The Order of the Forge 3

Our heroes finally discover an ancient and secret weapon on a long-forgotten Viking ship, but the wicked Lord Hammond is closing in, intent on seizing this deadly prize! Now Washington must engage in battle on two fronts—with Hammond and an undead Viking horde!

Victor Gischler’s story continues to steamroll right over the reader from the outset of issue number three.  At the outset, George and Kate are looking for a way to access the site holding the ancient weapon.  They are caught unaware by Drumknott and Hammond, who force the pair to open the way for them.  Outside Revere and Franklin spot Hammond’s men and do what comes naturally, which is of course mass destruction.  Inside the cave, progress is made, tables turn, then turn again, then zombie vikings show up.  Needless to say there are no dull moments to be had in the latest installment of Order of the Forge.

Before the praise, I do have a few minor complaints.  First off, the cover.  It is more than a little lackluster compared to the interior art.  In the two previous issues, the covers have been big, bold and attention grabbing, whereas this issue’s cover is rather dull.  The contemporary profanity Gischler interjects, tends to rub me the wrong way.  It’s apparent, that he wishes to use the occasional F-bomb as a means of connecting modern readers with the historical characters, but to this reviewer, it comes off as trying too hard.

Now, on to the fun stuff.  Bettin’s interior art is again lavish, engrossing, and explosive.  There are a few panels that are just beyond words, such as a scene when Franklin tears through the head of a soldier with a gatling gun.  The visual of the head disintegrating is gore-geous..  Later on, there are a few full page shots of the zombie fights with George and Kate that would delight any reader, and of course the colors are eye-popping as always.  The visuals in this book are just too good to describe.

The story is also just as amazing as the previous issues, with non-stop adventure.  George’s “curse” still provides laughs, such as when Hammond asks him for the map and he is unable to lie much to Kate’s consternation.  The jabs between Franklin and Revere are also entertaining.  To me, this is the Indiana Jones of comic books.  Well paced, well plotted and breathtaking in its illustration.  Another must have by Dark Horse!

For more information about Order of the Forge or other great titles from Dark Horse, visit their web site. Dark Horse Comics

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.