THE SACRIFICERS #11, by Image Comics on 8/28/24, concludes the second arc when King Rokos sends out an ultimatum to find his missing daughter, creating devastating pain for Harlos’s mortals.
Credits:
- Writer: Rick Remender
- Artist: André Lima Araújo
- Colorist: Dave McCaig
- Letterer: Rus Wooton
- Cover Artist: André Lima Araújo, Dave McCaig
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: August 28, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of THE SACRIFICERS #11:
First Impressions:
Writer Rick Remender brings the second arc of his tragic fantasy tale to a close with a plot that sends the world spiraling out of control as the key players move toward a fateful confrontation. Admittedly, the arc ends on a relatively soft cliffhanger, but the curiosity for what comes next is high.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left the world of the Pigeon and Soluna in The Sacrificers #10, Soluna experienced the harsh realities of being almost mortal, without support or resources. When she entered a town looking for rest and good, she was rejected utterly. During a fitful night of rest in a hidden spot, the dark entity inside her slithered out to unleash a devastating plague upon the town.
In The Sacrificers #11, we begin with a visit to Lord Kronious after he receives the bad news that his wife was killed in the mass flood at Aquatica. Kronious is further distressed to learn that his wife is where the Lord didn’t expect her to be because she was spending time with Lord Aquatica… privately.
The prologue introduces a new kingdom and concepts well enough, but the big draw of Rick Remender’s prologue sets up the increased probability of infighting among the gods. King Rokos already has his hands full, with Luna absconding from her duties and his daughter missing, but an all-out war will likely be too much to control.
Later, the Foreman receives an agitated call from King Rokos, asking for an update on the search for his daughter. Foreman delivers the bad news that the King’s daughter is still missing. Frustrated, the King orders his armies to take a new round of Sacrificers, believing the extra pain will loosen the tongues of the mortals. When the call finishes, Foreman chooses to obey, despite his partner’s protests, because the Foreman needs to find Soluna and kill her before she tells the King what happened.
Although it’s been a few issues since Soluna left her home and had her unpleasant encounter with the Foreman, the preceding scene is a stark reminder that the Foreman is in for a rough time if Soluna ever makes it back to her father. With each successive scene, Remender ratchets up the tension born of anticipation.
Elsewhere, Soluna and the Pigeon family arrive at a refugee camp where Soluna witnesses firsthand the devastation that natural destruction causes for the people. When the Foreman’s soldiers come to collect a new round of Sacrificers, Soluna is forced to make yet another difficult choice.
Overall, The Sacrificers #11 sets up more than it delivers, but the escalating dramatic tension and promise of explosive conflict will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This issue may not be the strongest way to end a volume, but it’s strong enough to keep fans holding on.
Artwork and Presentation:
André Lima Araújo’s detailed, whimsical style continues to impress. First, Araújo’s art is a close complement to the original artist, Max Fiumara, which is high praise. The character acting is first-rate – a must for an emotion-heavy series like this one. And the amount of detail in the coloring from Dave McCaig is mind-blowing.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
“Wait! What? What do you mean this is the end of the second arc?” you might ask. That’s right. You have to root around to find the details, but at the end of the issue, at the very beginning of the letters page, you get the following statement:
“And with that, we have the end of our second story. Some fairly large new complications that are setting the stage for… big events to follow.”
Final Thoughts:
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THE SACRIFICERS #11 brings the second arc to a close with drama stacked on drama stacked on drama when the consequences of Soluna’s disappearance bear painful fruit. Rick Remender taps into heartbreaking emotion with this tragic fantasy, and the art team’s presentation looks fantastic.
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