Posted in: Comics, IDW, Review | Tagged: fantasy, gabriel rodriguez, idw publishing, Lovern Kindzierski, sci-fi, sword of ages

Sword of Ages #3 Review: Dense, Wordy, yet Absorbing Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Avalon has attained her new weapon and returns with it and her erstwhile companions. Meanwhile, the Red Clan challenges the White Monks to another duel. Merlin suspects a trap, but Huss accepts the challenge regardless, relying on his faith and the belief that the leader of the Red Clan will not dishonor the ritual.

Sword of Ages carries an impressively dense story and uses a lot of ink in its attempts to convey its numerous ideas. It's a lot to take on and not easy to immerse one's self within.

And yet, I found myself getting into it regardless. This was my first issue; it took me a minute to discern all the moving parts, factions, and characters. When I parceled it all out, there was a lot to enjoy. Avalon, Huss, and Merlin are all solid characters. They may not be the most original, but the weaving narrative they find themselves inside puts them in interesting positions where they must clash with betrayers, barbarians, and zealots.

I am inclined to reiterate how dense and wordy this comic is. It's not for everyone. You need to be ready for some hardcore sci-fi/fantasy fair. You must be ready for people and places with multisyllabic names that sounds like people gagging on potato chips. I'm not claiming that it's for some super-intellectual; this isn't Rick and Morty, and I'm not that kind of neckbeard. You just have to be steeled for a very specific kind of story.

Gabriel Rodriguez's artwork is as intricate and deep as his writing. The world is highly detailed, and each faction has its own unique styles and aesthetics which set them apart from one another. The ogre-like Red Clan have a distinct and unique visual design. Avalon's armor sets her apart from other women in the swords-and-sorcery genre. Lovern Kindzierski's color art is well-balanced and absorbing to boot.

Sword of Ages #3 isn't the most brilliant fantasy tale, but it is unique and absorbing nonetheless. It's wordy and dense, but the world it brings to life is easy to get lost within. I can easily recommend it, and you should feel free to check it out.

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