NOTTINGHAM #14, by Mad Cave Studios on 7/31/24, begins the siege of Nottingham when King Richard’s army attacks and the Sheriff calls in every marker to ensure the attack costs the King everything.
Credits:
- Writer: David Hazan
- Artist: Shane Connery Volk
- Colorist: Luca Romano
- Letterer: Justin Birch
- Cover Artist: Shane Connery Volk (cover A)
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: July 31, 2024
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of NOTTINGHAM #14:
First Impressions:
As the finale approaches, David Hazan pulls out all the stops to make Nottingham #14 as edge-of-your-seat gripping as humanly possible. Every wood and action is made out of desperation for a city on the brink of extinction, and you can feel the heat on every page. Nottingham is one of Mad Cave’s consistently outstanding titles for a good reason, and this issue shows it.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left Sheriff Blackthorne in Nottingham #13, he supported Little John’s offer to duel Hood for the fate of Nottinghamshire. If Little John wins, he and King Richard give up their siege and head off to face Prince John. If Hood wins, Nottinghamshire’s gates will be opened willingly. The fight didn’t go Little John’s way, but the Sheriff refused to abide by the agreement. The Sheriff ordered men on the wall to open fire on King Richard’s army to drive them back, while he hurried to stop the people from rioting for food.
In Nottingham #14, the story begins with Sheriff Blackthorne visiting Friar Tuck to call in a favor. The people of Nottingham may not trust the Sheriff, but they trust the Friar, so the Sheriff calls on Tuck to rally every citizen who can hold a spear to prepare for battle to make King Richard’s invasion a costly one.
The time for talking and careful consideration is over. David Hazan establishes a relentless pace as the Sheriff calls in every favor, directs every citizen, and plays every angle in a fight for survival. Nottingham may fall, but Hazan ensures the Sheriff will make King Richard pay for every bloody step.
Shortly after, the Sheriff pushes through the crowds to find Marian standing on a dais near the city walls. She explains the people aren’t at their posts because they’re waiting for their leader to give orders. The Sheriff isn’t one for flowery speeches, but he hits the finer points and rallies everyone – guards, Merry Men, and civilians – to band together for Nottingham.
Hazan doesn’t give the Sheriff an Independence Day-styled speech, but it’s pretty darn close. Blackthrone lays out the strategy and reminds everyone what they’re fighting for. Even when he hears the cries of one or two naysayers, Blackthorne shuts down the dissent with force, so the net effect is a rallying speech anyone would be proud to give.
And then they fight.
King Richard gives the order to attack the city gates, leading to a rousing battle. The issue concludes with a costly first attack, a retreat, the inkling of a plan, and a surprise betrayal.
Overall, Nottingham #14 builds all the momentum and hard-hitting action of a runaway freight train. Hazan holds nothing back by taking readers on a rollercoaster of a battle which is far from over and ending on a surprise cliffhanger that will leave you guessing.
Artwork and Presentation:
One of the highlights of this series is Shane Connery Volk’s gritty, intentionally rough artwork. This issue takes Volk’s winning style to a new level, with chaotic battles and drama for days. We don’t know what Volk is up to after Nottingham concludes, but we’re looking forward to it.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Historical Context:
As rousing as this story is, it’s largely a work of fiction. There is a real place called Nottingham, and King Richard did live in the area at that time, but there’s no formal recording of a great siege of the city. On the contrary, Nottingham was considered a place of rest for King John during the years mentioned in this comic.
Final Thoughts:
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NOTTINGHAM #14 cranks up the drama, battle action, and intensity in one of the most rousing issues in the series. David Hazan pulls out all the stops to ensure the story is moving at full speed heading into the penultimate issue, and Shane Connery Volk’s gritty artwork turns the drama up to eleven.
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