REVIEW: Cruel Kingdom #2

“A twisted anthology blending medieval fantasy with eerie mysteries, but does it deliver on all fronts? Let’s dive in.”

Cruel Kingdom #2 is an anthology comic that delivers three distinct fantasy-driven tales, each with its unique tone and narrative approach. The first story, “A Rare Immunity,” blends a mysterious curse with a fable-like structure. Its strength lies in the atmospheric buildup and a well-executed twist ending. While the narrative is short and sweet, the character designs feel a bit uninspired, and some of the poses come across as stiff. However, the prose-like narration towards the conclusion adds a charming, bedtime-story quality that enhances the mood.

The second story, “Hammer of Witches,” offers a more realistic tone, leaning into darker themes of betrayal and power. While the pacing is brisk and engaging, the plot stumbles with some questionable character motivations. The protagonist’s decisions feel inconsistent, leading to an ending that lacks the impact it aims for. Despite these narrative flaws, the reveal of the red-haired witch is visually striking and a highlight of the story.

The final story, “The Seat of Power,” merges the best elements of the previous tales. With stronger character designs, better environments, and a cohesive visual style, it tells a compelling story of political intrigue between two brothers. The chess motif subtly underscores the narrative, leading to a satisfying, if somewhat predictable, twist. Personally I would have enjoyed it more if the story ended in a Lovecraftian fashion instead of the mild the king is “just a figurehead” idea.

The cover art reflects the classic EC Comics style but struggles to align with the interior artwork. While the primary cover is visually striking with its “city on a skull” imagery, the EC banner art clashes with the traditional aesthetic. The blue alternate cover, on the other hand, fits better with the branding but suggests a different tone. The third cover, more cartoony in style, works better with the banner but raises questions about whether this is an anthology book—which it is.

Inside, the art varies across the three stories. “A Rare Immunity” embraces a heavy-ink style reminiscent of Sergio Aragones, with rich textures and bold cell shading. “Hammer of Witches” shifts to a more realistic approach with refined anatomy and dynamic character designs, though its backgrounds feel underdeveloped. “The Seat of Power” strikes a balance between the two, offering polished figures, interesting compositions, and the most cohesive visual presentation of the three.

The credit pages, while easy on the eyes, are overcomplicated. Three separate credit pages disrupt the reading flow and feel excessive, especially with the addition of an extra EC Comics logo page.

The lettering across all three stories is solid. Word balloons are well-placed and easy to follow, enhancing the readability without distracting from the artwork. The font choice complements each art style effectively, particularly in “A Rare Immunity,” where textured narration boxes mimic a hand-drawn aesthetic. Sound effects are used sparingly but effectively, adding emphasis without overwhelming the panels.

Overall, Cruel Kingdom #2 is a mixed bag. While the anthology format allows for creative variety, the inconsistent quality between stories holds it back. The writing, while enjoyable in parts, lacks depth in critical moments. The art shines brightest in the third story, blending the strengths of the previous two, but the cover art inconsistencies and cluttered credit pages are distracting. Despite these flaws, the strong coloring and eerie atmosphere make it a worthwhile read for fans of dark fantasy.

Cruel Kingdom #2 is ideal for readers who enjoy anthology-style storytelling with a macabre twist. While the writing falls short of greatness, the striking art and atmospheric coloring make it a visually compelling experience. If you’re a fan of EC Comics’ classic aesthetic or enjoy medieval fantasy with a dark edge, it’s worth picking up—but temper your expectations.

Writing: 2 Stars
Art: 3 Stars
Colors: 5 Stars

Overall: 3.5 Stars

Script by: Chris Condon, Cameron Chittock, Steve Niles
Illustrated by: PJ Holden, David Lapham, Andrea Mutti
Coloring by: Michelle Madsen, Nick Filardi, Michael Atiyeh
Lettering by: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
Cover Art by: Adam Pollina
Variant Covers by: Tom Fowler, Bill Crabtree, Jay Stephens, Rian Hughes
Published by: EC Comics

Reviewed by Antonio “Mabs”