Review: King’s Quest #3
This issue opens with Dale on her computer talking to Flash Gordon. They’re arguing back and forth over her relationship to Ming. Is she really about to marry the tyrant of the universe? And if so, is she doing so willingly? This certainly doesn’t seem like the Dale Arden we all know and love. When asked what happened to her she accuses Flash of running away when Ming took over the planet Coralia.
The Creative Team
Ben Acker and Heath Corson pour on the action in this issue. All of our heroes are bound prisoners of Ming the Merciless. Our writing team does a good job of showing Ming at his most sadistic as he leaves Darya, a survivor from a planet he destroyed, alive just to feed off of her depression and feelings of hopelessness. That leads the reader to want to see Ming deposed even more.
Bob Q and Dan McDaid bring the characters to vivid life as we see the emotions that churn in their souls. We see Dale at once looking angry and hurt over what she perceives to be Flashes cowardice and then confusion as she grapples with the decisions she’s about to make. They’re life changing and if she makes the wrong ones it will result in serious consequences for our team. All four are in top form as they once again top the previous issue.
The Cover
A curious choice for a cover. Two of our heroes are staring forward with frightened looks on their faces. Mandrake is in front all in black with his red cape holding a cane and Prince Valiant is behind him with a similar look on his face, he’s drawing his sword. They’re ready to go into battle. The two are standing in a corridor in front of a marble pole. A nicely drawn cover, I say it’s curious because neither of these characters are that prominent in this issue. The shadow of Ming is being cast upon them. It’s nice but slightly misleading.
In Conclusion
Ming is clearly the star attraction here. He’s never been more arrogant than in this awesome issue, not in the old movie serials from the 1930’s, not in either of the Television series that he’s been featured in and not even when portrayed by Max von Sydow in the early ‘80’s Dino De Laurentiis production. The wedding ceremony is a hoot when you read the wedding vows you can’t help but chuckle. Throughout this issue Ming is constantly pointing out his superiority. We had to wait three issues before we finally see the main antagonist, but it was worth the wait! ***1/2
King’s Quest #3
Writer: Ben Acker, Heath Corson
Art: Bob Q, Dan McDaid
Colors: Bob Q, Omi Remalante
Letters: Simon Bowland
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Publication date: June 29, 2016
About the Author
Kevin Given Kevin Given has studied with "Longridge Writers Group" and "Writer's Boot Camp" a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the "Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter" franchise which includes 2 novels and 8 comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of "Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter" #1 and "Files of Karl Vincent" #1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series "Dracula Rising" (working title) and developing "Foul Blood" into comic book form.
Related Posts
Red Sonja: Black, White, Red showcases today’s top talents and longtime legends →
Red Sonja Crowned as Queen of Hyrkania and Marches into Year Two by Mark Russell and Bob Q →
Preview: Red Sonja (2019) #8 →
