The biggest element that stands out about David Dastmalchian and Fede Mele’s Knights vs. Samurai isn’t the fight scenes between these two storied groups of warriors (though, as I’ve said before, the premise and payoff are definitely lives up to the hype), or mystical elements. It’s a cultural barrier. Samurai speak a completely different language, have completely different customs, and have a completely different outlook on life than their enemies.
Knights vs. Samurai #3 leans into it completely, as Charles Ward and his friends are taken prisoner by the Samurai. Charles is unable to communicate with them, despite their desire to know more about him. However, that is not the only obstacle that appears. It turns out that samurai have their own fighting challenges, and Charles faced the same challenges.
Throughout Knights vs. Samurai #3, Dastmalchian explores the differences and duality between Charles and the Samurai Taisho (read: Commander). A simple translation fails because Charles is too strong-willed. This means that most of the dialogue will still be presented in Japanese with subtitles. Meanwhile, one of Charles’s monks and Taishou’s chief magician find a connection through their shared abilities, showing that people can forge connections despite their differences.
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Dustmalchian also begins to sow the seeds for future problems, including hints to the Knights’ true mission and Tysho dealing with a different group of enemies. Not only does it make you look forward to the next issue, it also makes the world feel more fleshed out. Most franchises, whether comics, movies, or television shows, are in a rush to expand without worrying about building a solid foundation. That’s definitely not the case here. I feel like Dustmartian could continue this series for years if he wanted.
Thanks to Mele’s art, the world of Knights vs. Samurai continues to be visually stunning. Mele has a great eye for detail, able to see the scars and sweat on the warriors’ bodies, as well as the delicate brushwork on the tapestries. He also had the opportunity to draw another dragon, but this one was terrifying. Its entire body fills the sky, and its eyes emit a dark red light.
Mele’s art is further enhanced by Ulisses Arreola’s color work, which plays with shadow and light in different ways. A torch lit inside a cave emits a golden light. The moonlight is silver and piercing, casting shadows on everything. The dragon itself has bright emerald scales, which immediately draws the reader’s eye to it.
Knights vs. Samurai #3 further expands the world of wizards and warriors, revealing another side to the titular conflict. If you haven’t already added this book to your pull list, I definitely recommend it, especially for fantasy fans. Or if you want to watch knights and samurai fight big ass dragons!
“Knights vs. Samurai” #3 is a clash of different kinds of cultures
Knights vs. Samurai #3
Knights vs. Samurai #3 further expands the world of wizards and warriors, revealing another side to the titular conflict.
Dastmalchian continues to build on the foundation laid in previous issues and hints at more stories to come.
Mele’s artwork has an incredible amount of detail, which is only enhanced by the color work.
It shows another side of the titular conflict as both sides hit a language barrier.
It continues to be a great read for fantasy fans.
