REVIEW: 'Barbaric' #1 by Michael Moreci, Nathan Gooden, and Addison Duke

Everything you want in a sword and sorcery book is right here. A barbarian cursed by witches to do good. An enchanted talking ax that steers his moral compass and talks smack. Let the adventure begin!

BARBARIC #1

Writer: Michael Moreci

Artist: Nathan Gooden, Addison Duke

Letterer: Jim Campbell

Publisher: Vault Comics

Release Date: June 30, 2021

Cover Price: $3.99

Owen the Barbarian has been cursed to do good with what remains of his life. His bloodthirsty weapon, Axe, has become his moral compass with a drinking problem. Together they wander the realm, foredoomed to help any who seek assistance. But there is one thing Owen hates more than a life with rules: Witches.

Welcome to the skull-cracking, blood-splattering, mayhem-loving comic brave enough to ask: How can a man sworn to do good do so much violence? Hah! F***ing with you. It's just...BARBARIC.

Score:

★★★★★ (5/5)

Michael Moreci has made a success of putting his own spin on well-worn genres like horror (The Plot),  adventure (Wasted Space), and drama (Roche Limit). It may be the genre of sword-and-sorcery fantasy that gives him his biggest success to date. 'Barbaric' is a rousing, acerbic, funny, bloody, adventure that is thoroughly entertaining. He takes a more modern meta approach of a cursed barbarian forced to do the right thing by his enchanted talking ax. Yes, a sarcastic talking ax. 

The reluctant do-gooder is forced to help people and fight injustice whether he wants to or not and his grumpy demeanor is the perfect amalgamation of Conan the Barbarian, Han Solo, and Ash Williams. The tone is definitely 'Xena'-esque but also has some legitimate fantasy chops. When Owen the Barbarian wields that ax, it's a beautifully choreographed bloodfest courtesy of artists Nathan Gooden and Addison Duke. The only thing funny about Owen disemboweling someone is that the ax gets drunk off the blood. 

The flashback when we learn how Owen became cursed is also gorgeously detailed and designed. It has a different tone, more eloquent and serious, underlining the life-altering choice Owen is given. The sight of hell is one of the most luscious panels in a comic book ever. Yes, there's a lot of humor and sarcasm in the issue but there's also a level of craftsmanship that's evident on every page. From the attention to detail even in the background of a busy tavern to the tattoos on Soren the witch's body to the varied lettering by Jim Campbell, everything is thoughtfully constructed. 

Our early look at 'Barbaric' made it clear it was one of 2021's best new series. The hype as they say is real. This stunning debut blends adventurous fun fantasy elements with artistry that elevates it to the top of the medium. 'Barbaric' is irresistibly fun. This will be your new comic book obsession.