IRON HEAD (ONE-SHOT), available from Second Sight Publishing on October 20th, 2021, follows the bloody warpath of Duke Hogar as he fights his way through massive armies and titanic beasts to return to his home and his beloved.
The Details
- Written By: Stefano Cardoselli
- Art By: Stefano Cardoselli
- Colors By: Renato Stevanato
- Letters By: Brahm Meehan
- Cover Art By: Stefano Cardoselli
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Release Date: October 20, 2021
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Was It Good?
IRON HEAD (ONE-SHOT) is an epic poem in comic book form. In the tradition of great literary works such as Homer’s The Odyssey and Beowulf, IRON HEAD follows a warrior sent on an impossible mission in service to his king. When all his men have been killed and the enemy’s armies seem to swell in numbers, Duke Hogar’s indomitable determination drives him to accomplish unbelievable acts of strength and savagery to return home.
This is your standard Quest plot where the main hero faces a long journey to accomplish his main goal – to return home – but this plot has a key difference. There’s a surprise twist at the end that turns this standard Quest plot into something special. When the twist happens, it causes you to rethink the entire story, exposing multiple layers of interpretation to every scene.
If it wasn’t clear by now, the writing is excellent.
The art is hyper-stylized and visually captivating. It’s reminiscent of classic stories out of 2000 AD magazine with bold colors and exaggerated character anatomies, forcing you to pay attention and examine every panel. The action is violent, bloody, gory, and unapologetically attention-grabbing. Granted, Cardoselli’s art style may not be to everyone’s liking, but we find it fascinating.
This comic isn’t just a comic. It’s a work of art.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
The story is really quite simple.
Duke Hogar is tasked by King Argarroth II to lead an army of 500 men to face overwhelming enemy numbers in Tannember Valley. The Duke fulfills his duty at the cost of all his men. With nothing left but his armor and his sword, the Duke fights his way through impossibly large legions of soldiers, gigantic monsters, poisonous sirens, and hypnotic witches to return to his home and his beloved.
When the Duke succeeds in a spectacular fashion, all is not as it seems when he arrives home, causing him to question his quest, his purpose, and his very existence.
Final Thoughts
IRON HEAD (ONE-SHOT) is an epic poem brought to life in comic book form. Cardoselli‘s writing captures the spirit of a classical Quest story and slyly ends on a twist ending that adds multiple layers of reinterpretation to every page. The art is bold and mesmerizing. I can’t say enough good things about this one-shot.
Score: 9.5/10
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