By Rosinski & Dufaux
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 9781849181877
If you like Rosinski’s artwork, and I certainly do, then you’re in for a treat as not only is there a new Thorgal out but there’s a new Lament Of The Lost Moors, too.
As the last descendant of the Kings of Sudenne, Siobhán’s life is at threat from Lord Blackmore and the over-ruling sorcerer Beldam, but she does have allies even though she may not entirely be aware of the events moving around her. When the Lament finally sounds it is in the nick of time, and it brings a legion of undead soldiers and horsemen to escort Siobhán to the final resting place of her father where, through a rather bizarre yet pleasing method, he is able to communicate with her and explain her destiny.
Out to sea, Seamus and the Warriors of Mercy begin battle with Beldam’s navy before the walls of Blackmore’s castle, but with Blackmore himself away the castle’s defenders choose to assist the Warriors of Mercy and so turn the tide of that battle. Taking her warriors, Siobhán sets off to face the diminished armies of Beldam but once face-to-face with the sorcerer she learns some family history she’d rather be ignorant of before an even greater secret is revealed.
The book is, undoubtedly, attempting to invoke the spirit of a tale of epic proportions, with it’s grand villains, major battles, dark secrets and mysterious characters, but for all of the fantastic art and some wonderfully done set pieces, for some reason the final few pages all feel extremely hurried in a desperate rush to wrap everything up. This is odd, when several pages are donated to the utterly frivolous sub-plot of the castle’s cook battling with the Ookee. At the time, maybe Dufaux was under the impression the series wouldn’t continue (it in fact runs to several more volumes) but it certainly feels like an anti-climax.
That said, there is much promise within these pages, not least the very dark undertones of the villainous characters and the world that they operate in. The pool on the moor sequence is nicely done (and well-paced too) as is the initial gathering before Beldam upon his throne. For me, what makes this book a must-read is how Rosinski brings it all to life, and perhaps in the hands of another artist it just wouldn’t work as well.
Regardless of any misgivings for the pacing of the ending, this is still more than worthy of your attention, especially in light of where the story could take us next, so do look out for the third volume coming soon.
And if you liked that: And you’re not reading it yet, grab yourself a handful of Thorgals
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