THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #5, from Ablaze Publishing on 8/23/23, sends Morgan, Kull, and the rest against Claudia’s goblin army with the darkness-possessed Brule as their new general.
The Details
- Written by: Michael Moreci
- Art by: Giuseppe Cafaro
- Colors by: Barbara Nosenzo
- Letters by: Jim Campbell
- Cover art by: Sunghan Yune (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: August 23, 2023
Is It Good?
THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #5 begins the big show you’ve been waiting for when the tiny band of barbarians faces off against a massive goblin army in service to Claudia. Michael Moreci, of course, pulls a rabbit out of his hat with a plan by Morgan to balance the scales, and that she does for an exciting finish heading into the finale.
When last we left the Mighty Barbarians, Morgan’s unique brand of soul magic allowed her to free Thongor from the Darkness’s grip and defeat its acolytes. The victory gave Morgan possession of the third orb of power. Now, the mighty barbarians enact a plan to attack Claudia’s goblin army under Brule’s leadership, but to defeat an army, you need an army, so Claudia puts her soul casting to use with spectacular results.
Of all the issues in Moreci’s barbarian version of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #5 will generate the most wow factor for a certain cameo you won’t see coming (no, it’s not Conan). When the cameo hits, the tone and rock-n-roll factor escalates exponentially. That cameo, and everything that comes after, make this comic a winner.
What’s great about this comic? Well, the aforementioned cameo is a banger that evokes the same kind of feeling when you watch/read The Two Towers of Tolkien fame for the first time (no, it’s not Gandalf). The cameo hits at just the right moment to not only provide relief for the overwhelmed barbarians but to turn the tide in a satisfying way.
What’s not so great about this comic? Claudia takes a loss in this comic, and it happens too quickly and too easily. Maybe that was intentional, but given all the trouble she’s caused, seeing Claudia defeated with barely a hand wave lessons the satisfaction level. The permanence of Claudia’s defeat is uncertain, so she may come back in the next issue for round two, but if this is it, her defeat is a bit anti-climactic.
How’s the art? Giuseppe Cafaro’s figure work is outstanding, and Barbara Nosenzo’s colors are rock-solid. That said, there are some big wow moments in this issue that don’t have an epic feel because the panels utilize an abundance of close-ups. There are at least two or three splash-page-worthy moments in this issue, and the opportunities are missed.
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 #4 review to find out how Thongor joined the group.
We begin with the goblin army forming into a massive force of destruction. Claudia has decreed that the goblins will fight to protect their newfound dominance, and she places Brule in charge as general to ensure brutal success.
Meanwhile, Morgan and Kull formulate a plan to defeat the army. Anansi will use his shapeshifting abilities to create confusion, while Morgan uses her soul-casting abilities to call for help. Unfortunately, so much strain on Morgan’s power will leave her vulnerable to attack by Claudia.
We conclude the issue with an expected attack, an unexpected salvation, and a balancing of the scales.
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Final Thoughts
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THE MIGHTY BARBARIANS #5 kicks the penultimate issue into overdrive when the barbarians face Claudia and her goblin army. Moreci paints a suitably bleak picture but then turns the story on its head with a fist-pumping cameo (not Conan). The art style and coloring are solid throughout, but the bigger wow moments could have used a splash page or two to hit harder.
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