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REVIEW: Crusader #1
3.2/5.0 Stars
Rating if the Book Were a Movie: PG13 – R
Creative Team
Writer: Matt Emmons
Art: Matt Emmons
Colors: Matt Emmons
Letters: Andriy Lukin
Cover: Michael Walsh
Editor: James B. Emmett
Publisher: Mad Cave
Ratings
Story: 3.4 Stars
Interior Artwork: 3.3 Stars
Cover Artwork: 3.3 Stars
Dialogue: 3.2 Stars
Mechanics: 3.0 Stars
Editing: 3.0 Stars
About the Book:
When a 13th century Templar Knight, defending the Holy land suddenly comes across a satanic ritual in progress. He is transported through a portal brought on by the ritual itself. To a new land that is known as The Beastlands.
Reviewers Notes:
The story itself starts off in the modern day world of the 13th century, and while chasing what he thinks is an enemy, he hears a cry for help, which leads him into a cave and tunnel. Discovering a ritual that will eventually send him to what is known as the Beastlands
Once the portal opens back up he is then attacked by the enemies he appears next to, saving their prisoner in the process. I think that there is a lot of potential here, as it reminds me of a few books involving the world of Amber, as well as Dungeons and Dragons itself.
The adventures the main character can go on in this new found land, is sure to strike the interest of anyone who likes fantasy and can see the potential of the series, as well as the ideas it will inspire in the gaming world.
The cover art itself shows the titular hero in an attack position, apparently having laid waste to a foe. But then showing a planet with two moons in orbit, clearly indicating that he is not in Kansas anymore. That said it looks a little gorey with the dripping blood, and therefore may not be suitable for all ages. Nonetheless it is a striking cover ment to get attention, and it worked for me.
The interior artwork is well done and shows great detail, but reminds me of the Rankin/Bass cartoon film “The Hobbit” as the good Lord of the Rings cartoon film that followed. It reveals enough without making it obnoxious, but is gorey during the combat panels, and like the cover is not for the faint of heart. But it does not distract from the story either. Showing just enough to make a point, but not over do it in the process.
This story not only has the potential to inspire the imagination, but I think it would inspire many tabletop games as well!
As your curator of the Historical Documents of the Imagination I hope you enjoyed your visit! If you enjoyed my review of this story please support the creators of this story!
May the historical documents of the imagination always inspire! Thanks for reading!
