I picked up Seven Warriors #1, #2 and #3 at last year's Emerald City Comicon, but I didn't get around to reading them until now. I was intrigued by the artwork and the guy at the Boom Studios Booth told me these three comics contained a complete story--not a never-ending series--which is often the hallmark of the superhero genre.
The story takes place in the Kingdom of N'Nas Amon, which according to the reviews I've read, lays somewhere in Libya, circa the 6th Century (some say BC, others AD; the exact time is not clear).
The nation's army has been defeated and the capital is under siege by the combined forces of Persia and Byzantium. What's worse, is Queen Tsin'inan doesn't trust most of the mercenaries hired to defend the captial's ramparts.
Under these dire circumstances, she concocts a desperate plan: She hires six Sarmation Amazons to spirit her son out of the capital and escort him to the hidden city of Jabbaren. Once there, he is to meet his arranged bride-to-be and sire an heir to the N'Nas Amon throne--the royal bloodline must survive at all costs.
I bought this as 3 seperate comics, but apparently an 80-page graphic novel has been available via Amazon.com, since July 2012. At the time of this post, there are 13 books left in stock, but so far no reviews.
(Image from Major Spoilers)
The artwork by Francis Manapul was outstanding and in some parts very sensual, but not pornographic. Think: "R" rating if this were a movie.
However, the story itself, written by Michael Le Galli is often clunky and overwrought with exposition. Of the comic reviews I've read, nearly all of them chaulk this up to differences in translating the story from French. But there were also some "plot-holes" that didn't make sense (see some of the review links below).
As to the plot itself, picture this: A young prince--in the company of six beautiful women--are on a dangerous journey through hostile territory.
And remember: It is imperative that the royal bloodline survive.
Need I say more?
I give this story an overall 3.5 out of 5 stars. I had a hunch on what Queen Tsin'inan was up to, but not exactly sure how the tale would pan out. There were some minor surprises and the ending isn't what I'd call a "happily ever after" one.
For those who want to check out some plot-spoiler laden reviews, here's the following:
The only site that contains reviews of all issues is Comic Book Roundup.
The remainder only review Issue #1.
There's The Outhouse, which loved the artwork but hated the dialogue.
Stephen Schleicher of Major Spoilers, said pretty much the same thing.
But Pendragon's Post liked the individual artwork, in and of itself, but thought there were too many frames per page, thus giving it a croweded look.
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