Rex Mundi #7

Dark Horse Comics

Writer: Arvid Nelson

Artist: Juan Ferreyra

It looks cool, but double fisting MD 40 will only bring regret.

This is what comics is all about: people in cool masks blowing stuff up. I’m a little out of the loop since I’ve missed the last twenty-or-so issues, but Rex Mundi Vol. 4 #7 is goooooood stuff.

War is on in Europe, the Prussians have occupied Paris, the Duke of Lorraine is getting his derriere handed to him, and Julien Sauniere may have discovered the Holy Grail. Oh, and he still has a drinking problem.

Nelson’s perennial concern with the bird’s eye view of the story is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it makes the broader plot feel complete. On the other, he seems to slight individual character development in favor of big events like battles, discoveries, etc. The concern with completeness does, however, ensure that minor characters (spies, random workmen) are more interesting than throw-away characters in other authors’ works. As a result, Rex Mundi feels like historical nonfiction, rather than a novel. In other words, if you preferred The Silmarillion to Lord of the Rings, you’ll enjoy the storytelling in Rex Mundi.

Juan Ferreyra, fresh off his stint on Conan and the Midnight God, provides pencils. As in Midnight God, backgrounds are the weak spot. This issue is brimming with interesting locales: cathedrals, palaces, and a catacomb with a jeweled floor. They’re well rendered, but lack the excitement they should have. The rest of the issue has characteristic Ferreyra quality, though, and his interpretation of Grand Inquisitor Moricant is dynamite. His attention to detail adapts well to Nelson’s intricate world of spirituality and Old World politics.

Worth the money? Even if you aren’t following the story, seeing the metal-masked Moricant in action is a visual joy well worth the cash.