MERLIN & HECTOR #1 – Review

In MERLIN & HECTOR #1, available from Red 5 Comics on October 27th, 2021, a young swineherd named Merlin receives visions of a future where he will be the world’s greatest wizard… if he can survive long enough.

The Details

• Written By: Rodolfo Santullo
• Art By: Jok
• Colors By: Jok
• Letters By: Jok
• Cover Art By: Jok
• Cover Price: $3.95
• Release Date: October 27, 2021

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Was It Good?

MERLIN & HECTOR #1 may eventually become what you might think from the title, but this first issue is less about sorcery and more about unlikely people developing a friendship on the path to something larger than themselves. In short, it’s a buddy story more in line with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid than any Arthurian legend.

The easy assumption would be to think this comic is brimming with magical exploits, but in truth, there’s almost no magic in the story at all besides a prophetic dream. I appreciate the creators are focusing on building out the human story of Merlin’s early years rather than resorting to shiny spoon gimmicks with magical spectacle. There’s nothing wrong with spectacle, but it could potentially turn out to be a richer and more satisfying experience if readers learn more about the man behind the magic first.

The story is a charming plot about a timid young man who acts to do the right thing when a human life is endangered, even when doing the right thing comes with its own consequences. The world feels lived in, the setup is heartfelt, and the conclusion satisfyingly ends on a cliffhanger that ensures the adventure is just beginning.

Jok’s art is, to be blunt, stylistic, but it works for this type of story. Jok places a strong focus on shadows and light sources to bring a sense of realism to the different settings. The character designs are excellent, and the character movements within each panel have a mild comedic charm to them. When Merlin takes a pratfall, you could almost picture the fall happening in real-time. Jok captures movement extremely well in this issue.

Overall, MERLIN & HECTOR #1 isn’t the magical epic you might expect from the title, but it’s a charming first issue with loads of potential.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

We begin with a brief prologue about a man named Wilbur living in a lonely cabin. One night, Wilbur is accosted by a group of men at his cabin, and we learn through the dialog that Wilbur is being silenced to protect a secret.

Later, a young swineherd named Merlin is awoken by the farmer boarding him to go after a thief stealing one of the farmer’s hogs. Sword in hand, Merlin is sheepishly goaded into chasing the thief down. When he tackles the thief, the two are beset by a wild boar. In the confusion, Merlin is nearly killed but the thief saves Merlin’s life. However, the thief is captured for trial.

The next day, the thief is sentenced to death. A young, crying woman asks anyone in the village who will listen for help in freeing the man. His name is Hector, and he’s her uncle. Merlin takes notice of the woman, and she explains he was only stealing because he was starving. She pleads with Merlin to do something, but Merlin explains he has no power to help.

We conclude the issue with a connection between a dream Merlin has about his future and the crying woman, a message delivered to Hector by unusual means, and a race through the woods that’s not worth the effort and Merlin is glad of it.

Final Thoughts

MERLIN & HECTOR #1 introduces readers to the young man behind the legend with a charming, amusing story about doing the right thing, even when it costs you. The stylized, rustic art is spot on for the mood of the setting, and the plot teases a hint of the magical legacy to come, ending on a perfect cliffhanger.

Score: 8.5/10

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