REVIEW: 'Autumn Kingdom' #1 by Cullen Bunn, Christopher Mitten, and Francesco Segala

 

Autumn Kingdom #1

Writer: Cullen Bunn

Artist: Christopher Mitten, Francesco Segala

Color Flatting: Sabrina Del Grosso

Letters: Taylor Esposito

Publisher: Oni Press

Release Date: September 4, 2024

Cover Price: $4.99

In the borderlands between imagination and reality, horror and fantasy, master storyteller Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun, Harrow County) and visionary artist Christopher Mitten (Hellboy & the B.P.R.D.) begin one family's labyrinthine descent through a perilous forest where the local folklore is anything but a myth . . .

Bestselling author Andrew Kier found the perfect place to finish his latest dark-fantasy novel-an idyllic, remote cabin on the edge of a lush Swedish forest. His young daughters, Sommer and Winter, gleefully explore . . . until they happen upon a strange clearing of ancient statues: goblins, dwarves, elves, and a warrior queen mysteriously missing her swordhand and weapon. When something sinister follows the girls home and viciously snatches their parents in the night, the sisters' only hope may be that ancient relic, lost in the forest underbrush, waiting for a new champion to take it up . . 

Score:

★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

Sometimes familiar stories can take on a fresh approach by simply the execution of a talented veteran writer. Cullen Bunn is that writer and this fantasy within a fantasy 'The August Kingdom' is one of the most captivating and irresistible first issues of the year. Even if you know where the story is headed, Bunn's direction and artists Christopher Mitten and Francesco Segala's inspired illustrations elevate the material. 

The story opens with an eloquently written fantasy, evidenced by Taylor Esposito's elegant font in the captions. On its own, it is a thrilling sequence of action involving a sister versus sister for the heart of the realm. But it's merely an excerpt of a work in progress being read aloud by one of the two daughters of bestselling author Andrew Kier. To find inspiration to finish his latest dark fantasy, he takes the family to a quaint secluded cabin in the Swedish forest. Of course, everything is not as it seems, and if the garden of ancient statues depicting goblins, elves, dwarves, and a warrior queen didn't give it away the family was in for more than they expected. Soon, fantasy turns to reality and the sisters are forced to defend their family against some malevolent forces. 

The fact that it's two fantasies in one opening chapter isn't the selling point. The fact that the fantasy writer's family falls victim to fantastical forces isn't what makes it special. What makes 'August Kingdom' special is that every aspect of the story is riveting. It doesn't matter if you can see the twist coming it's that it's all-enveloping, and you'll be drawn in regardless. There's the compelling story from the book that sucks you in, then the charming family dynamics, the disarming beauty of the Swedish location, until it all gets turned upside down in one very dramatic way. It's all executed to perfection in one stunning debut issue. 

Christopher Mitten and Francesco Segala provide such creativity and contrast from one fantasy depiction to another. The opening sequence is exciting and cinematic featuring swordplay and oncoming hordes. 

'The August Kingdom' is an instant hit that takes readers on a combative fantasy journey that's absorbing, compelling, and wildly imaginative. A near-flawless first issue that sets the stage for some grand spectacle and rousing adventure.