Rise of the Black Flame #1
This new title really hits the ground running! I adore the art (kudos to Mitten and Stewart) and the writing is definitely in good hands with Roberson now – I think he had a shaky start with the Ashley Strode story but then I believe he didn’t have the normal amount of time to write.
And we have a new time period for adventures, the 1920s, nicely cushioned between the late Victorian and Edwardian period of Edward Grey and the 1930s of Lobster Johnson. We have two likeable characters in the form of McAllister and Sandhu, here’s hoping they make it through the series to continue. We also have the wonderful Sarah Jewell (and travelling companion Marie-Therese Lafleur) who is going to be able to walk in both Edward Grey’s world and McAllister’s time period.
The story is gripping so far, the Ogdru Jahad/Black Flame link is tantalizing, though I can definitely see trouble ahead with both their drunken guide, Farang, and what they will find at the temple.
Stand out moments were definitely the Grey flashbacks, loving those insights into further adventures of the Victorian detective – the beast of Ludgate Circus – possible awakened Ogdru Hem? Loving the Roman connection again, especially after re-reading the Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1953 story with the witch and the Roman soldiers. I think we need a Roman B.P.R.D. comic!
Then we rush through other flashback scenes with Jewell – love the art on these, the poltergeist, the fantastic manticore (Jewell’s harem attire was cool), the Memnan Saa Yeti cultist and I so want to read more about the Louisiana Bayou lizardmen!
But the icing on the cake? Three words…
Silver
Lantern
Club.
Do you know how long I have wanted to see those words back in a Mignolaverse comic? I was so disappointed when the proposed Silver Lantern Club story failed to materialise so many years ago after getting little nods in Hellboy and elsewhere, and I know there is still the chance we will one day see more stories involving it, but to just see that one panel, Jewell looking so happy (and Grey looking none too happy) entertaining the men of the club with a story.
THAT WAS FANTASTIC!
We need TALES OF THE SILVER LANTERN CLUB like now!
Rise of the Black Flame is a little gem in the making and I can see it being a great hit with me. Look forward to future instalments, so glad I am not a trade-only collector.
Oh and I so knew Matt Strackbein would be a tad upset…
EDIT: I read the Mignolaversity review after writing the above (on purpose, because Mark and I quite often hit the same notes and likes) and I wasn't disappointed - both reviewers saw the potential for follow-on stories that I am hoping for, great to think alike
You can read it here -
http://www.multiversitycomics.com/re...black-flame-1/