Review: Koshchei the deathless #1 (of 5)
It’s a brand-new tale by Hellboy scribe Mike Mignola. In fact, this issue opens with Hellboy beating the crap out of Koshchei. But this is only in flash back as we see the two heroes soaking up some suds at the local pub. Hellboy asks Koshchei how he got involved with Baba Yaga which leads us to some exposition about the main character in this tale. This title is an awesome look at another barbarian type of character, but he’s nothing like the barbarians that have gone on before him. This barbarian finds himself near death when a character called The Dragon promises to save him in exchange for nine years of his life. At the end of nine years the dragon offers to teach him magic if he stays on, but Koshchei is determined to find his way in life. So, the dragon gives him an interesting parting gift and he’s on his way.
The Creative Team:
Mignola weaves his intricate story telling abilities once again with remarkable success! He brings the title character to the brink of despair another time and now it looks hopeless, but the dragon resurfaces in Koshchei’s life. It’s a tragic case of the protagonist not being able to trust his own family. We’re drawn into Koshchei’s life and find ourselves relating to the character by the expert pen of Mike Mignola, it’s great stuff!
Ben Stenbeck is a worthy craftsperson to take on the words of the mighty Mignola. His artistic expression is so like Mignola’s that if I hadn’t read the credits I would have thought that the maestro drew this issue himself. Stenbeck must have studied at the master’s feet. And yet, on closer inspection, there are subtle differences that make this his own. The fire burning in the village is somewhat different than what Mignola would have done I think. And if Mignola had drawn it I also think that the panels would have unfolded differently. I can’t put my finger on it, but Stenbeck is a student of, not a copier of, Mike Mignola. It’s great stuff!
In Conclusion:
Dark Horse has another winner on it’s hands with this tale of savagery in an uncivilized land. It’s sword and sorcery with an even darker edge than we’ve seen before. Koshchei must accept that his own loved ones are plotting against him and he may not be able to trust his own advisors. Every savior has his Judas and every Caesar has his Brutus. To be continued. ***1/2 (8.7 rating)
Koshchei the deathless #1
Writer – Mike Mignola
Art – Ben Stenbeck
Colors – Dave Stewart
Letters – Clem Robins
Publisher – Dark Horse
Publication Date – January 2018
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.
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