Share this
The Shadows of Thule – Humanoids
Creative Team: Patrick Mallet, Lionel Marty, Axel Gonzalbo, and Translated By Montana Kane
Welcome to another New Comic Book Day review from the N.I. Bullpen!
We have a big one to cover in this review. So big we had to make this review a 2 parter! Weighing in at an impressive 144 pages, The Shadows of Thule from Humanoids is as epic as it is large.
This is a story filled with war, magic and monsters. Ancient Rome is at the height of its power and is attempting to exterminate the Picts from Northern Britain and Scotland. The King of the Picts is attempting to hold together what remains of his people. There is a witch who is attempting to steal Pictish magic in order to release horrible monsters. A woman is slain in a convoy attack and a young man stolen from his mother at birth is at the center of it all. And that is all within the first 36 pages!
This is a dive into history and mythology all wrapped into one beautifully gorey package that is The Shadows of Thule. It’s a Roman Age epic you don’t want to skip out on.
Buckle up, because this is going to be a big one. Let’s take a look at part 1 of this review for The Shadows of Thule from Humanoids!
**SPOILERS / GRAPHIC CONTENT AHEAD**
Every Story Has A Beginning
The book begins by telling us a legend of the origins of the Picts in Scotland. It says that originally, a race of giants from the island of Thule called Northern Scotland their home. One day the Picts arrived and instead of driving them off, the giants allowed them to make their homes in the forests.
Eventually, after teaching the Picts everything they could, and feeling confident that they would protect the land, the giants returned to their island of Thule. They left the King of the Picts at the time with a warning after he asked;
“What is the Hirudinea return? What if we need your help to drive them away?”
To which a giant responded “If that were to happen, it would mean that all hope is lost.”
And with that, the giants leave for their homeland of Thule.
Ambush and Deception
We are then sent ahead hundreds of years to Scotland in 136AD beyond Hadrian’s Wall in Roman occupied Britain. A Roman convoy carrying a pregnant woman named Domina who is traveling so that she can give birth with her husband present. Her husband is Roman General Gaius Horatius, the general leading Rome’s troops in battle against the Picts to the north.
Along the journey, the convoy is ambushed by an army of Pictish warriors, who go one to make short work of the convoy’s soldiers. Domina and her attendant Briaca are forced to attempt a hasty retreat, fleeing from their carriage into the surrounding forest.
When they stop to catch their breath, they are met by one of their Roman guards, who had already been killed in the ambush with an arrow to the eye. This “dead” soldier (placed under some sort of evil magic) then swiftly proceeds to decapitate Briaca, then stabs Domina. Coming from behind this soldier is the same woman who advised Domina to travel here to give birth, a “Prophetess” named Ithome.
She tells Domina that she was brought here to play a part in a larger plan of Ithome’s. Since she is now here and about to be killed, she has played her role. The reanimated soldier then stabs Domina again, killing her.
Are You A Fan Of Westerns? Click HERE
Lone Survivor
In the aftermath of the battle, a group of Pictish warriors find the tracks of the 2 fleeing women. They follow the tracks to find a gruesome scene. Briaca beheaded, Domina slain, a dead roman at their feet and a baby boy born in the middle of his mother’s murder.
One warrior thinks the child should be killed, reasoning that when he becomes a man, he will be just another enemy to fight against. Another warrior decides to spare the infant, adopting the orphan and resolves to raise the child as a Pict.
Story Review Thus Far
Within the first few pages I was hooked. The world that Mallet has crafted in this book is both gritty and brutal as well as wondrous and magical. He gives us a glimpse into the past, while adding the magic and myths of the region and time making for an immersive experience for readers.
While there is a lot of jumping around from time to time and place to place, I never felt lost or confused as to who was who or what was happening. The story flows nicely and the pacing is a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows right from the very beginning.
Like Horror Comics? Click HERE
Artwork Overview Thus Far
The art and coloring from Marty and Gonzalbo only adds to the immersion of this book.
The battle scenes hold nothing back, showing you every bloody detail of each sword and spear thrust. The background fades to a dark gray, forcing your attention on the carnage taking place on the page.
During the slower moments in the story, we get to see the detail put into the backgrounds and environments. The glow of a campfire for example makes the surrounding area seem cold and unforgiving, drawing your eye to the warmth of the fire. The color used in The Shadows of Thule is nothing short of excellent.
Overall Score So Far: 10 OUT OF 10 – “Must Pull”
If you want something to share with the kids, this is not the book for you.
If you’re a mature reader who is looking for something new to really sink your comic teeth into then this is outstanding. It’s brutal and violent while at the same time deals with a people who are facing extinction and a witch hell bent on achieving her own goals.
Make sure you ask for The Shadows of Thule at your local comic book shop this week on New Comic Book Day. Also, be on the lookout for part 2 of this review tomorrow covering a bit more of this amazing graphic novel!
As always everyone Be Safe, Be Kind, and Take It Easy!
