NOTTINGHAM #12, by Mad Cave Studios on 5/22/24, reaches a boiling point when King Richard and Robin lay siege to Nottingham, not realizing the turmoil happening within its walls.
Credits:
- Writer: David Hazan
- Artist: Shane Connery Volk
- Colorist: Luca Romano
- Letterer: Justin Birch
- Cover Artist: Shane Connery Volk
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: May 22, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 31
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of NOTTINGHAM #12:
The plot thickens! David Hazan turns in a Game of Thrones-styled entry in the reimagined Robin Hood series that inundates the reader with twists, turns, violent maneuverings, double-crosses, and backroom dealings.
When last we left the cast of characters in Nottingham #11, Sheriff Blackthorne returned to Nottingham in haste to warn of King Richards’s return. Blackthorne intended to marshal any forces that would listen to form a defense, but his efforts were stymied when he was arrested by Marian’s guards. Blackthorne realized too late that Marian had complete control of the city. Matters became worse when guards found Friar Tuck next to the murdered body of Gisbourne.
In Nottingham #12, King Richard and Robin of Loxley arrive at Nottingham’s city gates demanding entry. They make a public show of their seriousness by hanging captured scouts in full view of the guards on the wall. News of the King’s return sends Nottingham’s citizens into a frenzy.
Inside, Marian and her personal guards consider what to do about Gisbourne’s murder. She suspects Blackthorne orchestrated the death to turn the Merry Men and the citizens against her, indicating an increase in her paranoia. Choosing to turn the situation to her advantage, Marian orders a public trial and execution of Friar Tuck to quell dissent and ensure the people are safe.
Later, Friar Tuck is brought into the public square for trial and execution. Tuck makes a shrewd plea to save his own life by calling for a judgment by God through one-on-one combat, and he names Blackthorne as his champion against Marian’s general, Little John.
At Noon, the fighters enter the square, but Blackthorne is surprised to learn Marian has chosen a substitute for Little John, Caellach. The fight is hard-fought and brutal, but Blackthorne eventually wins. Forced to set Blackthorne and Friar Tuck free, Marian now faces unrest and betrayal on all fronts.
Character Development:
Blackthorne still remains the central character in this series, and the good Sheriff makes a key decision in the final pages of this issue that shifts his motivations and loyalties. The Sheriff recognizes nobody is willing to act honorably or in good faith, so he decides leverage and secret dealings are the only way to save Nottingham’s people.
Artwork and Presentation:
Shane Connery Volk’s artwork is magnificent in this issue. We’ve seen action sequences before, but this is the first issue in some time depicting a brutal, extended fight between two characters to the death. We’ve mentioned before how Volk’s moody art keeps getting better, and this issue is no exception.
Art Samples:
Pacing and Structure:
David Hazan’s pacing, plot progression, scene construction, and transitions are on point. There’s not a bit of fluff to be found, and all the scenes support moving the narrative forward.
That said, the number of twists, turns and double-crosses is starting to become a little unwieldy. At this point, every character is untrustworthy to a point or is as likely to see you killed to save their own skin. Blackthorne is still the protagonist and the most honorable man in the bunch, but it’s getting difficult to tell who he’s fighting alongside or against at any given moment.
Thematic Exploration:
From the plethora of double-crosses, and secret dealings, it’s clear this issue is all about the conflict between trust and leverage. Blackthorne continually searches for someone he can trust to do the right thing. When trust runs dry, leverage becomes the default backup.
The Bigger Picture:
Historical Context:
Despite the familiar name on the title, this series bears almost no resemblance to the classic Robin Hood stories. Hazan goes to commendable lengths to craft an alternate take on Hood’s legend, couched in the historical events of the time, with a lot of drama piled on top. In that way, the series feels historically authentic without sacrificing the adventure and drama.
Final Thoughts:
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NOTTINGHAM #12 turns King Richard’s return to Nottingham into a Game of Thrones-styled drama, filled with shifting alliances, brutal violence, and intrigue. Hazan’s intricate plot will keep you guessing about what happens next, and Shane Connery Volk’s grim, moody art is outstanding.
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