THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #4, from Ablaze Publishing on 7/19/23, pits the barbarian team against the demons of darkness when Morgan’s soul-casting abilities help acquire a new ally.
The Details
- Written by: Michael Moreci
- Art by: Giuseppe Cafaro
- Colors by: Barbara Nosenzo
- Letters by: Jim Campbell
- Cover art by: Justin Mason (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: July 19, 2023
Is It Good?
THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #4 could best be summed up as a transition comic. You get an energetic fight that results in a minor victory, a new ally, and a new direction in the team’s quest to collect the orbs and defeat the darkness. On the one hand, Michael Moreci moves the story forward and aligns the players for what comes next, which is a positive. On the other hand, the issue reads and feels more like a checklist setup rather than an issue that stands on its own merits.
Moreci’s script centers on the barbarians enjoying a brief moment of rest when Sharajsha and his demonic forces arrive to pressure the barbarians to give up the orbs or die. And then they fight. Thongor, the barbarian we saw briefly in issue #1, fights under darkness’s control… but not for long.
What’s great about this issue? The barbarian fights are packed with sword-slashing, limb-flying, energy and grit. Moreci plays up the internal battle Thongor fights against the darkness with plenty of dramatic tension and urgency. Morgan’s creative use of magic is satisfying, and the setup ending builds anticipation for what comes next.
What’s not so great about this issue? It’s unclear if Giuseppe Cafaro is experimenting with panel composition, but the fight felt small due to the number of close-ups and thin panels. And again, Moreci’s story felt more like a setup checklist than a memorable chapter. To be fair, this issue isn’t a bad comic, but it lacks a memorable pop.
How’s the art? Cafaro and Nosenzo give you plenty of energy throughout the battle, and the characters hit the right emotional beats at just the right time through their facial expressions. The coloring is executed perfectly, and the overall look is good. That said, the coloring lacks moments of pop, and the inks are loose in a few panels. Again, it’s not a bad comic by any stretch. It’s just okay.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #3 review to find out how the team got the second orb.
We catch up with the team taking a brief moment of rest as they search for the third orb. Birka and Kull share a little about their past exploits when they hear a shout nearby from Anansi. The pair race to the shouts and find darkness’s demons attacking.
Sharajsha, the wizard who serves the darkness, brought his demons to force the barbarians to destroy the orbs and surrender or die. By Sharajsha’s side are the two barbarians possessed by darkness’s influence in issue #1.
And then they fight. We conclude the issue with demon slashing, Morgan’s unique power tipping the advantage, and a new member for the team.
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Final Thoughts
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THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #4 packs in plenty of sword-slashing, demon-killing adventure to get your blood pumping. But the battle feels small, and the plot feels more like a setup than a story.
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