Published On: 2021-11-30 by Vault Comics
Artist: Nathan Gooden
Colorist: Addison Duke
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Catch-up on Last Issue
Owen was targeted by Three Sea Witches. They stabbed him with a poison knife. They put a spell on him that keeps him alive as long as he kills only the wicked as defined by his sentient axe.
In This Issue of Barbaric Book One: Murderable Offenses
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.
What Else Happens in this Comic?
What are the Sea Witches up to? They picked an able champion and gave him a guide, but why Owen? The Sea Witches indicate something bigger is happening. As we follow Owen’s travels and attempts to break the curse, I’m sure we’ll find out what their plan is.
The Comic's Themes
If you give a bad man a conscience, will he become a good man? Or, was Owen always a good man just misguided in his barbarian ways? Soren sees something in Owen. He treated her with respect. When Owen’s friend is killed on the boat, the barbarian thirsts for revenge. Can the barbarian grow to become an honorable knight?
Hear the barbarian
How's Barbaric Book One: Murderable Offenses's Writing?
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
Barbaric Volume 1 is filled with showing. Even the flashbacks that fill in Soren’s tale are solid showing. We could have had one page of word balloons, but instead we get two, four-page scenes depicting how Soren came to this point in the story.
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.
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- Barbaric Vol1 Cover
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- Barbaric 1 Cover Nathan Gooden
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- Barbaric 2 Cover Nathan Gooden
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- Barbaric 3 Cover Nathan Gooden
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- Barbaric 1 Cover Alt Nathan Gooden
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- Barbaric 1 Cover Nathan Gooden
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- Barbaric 1 Cover Alt Tim Seeley
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- Barbaric 2 Cover Tim Seeley
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- Barbaric 1 Cover Alt Corin Howell
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- Barbaric 1 Cover Alt Richard Pace 2
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- Barbaric 1 Cover Alt Richard Pace 1
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- Barbaric 1 Cover Alt Tim Daniel
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- Barbaric 1 Cover Alt Darick Robertson
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- Barbaric 1 Cover Alt Josh Hixson
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- Stl190194barbaric 2 Cover Alt Josh Hixson
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- Barbaric 3 Cover Alt Josh Hixson
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.
The Comic Panel by Panel
For panels, Barbaric has everything you’d expect in a modern comic. Four and five page panels move the story along. Full-page panels highlight important story beats. Characters break out of panels when they need emphasis or to depict action.
Addison Dukes’ colors are primarily scene light driven. The consistent color during a scene really helps give you visutal cues to which part of the story you are reading. We have some special effects lighting with ghosts, magic, and Axe’s own internal energies.
Jim Campbell has an arsenal of word balloons borders. If you can, pull yourself away from the engaging story and look at the word balloons. Axe has his own style. Most of the humans use straight line balloons. Also, watch the sound effects. Sometimes they stand on their own. Sometimes they bleed out of the word balloon becoming part of the story. It’s all masterfully done.
World Building
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!
Read the barbarian
Live the barbarian
Who's In This Issue of Barbaric Book One: Murderable Offenses
- Axe
- Soren (witch)
- Sea Witches Three
- Burning Warlock of Ga'Bar
- The Mad Baron
- Sooku-Kemp
- Priest
- Cultists
- Demons
- Steel (Vampire)
The Big Question for Next Issue
What was Axe before it became a magical object?
Collect the barbarian
FANRUI 52 Sheets Creative Black Tiny Crown Infinity Triangle Fake Tattoos
You will do good, or you will suffer for eternity.
Who Will Like Barbaric Book One: Murderable Offenses?
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 Barbaric Book One: Murderable Offenses
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.
More Reviews
Should You Buy This Comic Book?
Barbaric is a really good comic series. The concept is mythic. The characters are deep and fun. The artwork gorgeous. It's the full package. Buy it.