THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #2, from Ablaze Publishing on 5/17/23, brings the fellowship of famous barbarians together to find the orbs of power that will fend off the Aleph invasion. First stop? Hell!
The Details
- Written by: Michael Moreci
- Art by: Giuseppe Cafaro
- Colors by: Barbara Nosenzo
- Letters by: Jim Campbell
- Cover art by: Erica D’Urso
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: May 17, 2023
Is It Good?
We liked issue #1 for Michael Moreci’s novel take on The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen using famous barbarians from legend and literature. THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #2 gives the novel approach some substance with big action, bigger personalities, and a mission only a fearless barbarian could relish. What’s not to like?
Moreci’s script centers on the one and only lead the barbarians have to track down the first orb of power, and that lead takes the warriors into the bowels of Hell itself against Hades and his demons. Of all the characters selected for this special team, Moreci turns Birka into the standout. Her brash, modern sensibilities constantly put her at odds with the rest of the team. Birka endlessly mocks Kull’s stereotypically brooding facade, and she makes no qualms about giving the apprehensive Anansi a push to overcome Hell’s deceptive illusions.
That said, Birka’s modern sensibilities may come off as a little too modern. Her manner of speech and forceful demeanor comes off like a no-nonsense New Yorker, which makes her feel out of place. To be clear, Birka’s constant conflicts with the rest of the team are highly amusing, but there’s a little voice in the back of your head that keeps saying, “Isn’t she supposed to be a Viking shieldmaiden?”
Personality oddities aside, this issue goes a long way toward building the characters through copious amounts of action, which is a big positive. The barbarians take their licks, and the battle is by no means easy, but they prevail, which is exactly what you want in a team book just getting started.
How’s the art? Giuseppe Cafaro’s style does exactly what it needs to do – deliver fast-paced, hard-hitting action that looks great. Cafaro’s linework is just scratchy enough to give the characters a rough, gritty exterior, and Nosenzo’s colors are wonderful.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #1 review to find out how the fellowship members were selected.
We begin with the fellowship making their way across a stormy sea on a lonely ship. While Kull’s natural leadership habits begin to rub the other team members the wrong way, Morgan Le Fay spots a flock of demons approaching. The team holds the ship together during their first battle again, and the flock is driven off just as the ship reaches Atlantis, Kull’s birth home.
The barbarians seek the counsel of a powerful Oracle, but her abode is guarded by the spirits of long-dead Atlantean warriors. The barbarians are attacked by the spirits, but they leave Kull accosted as one of their own. The Oracle doesn’t know where all four orbs rest, but she knows of one, and it’s in Hell.
We conclude the issue with a hellish hike, deadly deceptions, and one heck of a boss fight.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #2 takes the novel concept of a barbarian super team and puts them to work, with stellar results. Moreci’s script is the right mix of action and gravitas with a touch of well-timed humor, and D’Urso’s art style is a perfect match for a barbarian adventure.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.