Action Lab Danger Zone 2016
Written by Ram V
Illustrated by Nick Barber, Rosh & Kel Nuttall
Stilian, Grizzly and Veina plan their escape from the Barren Halls prison hold. But old grudges must first be buried and new fights must be picked. Stilian Desault must overcome an impossible wall and his own reputation if he is to make it out alive and recruit an old foe, Grizzly, to his cause. Even as events in the prison pan out and a dangerous new enemy is made, far away in the Rhool desert a pious man and a soldier seek to safeguard The Myros Pendulum from the band of Brigands out to steal it.
Stillian has a plan to get back the stuff they brought with them and get Grizzly, not to mention them, out of this prison. It’s kind of fun to see because we’re beginning to see more about him and his skillset not to mention why he was chosen for this to begin with. I mean they could have chosen any miscreant but they chose him for his skills and it’s about time we see some of them in action. Though I have to admit it’s more fun to see him use the brain than fire the arrow he’s much more effective as that rogue leader.
The history between Grizzly and Stillian is one they’ll have to keep working on but to hear Grizz tell it to Veina it doesn’t sound as if it isn’t something he can overcome. After all what happened to his men wasn’t his fault and in this world and culture examples have to be made and he, Grizzly, did stay alive after all.
Seeing the Priest and his master talk is interesting. There’s so much more to what is going on here and you just have that impression that the Priest is up to something behind everyone’s back so he’ll come out on top. There’s just something about this that makes me think in that direction and i’ll be surprised if that doesn’t happen at some point.
I like the interiors here and that kind of surprises me a little. They aren’t as detailed as I normally gravitate towards but there’s something charming about them. We definitely get the right vibes, feel and emotions from what we see. The way page layouts are utilised through angles and perspective are well done. I wish we’d get more backgrounds but with this style that doesn’t always mesh. I do like what we see that isn’t spoken of or acknowledged during the Priest/Master chat.
The characterisation here is really very strong. We get a great sense of who these folks are as individuals throughout their discussions and interactions. Grizz and Veina really prove that beyond a shadow of a doubt here and it goes a long way in getting us to really like these characters. Also the group dynamic that is forming well that’s proving to be complicated which is another aspect of this characterisation. That Ram is able to bring it to us like this is great, there’s a refreshing honesty to how they see each other that is appreciated.
Fun, dysfunctional and completely enjoyable this is what comics should be!