By Rosinski and Van Hamme
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 9781849181365
Thorgal himself takes a back seat in this volume. He's lost his memory and the despicable Kriss of Valnor has persuaded him that he has a life with her. This has left his wife, Aaricia, and the children Jolan and Wolfcub, fending for themselves for some time, but now after three years the situation is looking desperate. They at least have the relative protection of the village where Aaricia grew up, but even this is taken from them when one of the young Vikings returns to claim that Thorgal is attacking ships off the coast and enslaving all those on board.
Angry at what has happened to their menfolk, the villagers banish Aaricia and the children, but not before branding her face with the mark of the exile. Anyone seeing the brand must refuse to help her, and it means she also runs the risk of enslavement.
Aaricia's plan is to return to the island home she once shared with Thorgal, but that means a hard trek across land and then, somehow, obtaining a boat to carry them there, and all this in the face of wolves, slavers, and mountain tribes. Even with the otherworldly developing talents of the children it's a horrendous situation for them all, and that's before they've encountered the worst of their problems.
Still one of my favourite books, Thorgal remains inventive, exciting and utterly different. Rosinski is the perfect choice to illustrate Van Hamme's fantastic mix of fantasy and history. If you've been enjoying Game of Thrones or Bernard Cornwell's Uthred books but you've not yet given Thorgal a try, then you really must. Absolutely cracking stuff.
If you liked that: Volume 13 is out now
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