NOTTINGHAM #7, from Mad Cave Studios on May 11th, 2022, takes a leisurely cruise to Rome (not really) when murder calls the Sheriff into action. Meanwhile, Marian makes big moves to seemingly start a civil war.
The Details
- Written By: David Hazan
- Art By: Shane Connery Volk
- Colors By: Luca Romano
- Letters By: Justin Birch
- Cover Art By: Shane Connery Volk
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: May 11, 2022
Was It Good?
NOTTINGHAM #7 does something interesting that few comics do well, and almost none do as well as it’s done here. Hazan split the story into two plots, and the B plot is as interesting, if not more, than the main plot.
When last we left the Sherriff, he made the unprecedented move of forming a tenuous alliance with Hood and the Merry Men with the shared goal of rescuing King Richard from captivity in Rome. Now, tensions rise when one of the Hood’s men is found murdered. This is a “that’s the last thing we need” type of development that’s tailormade for tension, suspicion, and paranoia serving as a powder keg for the truce to explode on a small ship. Hazan lays the mistrust on thick, and the white-knuckle tension is palpable.
Meanwhile, we saw in the last issue how Marian chose to take the opportunity and manipulate everyone who stayed behind to follow her lead for something much bigger. Hazan creates a scheming, malicious character in Marian, and this issue proves she doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty to meet her objectives. Marian is quickly becoming the worst villain of the series, and the person you love to hate.
This all works because Hazan piles on gripping emotion through Marian’s malignant machinations, Blackthorne’s righteous anger, and Hood’s almost cavalier cruelty. There are no flawless heroes here, and it’s a joy to wonder what will happen next.
As noted in the previous issue’s review, Volk and Romano put their best foot forward in this series with cleaner, tighter linework and outstanding coloring.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
If you don’t recall how Hood and Blackthorne formed their alliance, first read our NOTTINGHAM #6 review.
We begin with Blackthorne and Hood having a “friendly” chat onboard a ship headed for Rome to rescue King Richard. During their fight, we learn more about Blackthorne’s return from the Crusades and how he and Hood have similar ideals with different methods and priorities. Suddenly, a row is heard from below, and the two discover one of Hood’s men was murdered. Before the accusations fly and bloodshed continues, Hood agrees to a truce for Blackthorne to detect the killer’s identity.
Meanwhile, Marian uses her newfound influence over the Merry Men remaining in England to lead a massacre against the leaders of several noble houses. She plays on the Merry Men’s frustration and impatience to goad them to cross lines Hood would never allow.
Back onboard, Blackthorne figures out the murder was committed with a special knife. They search the ship and passengers, only to find the knife-wielder is not anyone they would have suspected. We conclude the issue with an act of mercy, a priestly visit, and memories of bloodshed.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
NOTTINGHAM #7 is a top-notch issue that pulls off a minor miracle by making the B plot just as interesting as the A plot. The writing is tight and gripping with every page turn, and the art team is turning in some of their best work.
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