REVIEW: Eternal Warrior: Days of Steel #3

Story: Peter Milligan ( @PeterMilligan)
Art: Cary Nord ( @carynord)
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Colors: Brian Reber (@ReberVision)
Publisher: Valiant Entertainment (@ValiantComics)
Release Date: January 7, 2015

Sometimes the greatest warrior in a battle never logs a single kill. In a way that is both lofty but not exactly self-righteous, Eternal Warrior: Days of Steel #3 explores the idea that the pen (metaphorical as it may be) is indeed mightier than the sword.

Gilad Anni-Padda, forever the retainer of the mysterious Geomancer, finds himself entrusted with ensuring that a medieval savior-type fulfills his predestined role. There’s only one problem; the Eternal Warrior isn’t sure that he’s decided to protect and train the right boy for the job.

EW: DOS #3 is an evenly paced story, that further expounds on the history of the most wizened and battle-hardened member of the Unity team. The story is told from Anni-Padda’s perspective, complete with centuries’ worth of experience. We’re always very aware of him, and mostly his doubts, throughout the tale. The technique gives a more complete picture of the immortal fighter and continues to cement his legacy as one of Valiant’s most intriguing characters to date.

There are some instances of awareness that betray contemporary sensibilities, but given that the story is being told in hindsight, that’s probably to be expected. That said, nothing is revealed in haste and the story develops in increments. The fact that the EW’s charge seems to be anything but a fighter and someone who really wants no part of battle, makes the narrative even more interesting. Ultimately the need to see how Falk, the previously mentioned savior, will perform in his duties is what keeps us turning the pages.

The art is what we’ve come to expect from Nord; refined and professional, but appropriately expressive in action sequences. As this story focuses more on the motivations that persuade an oppressed people to fight off said oppression, as opposed to the the fighting itself, the action is, understandably, a bit light for an Eternal Warrior book.

The story of Falk the minstrel is, if nothing else, thought-provoking and explores an aspect of the messiah/martyr trope that is often ignored in comics.

[yasr_overall_rating]

By: A.C.

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Adam Cadmon

Adam Cadmon is the pen name for a man who has been writing for a few years. Heâ€™s done his share of straight-laced writing, college press, blogging, some other not very glamorous technical writing to keep the bills paid. Itadakimasu.