THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #3, from Ablaze Publishing on 6/21/23, brings the team to the doorstep of a wicked sorceress with the next orb of power and a connection to Morgan’s past.
The Details
- Written by: Michael Moreci
- Art by: Giuseppe Cafaro
- Colors by: Barbara Nosenzo
- Letters by: Jim Campbell
- Cover art by: Caitlin Yarksy (Cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: June 21, 2023
Is It Good?
Well, ain’t that a bitch? THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #3 takes the gang of famous barbarians on the next leg of their scavenger hunt to collect the orbs of power when they find the next holder – a wicked sorceress with a silver tongue who also happens to be Morgan’s sister, Claudia. If you hadn’t guessed, the magical sisters don’t exactly get along.
Michael Moreci’s script is chock full of sharp wit, action, twists, turns, and clever surprises. Morgan figures out that her estranged sister, Claudia, has the next orb, so the Barbarians strike a deal to retrieve the deceased soul of a long-dead enemy for Claudia in exchange for the next orb. Of course, Claudia is lying through her teeth, but the barbarians take on the errand and place a trick or two up their sleeve in anticipation of the betrayal to come.
Why? Why is it so hard, when so many comics overstuff LCS shelves, to find comics like this one that is designed to be fun and entertaining? Moreci’s script is quick, sharp, witty, and chock full of creative plot developments. Have you ever seen a gigantic snake get killed from the inside out by a polar bear? Well, you have now. And it’s that kind of cool imagination that continues to make this series a winner.
The minor down point in this issue is the same one pointed out in the last issue. Birka’s snarky, irreverent manner of speaking and attitude feels too modern to fit in her time and place as a formidable shield maiden. It’s less noticeable in this issue than in the last one, but every time she speaks, her dialog almost pulls you out of the story.
How’s the art? Gritty, bloody, dynamic, and powerful. Giuseppe Cafaro’s art style keeps every character in a perpetual state of motion, even when they’re standing still, and Nosenzo’s colors enhance the gritty, barbaric atmosphere beautifully.
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 #2 review to find out how the team got their first orb.
We begin with Morgan assessing the magic of the first orb, hoping it will point the way to the next one. Oddly, the orb’s magic is familiar, and she recognizes that the next orb is with Claudia – her estranged sister and a wicked sorceress. When the barbarians approach Claudia’s castle, they’re forced to fight a giant snake just to reach the front door.
Claudia greets her guests but refuses to give up the orb unless they perform a task in trade. The barbarians must retrieve the soul of a dead enemy for Caludia’s amusement in exchange for the orb. Morgan knows Claudia is lying, but the team accepts the task anyway.
We conclude the issue with dinosaurs, broken promises, and answered questions.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #3 is a sharp, brutal, witty entry in the series. When the barbarians continue their scavenger hunt to find the orbs of power, their path crosses with Morgan’s sister, Claudia. The action is fierce and fun, the banter is witty, and the art is perfect.
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