In NOTTINGHAM #3, available from Mad Cave Studios on May 12th, 2021, Sheriff Blackthorne is in hot pursuit of one of the Merry Men taking sanctuary in a nearby Abbey.
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: May 12, 2021
Was It Good?
Yes, with a little bit extra. Up to this point in the series, readers have largely been introduced the characters in this alt-version of Robin Hood. This issue introduces a very specific event in the legend towards the end that shows the story is on a parallel track to the source material with its own unique spin.
The art is still maintained with its own unique grim noir style that suits the tone of the story well.
Special props go to Joamette Gil for the exceptional lettering in this issue. One aspect of this issue is a narration thread from one of the characters, written in cursive, and displayed in a caption box that looks like dogeared parchment. Yet, not once was it difficult to read or did it slow down the pace of the story. That’s excellent lettering.
Take a peek for yourself in this NOTTINGHAM #3 preview.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
Sheriff Blackthorne is pursuing one of the Merry Men, Alan Dale, through the woods. The dogs lead the hunters to Kirklee’s Abbey where Dale has requested sanctuary from the monks. Before Blackthorne gets past the tree line, he’s confronted by the Abbey’s order, lead by Friar Tuck.
Read our Nottingham #2 review to get caught up and see what other Merry Men Blackthorne has encountered.
Friar Tuck orders Blackthorne back as Dale is under church protection now. Not only is Blackthorne undeterred by the Friar’s command, but he recognizes Tuck from an encounter years ago.
Long before he was Sheriff, Blackthorne remembers a night where he got into a bar brawl with a pair of men giving a young woman a hard time. During the fight, Blackthorne fatally injures one of the men. Before the man dies, Blackthorne runs to the nearest church to request sanctuary for the accidental killing.
The holy man on duty, a younger Friar Tuck, was certain sanctuary wouldn’t stop a mob and sends Blackthorne to seek refuge on a ship headed for the Holy Land. The crusades need good fighters, and Tuck believed that was a better course for Blackthorne.
Unfortunately, Tuck’s guidance is what sent Blackthorne into the years of war, bloodshed, and pain that made him the hardened, cynical man he is today. If Tuck had protected Blackthorne then as he protects Dale, a Merry Man, now, Blackthorne believes he would have been spared so much misery.
Friar Tuck and his order are not pacifists, and they begin a brawl in the woods to prevent the taking of Alan Dale. Before the fight can be decided, an unsettling noise can be heard from the Abbey, and Tuck and Blackthorne call a temporary truce to investigate.
Meanwhile, Marian rides out into the woods to inform Robin and the Merry Men of an event coming up that will have many rewards for anyone wishing to participate.
How Does It End?
Alan Dale goes to an extreme to protect the ones he cares for. Tuck and Blackthorne now share a secret for the best interests of all involved. “…The Less She Knows, The Better.”
Final Thoughts
NOTTINGHAM #3, available from Mad Cave Studios on May 12th, 2021, is filled with grim, gritty, noir art. The story seamlessly interweaves multiple threads that build out the complex characters and ends in a heartbreaking and satisfying way. Plus, a cool reveal at the end builds excitement for the next issue.
Score: 8.5/10
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