A Grim Review of Peerless Appetite
As you can see, I got a hold of an advance issue of Warhammer: Condemned by Fire #1 from Boom! Studios.
Normally, I don’t do reviews as the primary strip for the day, but I am a Warhammer fan, and I do read quite a few of the Boom titles (thanks to Steve’s constant yammering about them, mostly). So you can be certain I will pick special items to review as the daily strip from time to time. Am I a whorish sell-out? Hmm… I haven’t thought much on that. I am a devilishly handsome daemon-god of the Underworld, though.
On to the review…
As I point out in the strip, Condemned by Fire is pretty damned good. Allow me to go into a little more detail…
First, there’s the script. Warhammer connoisseurs will be pleased to know Dan Abnett and Ian Edginton are on scripting duties. They tell the tale of Magnus Gault, Sigmarite Witch Hunter. As far as the issue’s story goes, it’s mainly an introduction of Gault to the readers, as well as an introduction of the GWOPA* World of Warhammer Fantasy. Noobs and veterans alike should be able to appreciate the simple story presented. Now, when I say “simple”, I don’t mean “lame”. I simply mean (heh) that the story presented is not overly complicated and allows for just about anyone to pick this issue up, read it, and “get” it. The dialogue is smooth and appropriately Warhammery– just the kinds of things you would expect a staunch Sigmarite and those who encounter him to say. Also, the issue’s story is rather self-contained, so that one can feel satisfied with it no matter what. Well, unless you are like me and want MORE.
(*Grim World of Perilous Adventure… You WFRP nuts will get that one for sure.)
The art is executed by none other than future famous illustrator Rahsan Ekedal. You may remember his work for the terrific Warhammer: Forge of War mini-series (now in TPB and HC editions). As you can see, his technique has improved, which if you consider his previous work to be well done, then his latest offerings are downright delightful. The coloring works in this issue, too, so infernal props fly out to Fellipe Martins. It’s drab, dreary, and amplifies the art to make it goddamn miserable feeling. Just the way its supposed to be! The world of Warhammer is not kind, and it’s always refreshing to see the art reflect this.
Comdemned by Fire receives my Daemonic Lord’s Seal of Approval. if I had to score it, I would give it a very strong 8 out of 10. It may be too simple and lean for some people’s tastes, and it may not be as epic as some would hope BUT– and I stress this– Condemned by Fire delivers, and it delivers in grave-robbing spades.
To sweeten the deal, Boom! Studios is offering beta codes to the upcoming Warhammer MMO, Age of Reckoning, in something like 20% of the issues printed! That means buying 5 issues gives you a good chance to net a coveted beta invite. Or if you have absolutely no interest in Age of Reckoning*, just pick up one copy and enjoy the living Khorne out of it!
(*And why not? Are you MAD??)
Speaking of Khorne, that guy owes me some money. Dude always tries to weasel his way out of it, too. “Oh, I’m slaughtering a village today. Next Tuesday, then?” I’m just hoping he doesn’t turn out to be a big moocher like Malaal. Remember him? Yeah, best to move on…
Here are some nifty preview pages for you and your small but vicious dog to enjoy:
Make sure to click on the above images for the bigger versions. DO IT NOW, mortals!
You should know that I’m not the only one reviewing this… Snafzg over at The Greenskin has a brilliant comprehensive take on Condemned by Fire which is a must-read itself. Check it out here, or else bad things will happen to you.
Overall, a very good start to what is sure to be an excellent series. My horns are off to the creative team and the fine folks at Boom. Keep that ink flowing for the ink god, you guys.
I still miss the Fimir,
Lord Orcus
April 27th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Nice review! Very much what I thought of it.
April 28th, 2008 at 9:42 am
[...] Lord Orcus of Orcusville was the only other person lucky enough to get his hands on an advanced copy of WCBF (the other being me) and he wrote down his own impressions of the comic! Have a peek! [...]
April 29th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Hang on, isn’t Lord Orcus upping a Warhammer book a bit like someone from Coke taking the Pepsi challenge?
May 1st, 2008 at 5:14 am
[...] “A Grim Review of Warhammer: Condemned by Fire #1″… in a comic strip! [...]
May 20th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Well, Kelvin, you have a point there. Then again, who am I to deny the awesomeness of Warhammer?
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
[...] (*read my thoughts on Comdemned by Fire #1 here) [...]