Amala's Blade: Spirits of Naamaron TP
2013 was an amazing year for the comic book industry. With sales on the rise and creative output being at an all time high, we’ve reached a renaissance and the world is better for it. While many people had big names on the tips in of their tongues in 2013 like Saga, Lazarus and Hellboy, one series that flew criminally under the radar is now being collected in a glorious trade, jam packed with extras. That book of course is Amala’s Blade: Spirits of Naamaron, a story akin to the spirit of Avatar: The Last Airbender but with a bit more blood.
This trade collects all the issues of Amala’s adventure as well as the Skull & Crossbows compilation entry first published in Dark Horse Presents. Amala, the self-professed greatest assassin in all the land has a bit of a problem. Killing is all well and good, but the pesky ghosts of her victims won’t leave her alone! To make matters worse, Amala’s been charged with an apparent suicide mission at the behest of the criminally overweight Vizier. Can she tackle her own demons in time to save Naamaron or will the next victim of violence be herself?
Right off the bat, you can tell Amala’s Blade is a labour of love-- thanks in part to the sparse credits with Horton and Dialynas carrying the load. More than that, the story and the art just scream “fun”. From Amala’s opening pirate ship raid to the final battle in the latter pages, the book is a thrill ride through and through. Horton has crafted a fully functional fantasy realm that whisks the reader away on an adventure of a lifetime in a world populated with heart felt characters that are as far from one dimensional as you can get.
But the real strength of the story rests on the shoulders of our plucky assassin. Amala is an excellent character and more importantly, a believable one. Her actions, whether despicable or heroic, are always justified. Life is hardly ever black and white and the same is true of Naamaron. Amala is merely playing with the cards shes been dealt, and like all young people, sometimes the hardest part is just trying to find you own way, something everyone can relate too.
Dialynas’ art is a wonderful mix of high fantasy and violence. Since he is carrying the workload himself, the pages have an organic feel to them not commonly found in mainstream works. He captures the spirit of Naamaron perfectly, transporting the reader to an immersive and gorgeous realm. His character design is top-notch and his colouring helps set the tone for each set piece. Look for Michael Dialynas to become a house hold name in the coming years.
The extras collected in this book are a veritable treasure trove. Not only do we get the standard sketches and covers, but we actually get to see Horton and Dialynas original pitch comic to Dark Horse! It’s a rare glimpse into the process of comic creation and one that is greatly appreciated.
There’s not a whole lot more that can be said about the Amala’s Blade: Spirits of Naamaron TP. If you hate high spirited, fantasy drenched, adventure with heart and fire then look else where. Those still with me, let’s spread the word and make sure Amala gets the credit she deserves.
Amala’s Blade: Spirits of Naamaron TP
Writer & Letterer: Steve Horton
Art & Colours: Michael Dialynas
Publisher: Mike Richardson for Dark Horse Comics
Purchase: http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/22-083/Amala-s-Blade-Spirits-of-Naamaron-TPB
This trade collects all the issues of Amala’s adventure as well as the Skull & Crossbows compilation entry first published in Dark Horse Presents. Amala, the self-professed greatest assassin in all the land has a bit of a problem. Killing is all well and good, but the pesky ghosts of her victims won’t leave her alone! To make matters worse, Amala’s been charged with an apparent suicide mission at the behest of the criminally overweight Vizier. Can she tackle her own demons in time to save Naamaron or will the next victim of violence be herself?
Right off the bat, you can tell Amala’s Blade is a labour of love-- thanks in part to the sparse credits with Horton and Dialynas carrying the load. More than that, the story and the art just scream “fun”. From Amala’s opening pirate ship raid to the final battle in the latter pages, the book is a thrill ride through and through. Horton has crafted a fully functional fantasy realm that whisks the reader away on an adventure of a lifetime in a world populated with heart felt characters that are as far from one dimensional as you can get.
But the real strength of the story rests on the shoulders of our plucky assassin. Amala is an excellent character and more importantly, a believable one. Her actions, whether despicable or heroic, are always justified. Life is hardly ever black and white and the same is true of Naamaron. Amala is merely playing with the cards shes been dealt, and like all young people, sometimes the hardest part is just trying to find you own way, something everyone can relate too.
Dialynas’ art is a wonderful mix of high fantasy and violence. Since he is carrying the workload himself, the pages have an organic feel to them not commonly found in mainstream works. He captures the spirit of Naamaron perfectly, transporting the reader to an immersive and gorgeous realm. His character design is top-notch and his colouring helps set the tone for each set piece. Look for Michael Dialynas to become a house hold name in the coming years.
The extras collected in this book are a veritable treasure trove. Not only do we get the standard sketches and covers, but we actually get to see Horton and Dialynas original pitch comic to Dark Horse! It’s a rare glimpse into the process of comic creation and one that is greatly appreciated.
There’s not a whole lot more that can be said about the Amala’s Blade: Spirits of Naamaron TP. If you hate high spirited, fantasy drenched, adventure with heart and fire then look else where. Those still with me, let’s spread the word and make sure Amala gets the credit she deserves.
Amala’s Blade: Spirits of Naamaron TP
Writer & Letterer: Steve Horton
Art & Colours: Michael Dialynas
Publisher: Mike Richardson for Dark Horse Comics
Purchase: http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/22-083/Amala-s-Blade-Spirits-of-Naamaron-TPB
A Look Inside
