trish204's review
4.0
I only discovered this because of Brian Wood who also created Northlanders, one of my favourite comics series. This, too, is about what is nowadays known as Scandinavia, the Vikings living there and what their lives were like.
The book is about the time the Christian Church took over and either burnt or enslaved all pagans in their way. It's also about Magnus the Black, a Viking who doesn't declare himself for either side of the war. He lost his wife and is now wandering the landscape, doing the odd job here and there for money. He's a tall fellow too, with lots of things having happened to him in the past.
Someone hires Magnus to take a Cardinal up north on the so-called Black Road, but they are being ambushed and the Cardinal killed. Apparently, Magnus has another beef with those men (it's not entirely clear yet) and swears vengeance.
This first volume was a nice introduction to the time and place of this story, with multiple battlegrounds, blood, gore, even (which is always surprising in American media) complete nudity, as well as gritty but cool art.
(They might not have been drawn completely realistically, but I LOVED these wolves!)
I was dreading the end of the aforementioned Northlanders series, which is why I didn't read all volumes one after the other, but this could be a worthy substitute. The story isn't quite up to the magnificent quality of the Sven story yet, but we had enough action and mystery and different places which made for a very nice introduction. *wants next volume*
The book is about the time the Christian Church took over and either burnt or enslaved all pagans in their way. It's also about Magnus the Black, a Viking who doesn't declare himself for either side of the war. He lost his wife and is now wandering the landscape, doing the odd job here and there for money. He's a tall fellow too, with lots of things having happened to him in the past.
Someone hires Magnus to take a Cardinal up north on the so-called Black Road, but they are being ambushed and the Cardinal killed. Apparently, Magnus has another beef with those men (it's not entirely clear yet) and swears vengeance.
This first volume was a nice introduction to the time and place of this story, with multiple battlegrounds, blood, gore, even (which is always surprising in American media) complete nudity, as well as gritty but cool art.
(They might not have been drawn completely realistically, but I LOVED these wolves!)
I was dreading the end of the aforementioned Northlanders series, which is why I didn't read all volumes one after the other, but this could be a worthy substitute. The story isn't quite up to the magnificent quality of the Sven story yet, but we had enough action and mystery and different places which made for a very nice introduction. *wants next volume*
beorn_101's review against another edition
5.0
Wow!
Ok this was an amazing discovery.
A semi-historical medieval adventure story, that is an amazing blend of sword battles, religious discussion, and great characters.
Magnus the Black seems to be on the surface a basic brute of a barbarian; however, as the story fleshes out his motives and goals become clearer and it quickly becomes apparent he is a nuanced and interesting protagonist, who is also a bad ass.
At the crux of the story is the struggle between the pagans and the aggressively militant Christians, persecuting the pagan natives. Magnus thrust himself into this conflict.
I also found myself enthralled by the illustration style which uses color and landscapes as much as people and faces to evoke emotions and concepts.
There were some flaws, such as a major twist in the middle not fully explained or explored. However, overall I really enjoyed this and will most definitely be reading volume 2
Ok this was an amazing discovery.
A semi-historical medieval adventure story, that is an amazing blend of sword battles, religious discussion, and great characters.
Magnus the Black seems to be on the surface a basic brute of a barbarian; however, as the story fleshes out his motives and goals become clearer and it quickly becomes apparent he is a nuanced and interesting protagonist, who is also a bad ass.
At the crux of the story is the struggle between the pagans and the aggressively militant Christians, persecuting the pagan natives. Magnus thrust himself into this conflict.
I also found myself enthralled by the illustration style which uses color and landscapes as much as people and faces to evoke emotions and concepts.
There were some flaws, such as a major twist in the middle not fully explained or explored. However, overall I really enjoyed this and will most definitely be reading volume 2
marisacarpico's review
4.0
There're some interesting ideas here with a lot of potential, but the execution isn't terribly exciting. Don't think I'll read more.
ajlenertz's review
3.0
I'm a bit confused. This has more to do with the format, I think, than anything else.
ctgt's review
4.0
Magnus the Black is hired to escort a church official to a investigate circumstances in a town to the north. Despite his better judgement he allows the official to take the quickest route...The Black Road. Let's just say there's a reason they call it The Black Road. Gritty, violent, with some mystery and double dealing that makes for an entertaining story.
Really strong artwork with a rough style that fits well with the story.
8/10
Really strong artwork with a rough style that fits well with the story.
8/10