RUNES #2 – Review

In RUNES #2, available from Source Point Press on August 25th, 2021, tragedies from the past reveal how the Northman was banished from his home, and the town’s leader considers her next move with the imprisoned Northman.

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The Details

• Written By: Ivan Lacitignola
• Art By: Francesco Iaquinta
• Colors By: Alessia Teruggi, Ivan Lacitignola
• Letters By: Alessia Teruggi, Ivan Lacitignola
• Cover Art By: Francesco Iaquinta
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Release Date: August 25, 2021

Was It Good?

Yes, it’s very good.

In the first issue of this series, we’re introduced to the enigmatic and brutal Northman, washed ashore after a prison shipwreck. Rather than focus on what happens next, this issue gives readers tons of backstory to fill in the truth of the murder, the character development of Iona, the leader currently holding the Northman prisoner, and the trouble that’s befallen the Northman’s home since he was banished.

Don’t let the above description fool you into thinking this story is a lot of tedious talking and exposition. It’s not. Iona’s ascension to town leader is shown in a poignant way that demonstrates she carries the burden of leadership with grim determination. The Northman, Arnar, is shown to be more than a mere berserker who kills without thought. And the new leadership of Arnar’s home quickly establishes himself as a villain you love to hate, building anticipation for Arnar to exact his revenge.

What I like most about this issue is how there’s very little progress on the main plot because it establishes itself as a collection of flashbacks in three different plot threads, but this in no way feels like a filler issue. You get a lot of story, gobs of character motivation, and a clear sense of where you want the story to go. That doesn’t mean the story is predictable. It means the battle lines are drawn, and you can feel yourself picking sides to prepare for the fight to come.

Regarding the art, Iaquinta’s gritty style complements the atmosphere of the story, and this issue adds more examples of expressive faces and character acting. The first issue focused on the Northman, who’s as grim and as stoic as you could imagine, but now, weaving in other characters with much more expressive personalities allows Iaquinta to show off some acting talent, and it helps set the characters apart with distinctive personalities.

Despite the lack of plot movement, this issue has tons of story, character development, and world-building art.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

To get the lay of the land, first read our RUNES #1 review right here.

We begin with a flashback one year ago where Iona and her father, the town leader, are discussing her future as his eventual replacement. Suddenly, the pair are attacked by a small squad of undead soldiers. Iona survives, but her father does not.

Now, Iona interrogates the Northman (Arnar) in his jail cell about why’s he’s on their land. As he explains the reason for his exile, Iona is skeptical about his story and is determined to find out if he’s a scout for a pending invasion.

Two months earlier in Arnar’s village, Jondal, the interim leader, Fjorn, announces plans to invade adjoining towns for more reach and power. The council and attendees believe his pronouncement is greedy and reckless. Suddenly, Tuva, Arnar’s mother, interrupts the meeting to demand the truth of Arnar’s exile. In a flashback within a flashback, we see the truth of the murder and who’s truly responsible.

We conclude the issue with the three main players — Iona, Arnar, and Fjorn — planning their next move.

Final Thoughts

RUNES #2 pauses on the lone, stoic warrior motif to fill in character- and world-building backstory, bringing depth and motivation to the key players. The gritty art complements the setting and adds in some fine acting to set each character apart as unique individuals. This is a strongly recommended read.

Score: 9/10