Sometimes you just need to read some fun genre fiction, and Barbaric is just that. The star of this fantasy series, Owen the barbarian, starts out as a typical ruffian, drinking, fighting, and enjoying all sorts of carnal desires. However, he runs afoul of a trio of witches who curse him to only do good for the rest of his life, saddling him with an enchanted, talking axe (named Axe, of course) who constantly craves the blood of evil-doers. Together this terrible duo has a streak of misadventures, applying justice in their own warped way, with Axe constantly yakking Owen's ears off.
As their journeys continue, they pick up a motley assortment of allies and rack up quite the body count. What I loved about this book is how weird it is, with Axe explaining its strange sense of justice that determines just who is and isn't worthy of slaying. And there is also witty wordplay that complements the gore and nudity, making this book into a fun, engaging adventure. What is more, there are three subsequent volumes as well as some related series, which I have also read and enjoyed. So if this book is to your liking, you have more in store.
This book was written by Michael Moreci, drawn by Nathan Gooden, colored by Addison Duke, and lettered by Jim Campbell. Moreci is a screenwriter and author known for his comics series The Plot and Wasted Space as well as the movie Revealer. Gooden is a co-founder of Vault Comics and is involved in developing a number of series, including Post Malone's Big Rig. Duke began his career as a production artist, and Campbell has lettered a good number of comics, including The Great British Bump-Off. Moreci speaks about his work on the development of the series in this interview.
Certainly, this series has a specific audience, and the reviews I have read about it have been positive. Brad Gullickson penned the memorable line, "If Gooden's art does not belong in a museum it sure as hell belongs on the side of a van." Matt wrote, "The prudish will not approve, but fans of dark fantasy will love it and eagerly anticipate Barbaric, vol. 2."
Barbaric Book One was published by Vault Comics, and they offer a preview and more information about the series here. This book contains profanity, gore, nudity, violence, and is suggested for adult readers.
