NOTTINGHAM #15, by Mad Cave Studios on 8/28/24, brings the critically acclaimed maxiseries to a close when Sheriff Blackthorne sets out to stop his betrayers, but history will tell a different story.
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: August 28, 2024
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 40
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of NOTTINGHAM #15:
First Impressions:
This is going to be a short review because there’s a twist that comes in at about the halfway mark that directly plays into the central question of this series. If history remembers Robin Hood and the Merry Men as the heroes, how will this alternate take on the Robin Hood legend play out? David Hazan answers that question definitively, but the surprise comes in how that question is answered.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left Sherriff Blackthorne in Nottingham #14, the Sheriff’s bid to save the people of the town against King Richard’s army almost succeeded. The Sheriff needed a last-minute push to get the people to safety, but when the possibility of survival seemed within reach if everyone worked together, Sheriff Blackthorne fell by the treachery of a poisoned drink prepared by Friar Tuck.
In Nottingham #15, Sherriff Blackthorne groggily awakes in the tunnels beneath the city. Yes, Friar Tuck poisoned him, but the drug knocked him out rather than killed him. Rose finds the Sheriff and tries to administer aid. The Sheriff wants help in getting to his feet so he can track down Tuck and Marian for their betrayal, but he orders Rose to stay behind and live.
As much as he’s felt alone throughout most of this issue, Rose appears in the last moments to acknowledge all the Sheriff tried to do for the city. David Hazan lets readers know Blackthorne has at least one true ally who may play a part in what comes next.
The Sheriff slowly shakes off the drug as he makes his way, sword in hand, into the tunnels where he plans to lead the people to escape. He guessed correctly when he found Marian and Tuck removing part of the wall to let in Robin and a few of his men. Robin is confident that he’s won, but the Sheriff stands ready to kill everyone responsible for the city’s betrayal. The Sheriff challenges Robin Hood to a final fight to the death.
The issue concludes with a sour victory, a costly bargain, vengeance from on high, and the truth waiting to be discovered.
Overall, David Hazan’s critically and commercially successful version of the Robin Hood lesson ends the only way it could, albeit on a somber note. The succession of epilogue scenes confirms nobody truly comes out on top, and history has a way of letting the truth come out in unexpected places.
Artwork and Presentation:
As strong as David Hazan’s story turned out, a great deal of credit goes to Shane Connery Volk’s brooding, grim atmosphere and captivating visuals. There is no comic anywhere with Volk’s unique style and dramatic impact, so we can’t wait to see what Volk does next.
Art Samples:
Final Thoughts:
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NOTTINGHAM #15 brings the series to a close with a fight to the death and an unexpected twist that rewrites history. David Hazan’s successful twist on the Robin Hood legend deserves all the accolades it receives, and we’re looking forward to more of Shane Connery Volk’s art in the future.
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