene to scene well, but we've had so much happen over three volumes I'm starting to forget old plotlines that haven't been resolved. Even with with explainer article at the end, I'm still confused about multiple King Arthurs running around.