In NOTTINGHAM #2, available from Mad Cave Studios on April 7th, 2021, the Sheriff of Nottingham is called in to investigate the murder of Will Scarlet in his jail cell. The Lord of the castle wants Scarlet’s murderer found or the Sheriff will be buried with him.
The Details
- Written By: David Hazan
- Art By: Shane Connery Volk
- Colors By: Luca Romano
- Letters By: Joamette Gil
- Cover Art By: Shane Connery Volk
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: April 7, 2021
Was It Good?
Yes in a world-building sort of way. This issue doesn’t make much progress on the Hood and his Merry Men, but what it does is expand the character of the Sheriff. This issue gives him depth, motivation, and a clear shrewdness that presents him as a capable detective.
Kudos go to the art team for creating a rough and dreary world that’s as violent and harsh as the characters who inhabit them. Special props go to the art team for portraying the most realistic fistfight you’ve likely seen in a very long time.
Check out our NOTTINGHAM #2 preview to see the art for yourself.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
We pick up shortly after the ending of issue #1 (read our NOTTINGHAM #1 review to get caught up) with Will Scarlett leaving this earthly plane as punishment for his unsanctioned murders. When asked if he’s seen anything like this before, the Sheriffadmits he has.
The question sparks an informative flashback to the Sheriff’s military service during the Crusades. Vicious and brutal, the Sheriff recalls how allies can become liabilities very quickly and the only recourse is to permanently sever all ties with extreme prejudice. This scene also helps to build out the history of the Sheriff so readers get a taste of his life experience and how he came to be a hard-boiled detective.
What follows are a series of vignettes with the Sheriff and the castle Captain question each guard whose duties would need to have been diverted to accomplish the killing. One was knocked out so his weapon could be stolen. Another refused to report the visage of the Merry Man because it looked demonic and he feared ridicule. Still, another lost track of his keys while he was (*ahem*) entertaining a female guest.
What’s striking about this issue, only the second in the series, is how faithfully the narrative adheres to a well-constructed detective drama. All that’s missing are empty Styrofoam cups of coffee on the interrogation table and a rousing display of good cop/bad cop.
How Does It End?
None of the guards are willingly complicit, family comes first, and the Sheriff both succeeds and fails in his task.
Final Thoughts
NOTTINGHAM #2, available from Mad Cave Studios on April 7th, 2021, takes another step towards solidifying the Sheriff of Nottingham as one of the great detectives of his time. The art is grim and edgy, and the storytelling rivals some of the best detective dramas out right now.
Score: 9/10
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