• Barbaric axe to grind #1 cover
    Barbaric Axe to Grind #1
    Writer:
    Michael Moreci
    Artist:
    Nathan Gooden
    Letterer:
    Jim Campbell
    Cover Artist:
    Nathan Gooden
    Publisher:
    Vault Comics
    Price:
    $4.99
    Release Date:
    2022-08-17
    Colorist:
    Addison Duke

The cursed barbarian and his mouthy axe are ready for another action-packed adventure. Written by Michael Moreci, drawn by Nathan Gooden, colored by Addison Duke, and lettered by Jim Campbell, Vault Comics' Barbaric: Axe to Grind #1 takes readers back to the savage and hilarious adventures of Owen and his magical weapon. This time, though, they need to contend with an old foe whose name sends shivers down the spines of even the most fearsome barbarian.

The issue throws readers deep into the middle of the action as Owen, Axe, and Soren help Steel defeat his former vampire lord. After they put down the bloodsuckers, Owen finds out that his old partner in crime, Gladius, is back. He certainly isn't thrilled by the news. The threat of Gladius looms on the horizon, but Owen, Axe, and Soren may not be able to rely on Steel for much assistance.

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Owen talking to Axe in Barbaric Axe to Grind

It's clear as day that Moreci has a lot of fun writing Barbaric: Axe to Grind #1. The action moves along at a galloping speed, but the author never misses the chance to sprinkle humor in with all the blood and guts. Axe, in particular, is the star of the show. The sentient weapon has really hit its stride since Barbaric: The Harvest Blades, proving once again that it deserves its own spinoff series. Every line it spits out is pure gold. The comedy aside, Moreci lays the groundwork for future issues by weaving in Owen's apprehension of facing Gladius, setting up a sense of tension and anticipation for their inevitable collision.

Gooden slides back into the driving seat for Barbaric: Axe to Grind #1. This isn't an easy book to draw, by any means, since there are different settings, a variety of monsters, and complicated action scenes on almost every page. Bit, Gooden makes it look easy -- and like a lot of fun. Each scene in this issue is a testament to the artist's ability to bring this sprawling new world to life.

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Owen speaking to Soren in Barbaric Axe to Grind

Duke's use of color is equally important here, as it makes Gooden's work pop. The colorist doesn't deviate from the approach fans have come to expect from the series, as the book maintains a solid base of warm colors that complement each other. The strength is in the simplicity since it helps to create a distinct and iconic look for the series rather than looking like everything else on the shelf. Campbell also returns to provide the lettering. He understands when to go wild and when to rein it in. The lettering lends itself seamlessly to the tone of the story and the overall style of the book.

There aren't many books about an angry, cursing, and violent barbarian whose partner is a magical, talking axe out there. Even though this isn't our first adventure with Owen, Soren, and Axe, Barbaric: Axe to Grind #1 feels fresh. The book understands exactly what it is meant to be, and wears its badge of outrageousness with unabashed pride.