Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Rob Liefeld
Illustrated by Matt Horak
Coloured by Ross Hughes
Lettered by Chris Eliopolous
The presence of the Ark inside the Philistine capital has created uncertainty and disturbed the foundations of the Temple. General Dekani grows weary of the directives of the High Priest, Kano. Meanwhile, Samuel and his men have successfully penetrated the city and have gathered in the ceremonial depths of the Temple of Dagon as a horrific ritual unfolds…
With each issue of this series I become more and more of a fan. I love the setting in history this takes place in. Historical characters in fictional scenarios are always a delight when done this well. Rob has taken the concept behind the Covenant of the Ark to a place that combines The Italian Job with Mission Impossible and made this a fun, interesting and dynamic read.
Matt’s interiors are really something to witness as well. I mean this first page pin-up type with all that’s going on really sums up the whole of his ability to really capture the mood, moment and action of what’s to happen beautifully.
The power behind the Ark has been speculated at since it was created and to see some of what Rob thinks it’s capable of is fantastic. That Kano has affronted the Hebrew god Jehovah in such a fashion that those in his service are struck down with a strange malady as a result of that affront is just great writing. Matt’s depiction of it is equally as impressive and hits home the mystique behind it.
That Samuel is there to do both a job, recover the Ark, and to rescue Asha seem to split his attention from completing either task. Love can blind one from what needs doing but trusting in himself and his men he knows can accomplish both. It’s this kind of self belief we see from him and the decisions he makes throughout the issue that really strengthen the liking of the character more. He’s a natural born leader unwavering in his faith or conviction. His solutions to the obstacles placed before them keep things interesting and moving in a direction that seems to move him towards being revered as a hero though i’ll wait to see what happens further down the road before thinking it’s appropriate.
With everything happening in this Philistine Temple you feel as if the Ark itself is playing a role in the drama. Causing the Temple to crumble around them giving Samuel and his men both the opportunity for retrieval and escape. Sure they have to defeat Kano’s forces and one in particular if they wish to succeed by all obstacles god places in your path can be overcome or he wouldn’t place them there to begin with.
There’s something about this that feels historical and yet fresh, new and unique to the world they live in. Like visiting a part of the past that could have existed but didn’t even though it feels almost accurate. This was a time of believers and heathens depending on where you lived and they waged bloody wars for control using what tools they had, swords, spears and the like. Hopefully we’ll also see Jewish mysticism at some point since Rabbi’s were once supposedly able to use magic and make Golem’s for protection. Thus balancing out the powers per se between both sides.
I love the concept, execution, characterization, storytelling you name it this is a great action adventure series.