With this being the start of a new volume it can open up the opportunity for new readers to jump aboard. No doubt a major reason this has a number one attached to it rather than issue number six. As new beginnings go this does follow through with that number one branding by being an easy place to start without feeling lost or confused. Part of that is due to the limited story in this issue and another major component is the opening narration that serves two major functions. For one it provides context for where we are in the story. At the same time, it operates as a showcasing of the major divide between Kelthan and King Eramad. How Eramad feels betrayed over the actions of Kelthan, while Kelthan clearly feels he made the right decision to not kill the supposed beast of Dire beast once they discovered who it really was.Â
Storywise this was establishing the foundation of where this new arc will be heading. There is a lot of promise with the dilemma between Eramad and Kelthan as both are clearly conflicted with what has occurred. Their story is not one of clear good and evil but how our ideals drive our actions. Eramad feels his commands are based on the demands of the Lion God where Kelthan sees the world through a more complex lens. Making stakes even higher is the fact that Valadar is making his way through the lands of Greenspyre taking at those who oppose him with extreme vengeance. Clearly, if the Valderia has any chance of standing up to his forces the Battlecats need to past this ultimate trial.
Overall this does an effective job of whetting the appetite for what is on the way, like an overextended trailer with an actual story structure. So far it is staying in line with the tropes of the fantasy genre, which is not to say it does not have room to go off in unexpected directions. For now, the direction was to create as much action as possible as the this gladiator-style battle dominated the issue. The action was fast-paced, inventive, and plainly just fun to read. It did serve as an opportunity to showcase how the Battlecats team functions, especially how Kelthan leads his team to systematically take out a threat. Plus the ”˜furball“ special using Mekkar was a nice touch in kicking off this clash.
Artwise Michael Camelo has one hell of a challenge. Drawing animals is no easy feat, and drawing anthropomorphic cats that exist during Medieval times in a way that makes sense but also can have these characters have some form of dramatic authority seems pretty much impossible. To Camelo“s credit he makes it work. Each major character feels distinctive in both look, style, and motion. Someone like Vaela flies through the air with beauty and grace while Zorien lays in blows with major weight and force. Camelo“s panel layouts are effective and flow from moment to moment quite well. With this being a heavy action issue there are a lot of use larger panels to keep that pace moving. If there was one take away it is how the scale of these characters is not always consistent. The size of the beast they are facing does seem to vary from moment to moment to a distracting degree.
Colorist Tekino deserves a special shout out as well. The color palette that was chosen is bold and bright. As the book opens there he fills the page with this blue sheen that has a bit of a calming effect only to drastically shift to red as the action kicks into high gear. It is a common trick but still works well when effectively executed. They also help to add some texture to Camelo“s art as well. Somehow the art is able to make you forget these are giant cats yet at the same time not diminish that novelty.
Overall Thoughts:
Battlecats starts off its second volume on a good note with an issue that begins the build for the next major arc. This manages to be a welcome jumping on point for new readers without feeling like a redundant retread of what came before. Part of that was due to the limit narrative design, but at least made for a fun issue that gets the story moving in a new direction. If this can build upon the key character dynamics that are being established it will be much more than your common fantasy story in new cat-like clothing.
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Writer: Mark London
Artist: Michael Camelo
Colorist: Tekino
Letterer: Miguel Angel Zapata
Battlecats #1 Vol 2 will be in stores May, 29th 2019. Diamond Order Code: MAR191881
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- A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.
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