HOAN OF ORCS #4, from Blood Moon Comics on 7/19/23, brings Hoan her army to march on the Elf stronghold when a show of determination in the arena wins the respect of soldiers and kings.
The Details
- Written by: Nahuel Sb
- Art by: Nahuel Sb
- Colors by: Nahuel Sb
- Letters by: Nahuel Sb
- Cover art by: Nahuel Sb
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: July 19, 2023
Is It Good?
HOAN OF ORCS #4 goes a long way toward elevating Hoan’s legendary status as a leader and savior of her people in Nahuel Sb’s fantasy take on the Joan of Arc legend. Where the previous issues worked to help Hoan find her place and purpose, this issue brings her allies around her to become an indomitable force against the elves.
When last we left Hoan of Orlivas, her act of kindness with a dwarf led to big trouble with the Orc king and his overprotective mother. Those who helped Hoan as traitors to the Queen’s wishes were imprisoned and prepared for execution. Now, Hoan’s grit in the face of the Queen’s wrath earns her the respect of the King and his fiercest warriors, forming an impassioned army ready to defeat the elves or die trying.
What’s great about this issue? Hoan steps into an arena to challenge the strongest warrior for the right to lead, and it’s the best character-building moment of the series. The fight doesn’t turn out the way you would expect, which is a positive, and the outcome sets the stage for what comes next.
What’s not so great about the issue? Nahuel Sb’s art works until it doesn’t (more on that in a minute), and a little clarity gets lost in the language translation to English. The issue is mostly a clear weird, but there are one or two spots where the phrasing isn’t quite right.
How’s the art? Generally, Nahuel Sb’s watercolor style is visually distinctive, and Nahuel’s talent for expressing emotions through facial expressions is top-notch. However, the brushwork is too loose in spots, resulting in characters that are vaguely rendered blobs. When the style works, it works. When it doesn’t work, the style is terrible.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our HOAN OF ORCS #3 review to learn the consequences of Hoan’s choice to free a captured dwarf.
We begin with an imprisoned Hoan speaking to her fellow inmates. Defilin and the others believe in Hoan as a leader who can accomplish miracles, even if their present circumstances seem hopeless.
Hoan witnesses a combat display where a large Orc intends to claim the right of the army leader through his victory in the fight. When Hoan sees what can be earned, she charges into the arena to challenge for leadership.
The large Orc laughs at Hoan, but she charges ahead with her staff and lands a few effective blows. Enraged, the large Orc intends to put Hoan down for good. Suddenly, the large Orc is blocked by the Queen, who offers Hoan a deal. If Hoan defeats the Queen, the Queen will give Hoan an army.
We conclude the issue with a strange reaction from crystal deposits, an unexpected loss, and a battle cry.
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Final Thoughts
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HOAN OF ORCS #4 rallies the troops to establish Hoan as the leader of an army ready to end the war with the elves. Hoans character work is excellent, and the building sense of momentum is palpable, but the down point of this issue is the rough art.
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