Mad Cave brings us a new interpretation of Robin Hood and the Merry Men! The Sheriff of Nottingham is hunting down a serial killer while also investigating a man known as “Hood”. Check out in Nottingham #1 by Mad Cave Studios!
NOTTINGHAM #1 (OF 5)
Writer: David Hazen
Artist: Shane Connery Volk
Colorist: Luca Romano
Letterer: Joamette Gil
Editor: Chris Fernandez and Brian Hawkins
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 10th, 2021
Previously in Nottingham: In a twisted medieval noir, the Sheriff of Nottingham is looking into a series of killings. His investigations make him a target. And what is going on about the Merry Men wondering around Sherwood Forest?
NOT YOUR NORMAL FAIRY TAIL
There have been murders around Locksley, Edwinstowe, Nottingham, and Sherwood Forest. The Sheriff is investigating the most recent death. A tax collector was murdered, and they found red hair around the crime scene. Sheriff Blackthorne immediately suspects Lady Marian and approaches her privately. However, Lady Marian suggested that the new driver killed the tax collector, as the driver had red hair. Blackthorne then proceeds to go on a witch hunt and questions anyone who has red hair about the killings. Eventually, he finds the guilty party and tries to torture him for information. Meanwhile, Lady Marian meets with a surprising person to see what they can do about their latest weakest link.
NICE DEFIANCE OF CLASSIC TROPES
No longer are we watching the men in tights, rather we are seeing a serial killer with a Guy Fawkes’ mask killing all sorts of people. We mostly take the point of view of the Sheriff of Nottingham who is normally a villain. In this story, he doesn’t seem like a character we want to root for at all. Without a likeable character, I have no investment in the plot. Which isn’t a bad thing, but I lose that emotional connection. Right now, what is keeping me interested is the new interpretation of the setting and the mystery of what is going on.
I do have to say the art is very enticing. The limbs of the characters seem elongated in some panels. This gives a more monstrous look to some of the characters, further dehumanizing them. It was an interest design choice and one I think fits the tone of the story.
BOTTOM LINE: SOLID NEW TITLE
This was enjoyable. While I wasn’t emotionally connected to the story, my curiosity is piqued. However, I’m unsure if I am going to be committed to the long haul without knowing who to root for. 4 out of 5 for this one. Looking forward to the next issue!
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Nottingham #1 (of 5)
This book brings us an exciting new title that gives us a unique interpretation of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
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Writing6
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Art9
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Coloring8
Christopher Rondeau is a storyteller based in Tulsa, OK. Finding himself with little work, he ended up creating a job as a Game Master full time on the internet. Chris spends most of his days reading everything he can, writing bad fiction, and watching old Digimon cartoons with his daughter. Sometimes you can find him Dungeon Mastering a podcast or streaming on twitch. Recently, he has completed his Master's degree with a focus on collaborative storytelling. Find out more at https://rondeaucreator.com