Review: Once & Future #15

Let us face facts. the reason why Once & Future is so intriguing is because movie-goers have grown tired of the many boring overwhelmingly male blockbuster, laden with grotesque chauvinism adaptations. But Once and Future takes place in modern times, borrowing from the Holy Grail and though most of the stories surrounding King Arthur focus on two characters: Arthur, Merlin, Lancelot, or Guinevere; they are not so central to the plot that there was no room for other colorful stories.
In the previous issue of Once & Future #14, the story takes a turn and begins to intersect the story of Gawain and the Green Knight. The Green Knight issued a challenge to the round table that to strike him with his axe, if he will take a return blow in a year and a day. In this case Rose has accepted the challenge and now will have to wait a year to see what happens.

In the current issue of Once & Future #15, the story intersects with the story of Lancelot and Lady Elaine. Rose meets a character from Duncan’s past. One of the Most famous nights of the Round Table makes his appearance. New players are introduced raising the stakes for everyone involved.

I am still shocked that story has not garnered more respect outside the comic book readers. How can you not love Once and Future? It continues to tap into the myths and medieval romances, that are structured around a code of honor, conducted by flawed characters leading to misguided macho displays of chivalry, that often come back to haunt people. Leading to classic stories, from whom we are supposed to learn valuable lessons.

The art was done by Dan Mora, coloring by Tamra Bonvillain. Though I am sure the script didn’t call for it, this issue could have benefited from the more graphical representation of the myths rather than the character telling the readers and then expecting to know or care, about the story they are referencing.

Once & Future 15 will have 3 covers: Cover A, Dan Mora; Cover B 1:10 retailer incentive also by Dan Mora; Cover C, 1:25 retailer incentive Matias Bergara
But still in the lead for garnering the most speculation interest is the Once and Future #1 NYCC Variant, GOLD CROWN, or the One per retailer

SCORE: 3/5

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Dan Mora
Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Publisher: BOOM! Studios