“Dark Ages” was a good book, it was better than good, it was superb but now it’s an instant classic. My speculations were correct! All of the subtle sci-fi winks and nods come to a glorious head this issue. “Dark Ages” # 3 is full blown sci-fi.
WRITTEN BY: Dan Abnett
ART BY: I.N.J Culbard
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: October 8, 2014
Reviewed By: Torin Chambers
The quality of storytelling is through the roof, Abnett satisfies on every level. Mysteries are answered in great detail and depth, revealing an incredibly intriguing universe at large. Dark Ages has been riveting from the start, but that was just barely skimming the surface. It’s shed the fantasy skin its been wearing, letting its dazzling sci-fi core finally rise to the surface.
Picking up directly after the last issue, Lucifer and company have decided to blow open the wall to the secret chamber. After hearing vague whispers and learning that a lone traveler was walled up inside my excitement reached a fever pitch last month. The first thing Lucifer and company discover are the decrepit remains of Barnabus, which begs the question, who then was whispering? Adding to the ever building intrigue, Barnabus’ limbs are all made of metal and look decidedly alien. These were not done by any human, we are barely touching on the technology now.
Lucifer and his men don’t have to search for long before they discover the true source of the whispers and Barnabus’ many modifications. I shant spoil it here but I flew through the rest of the book like a giddy school girl. I couldn’t get to the next page fast enough, it’s almost intoxicating how well it’s written. Exposition has never been this fun.
Culbard’s visual storytelling chops are perfectly on par with Abnett’s writing, creating a beautiful harmony that flows like music. You can tell these two artists have a great rapport, supporting and enriching each other.
With only one issue left Dark Ages is on track to be THE comic miniseries to read this year. This penultimate issue has gone above and beyond, impressing me more than I thought possible. Beginning with a thunderous boom and only becoming better with each passing issue I cannot fathom what the finale has in store for us. Be prepared to be launched off your feet and into the stratosphere next month.
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Torin Chambers is a rad dude from the nineties who does film stuff or something. Thomas the Tank Engine is his favorite transformer. Find him on Twitter @TorinsChambers