Review: By The Horns #1 (of 6)

I see a lot of books as part of my role here at Crusaders. I don’t think that I have ever seen a more saddening splash page in my life, though I am sure that there is a good reason. Taking a step back from the splash, on first glance is this book trying to court the the Zenescope crowd?

In the village of Wayfarer there is a Luke Skywalker type of character, called Elodie who shares Luke’s distaste for farming. Instead, Elodie has a hatred of unicorns after her husband was trampled by them. Of course, things don’t always go as planned. With no community spirit, the powers that be have no choice to send Elodie on her way only to return when her quest is sated. But in doing so, Elodie and her companion Sajen may come across something more dangerous than unicorns!

This book is written by Markisan Naso, a writer that I lost saw on Voracious, five years ago! Naso writes in way that expects the reader to keep up; for the most part nothing is over explained, especially when it comes to Elodie. Things take an expositional turn for the worse when Elodie visits the next town over. I am not sure why the change of pace but it is kind of jarring to story that started off in pacy kind of way. The dialogue has a fun element to it, there does seem to be a focus on food throughout. The conversations carry a level of concern and care for Elodie which goes some way to validate her as the main protagonist in the book.

The art is supplied by Naso’s Voracious partner in crime Jason Muhr, an artist that has also spent time on Zenescope. Here, Muhr delivers an nice easy going form that is easy going. Previously I have said that Muhr style was a nice change of pace. Looking a this book, I am still happy with this assessment. There is a good level of detail in any number of pages and facial elements work well. Also consider the emotional impact of the opening splash page and you have an artist that comfortable with the trope and in the impact of his art. Muhr also provides the letters which will have come in handy during the shop scene that kicks off the third act of the book. Finally, colors are provided by Andrei Tabacaru who does well with the different environs; it must be hard giving towns and villages different aesthetics.

I have said many times, that Scout Comics have a diverse portfolio of comics, taking on the fantasy trope therefore is right up their cobbled street. Fans of Grimm Fairy Tales may enjoy a simpler looking book that actually feels the weight of trying to rid personal demons in order to bring someone back.

Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars

Overall – 3.5 Stars

Written by; Markisan Naso
Art & Letters by; Jason Muhr
Colors by; Andrei Tabacaru
Published by; Scout Comics

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network