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.

The Order of the Forge 2

When the motley crew of Washington, Franklin, and Revere discover a sinister plot to enslave the free world, they must use their newfound powers to strike back—but not before they engage in battle with the spectral force of America’s first conquerors!

The second installment of Order of the Forge begins in the same action intense fashion as the first issue.  George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, and Lady Kate realize that they have now been mystically connected by the lightning bolt that arced from Washington’s ax to each of them.  Each has been bestowed with a gift, or possibly a curse from George’s enchanted ax.  Kate relates to them that Lord Hammond has hatched a plan to take over the colonies for himself, and only the four of them can stop him by claiming the super weapon first.  They set off on their quest, but before too long Hammond and his lackeys are on their heels.  Insert epic battles, in every color of the rainbow.

Issue 2 picks up the pace a bit from the first issue, setting a roller coaster pace worthy of an Indiana Jones movie.  Tazio Bettin delivers yet again, with masterful art, that captures the era, while at the same time delighting the senses with dazzling visuals.  The magic when it comes into play, is bright and flashy.  The fights are well paced, without becoming tiresome.  This is a great fantasy epic set in colonial times, which will not disappoint.

The script delivers the same kind of rough and tumble thrill ride, yet somehow still takes the time to develop the story of the four friends.  Washington and Kate deepen their relationship amidst the turmoil of their quest.  Franklin and Revere are humorous, and larger than life.  This title just gets bigger and bigger.  Keep an eye on this one.  The only really complaint I’d cite is that the dialogue is far too contemporary in places.  While it works well with the tempo of the story, it does dispel the illusion of the time period.

For more about The Order of the Forge and other great titles from Dark Horse, visit 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.

The Order of the Forge 1

“I cannot tell a lie. I f**king hate zombies.”—G. Washington

Before he fathered a nation, young George Washington forged his legend in blood! Imbued with the mystical powers of America’s original inhabitants, George—along with his friends Ben Franklin and Paul Revere—must stop an evil governor who wishes to rule an empire!

So, “Order of the Forge” is not your father’s tale of the American revolution but it is a good one nonetheless.   Our story begins with a disagreement between a young George Washington and his father that results in the historic tree chopping albeit not as we've come to know it from the history books.  George also ends up enchanting the oft times left out ax with a mystic totem pole.

Flash forward half a year to find George sharing rooms with an equally rebellious Paul Revere where his honesty is cause for both mirth and malady for him and his friend.  The pair work as servants for the dastardly Lord Hammond who just so happens to be plotting to overthrow British rule in the colonies.  Soon we have Ben Franklin, a lightning storm, some highwaymen and your fair share of dismemberments.

Order of the Forge is a fast-paced, nail-biting, page-turner of a comic that will make even the most jaded reader remember why they started collecting comics in the first place.  It’s brilliantly plotted and drawn. Even Perez would be proud of the amount of detail Tazio Bettin fits into his panels. As soon as you finish you will flip back and read it over and over again, so buy two copies.

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