In RUNES #4, available from Source Point Press on October 27th, 2021, the Northman and Iona agree to work together to stop Morag the witch. Should the Northman have chosen execution instead?
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: October 27, 2021
Wait! Don’t Forget To Sign Up For The Comical Opinions Newsletter.
It’s 100% FREE. Sign up NOW!
Was It Good?
It was okay. This is not the strongest issue in the series, which is not bad considering how strong the series has been as a whole, but there are some weaknesses in this issue on two fronts.
First, this is the ending of a very impressive story and it feels a little rushed. The final conflict with Morag ends very quickly, Iona’s fate is left unresolved, and there’s no clarity around the Northman’s homeland. Those last two plot points are never addressed, and if this is indeed the last issue, they never will be. That’s a bit of a bummer because the beginnings of the arc had so much story to tell and so much potential left on the table.
To be fair, what we do get is a proper battle against all manner of monsters and otherworldly creatures, but they start and finish much too quickly to be savored and enjoyed. I liked this issue and the series in total, but this is one of the rarer examples of a series needing an extra issue or two to let the story unfold fully.
The second weakness is in the art. Up to now, the artists used a rough brushed painting style to echo the ancient paintings of the period. That style gave the story an added layer of authenticity and enhanced the setting. However, this issue looks a little rushed with inks that look like they were scribbled in with a Sharpie marker. Rough sketchiness with linework can be effective but going too loose is a bad thing, and it definitely looks too loose in this issue.
It’s unknown what went on behind the scenes, but this last issue looks rushed and hurried. It’s a weak ending to an otherwise captivating series.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
To remind yourself how the bargain between Iona and Arnar was struck, first read out RUNES #3 review.
We begin with Arnar the Northman training the meager soldiers of Fearn to march on the offensive against Morag and her magical forces. Arnar is an expert trainer but he doubts how well the soldiers will do with little training and less time.
Before the unprepared army of Fearn can march out to battle, Morag brings the fight to Fearn’s gates with her undead army. The fighting is fierce, Iona is badly injured, but Arnar gets close enough to inflict a serious blow on Morag, causing her to flee.
Later, Iona is bed-ridden but argues the fight must continue now that Morag is back on her heels. It’s then she reveals Morag is also her sister. Arnar takes a small squad with fast horses out to meet Morag at her lair. We conclude the issue with a battle that results in casualties on both sides, Morag’s summoning of a very large ally, and a re-enactment of Voluspa 52, verse 4
Final Thoughts
RUNES #4 is a somewhat serviceable ending to an otherwise stellar series. The setup is interesting, the characters are unique, and I want to know more about this world. Unfortunately, both the story and art look rushed through to wrap things up too quickly. This series needed another issue or two to realize its full potential.
Score: 7/10
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com