Review - The Servant #1 (@KingBonePress)

"Promises or lies I wonder...?"

Life in a high-fantasy setting has its ups and downs. On good days, you're not eaten by a dragon or being accosted by robbers. On bad days, you've got to deal with a whole lot of danger every day. In The Servant #1 from King Bone Press, there are both good days and bad days. The issue is written by Jason Ford, illustrated by Felipe Anguiano and lettered by Rob Jones.

Six brothers continue on their quest.

Setting the context for a universe is a tall order and Ford works a lot into the first issue to that goal. The issue is sort of broken into two parts--the first is one setting the larger stage while the second one introduces the reader to the six characters. Ford infuses each character with very unique personalities that interact with one another in various ways, providing plenty of entertainment and helping move the story forward. The high fantasy setting isn't entirely leaned on that much in the first issue, with Ford instead focusing on establishing the characters more so than anything else. Ford paces the issue somewhat erratically at points because of those introductions, mainly because so much time is spent with them reuniting that the rest of the issue does feel a little tacked on at points.

The art style by Anguiano is very loose. He relies on fairly concise linework throughout the issue, rendering the characters with an emphasis on their garb and physiques--all of which are in contrast with one another. There are some interesting perspectives of the characters throughout the issue, some of which look more fantasy than realistic. In fact, a lot of Anguiano's facial expressions feel contorted in very uncomfortable ways and sort of take the reader out of the setting a little bit. The book is awash in grays, browns and yellows that help bolster the scenery of cobblestone houses and individuals in suits of armor.

The Servant #1 seems like a very ambitious book. All six brothers bring their own personalities to the table and watching how those personalities interact with one another will definitely carry the series. Ford's script is full of character building and does well in introducing the characters to the reader. Anguiano's art is undefined in many ways, but still effective in terms of conveying to the reader the setting. The Servant #1 is aiming for big things and watching how they unfold will be interesting.

The Servant #1 is available now.