Knights vs. Samurai #1 is one of the comics I’ve been most looking forward to this year. There are a few reasons why. The title alone is enough; I love Arthurian legend and the films of Akira Kurosawa. But it’s the creative team that won me over. David Dastmalchian, perhaps best known for his numerous acting roles, including Suicide Squad and Late Night with the Devil, furthered his career as a comic book writer with this story, which he brought directly to Todd McFarlane. I was literally in the same room as Dastmalchian and McFarlane when the series was first announced at the last two San Diego Comic-Cons. Seeing Dastmalchian’s face light up when he talked about the series gave me a clue that this was going to be something special.
That hunch turns out to be true, as Knights vs. Samurai #1 transports readers to a world where dragons and sea monsters coexist alongside the titular warriors. One of those warriors, Sir Charles Ward (known as the “Dragon Butcher” for his battles against the monsters that threaten the kingdom), is tasked with traveling to a mysterious island to confront an army of “demons” that have defeated the other knights. Charles leads his knights to the island, but soon discovers that these demons are not what he expected…
Anyone expecting sword fights anytime soon will probably have to wait for future issues, since this issue is mostly about exploring the world that Dastmalchian and co-creator/artist Fede Mele have created. But it’s a world worth exploring. The seas are teeming with strange creatures, including actual krakens, and Charles hangs out with a colorful cast of characters, including the surly German Wolfheim and the giant Mundric. Even the knights and samurai stand out from one another, the former clad in gleaming silver armor and the latter in jet black gear. Mele’s artwork has a bit of a rough edge to it, but that edge, combined with Ulises Areola’s muted tones, really brings Knights vs. Samurai to life, especially the battles with the monsters.
Image Comics
What gives this comic its soul is Dastmalchian’s script, particularly the way he shapes the character of Charles, who is revealed to have survived a traumatic battle; he won, but the price was high, and this new mission may come with an even higher price: it could separate him from the love of his life, Emma. This care in the work of the character shows that Dastmalchian is not doing this as a vanity project, but as a creator who understands the comics medium and knows how to maximize its emotional impact.
Knights vs. Samurai #1 was worth the wait. It sets the stage for the titular conflict, creates a fantasy world we want to see more of, and solidifies David Dastmalchian and Fede Mele as a dream creative team. If you love Ghost of Tsushima, Dungeons and Dragons, Dastmalchian’s previous Count Crawley work, or any good comics, this is a must-read.
“Knights vs. Samurai” #1 is the start of a metal medieval mashup
Knight vs Samurai #1
Knights vs. Samurai #1 was worth the wait. It sets the stage for the titular conflict, creates a fantasy world we want to see more of, and solidifies David Dastmalchian and Fede Mele as a dream creative team. If you love Ghost of Tsushima, Dungeons and Dragons, Dastmalchian’s previous Count Crawley work, or any good comics, this is a must-read.
Build a fantasy world that never gets old.
Mele depicts giant monster fights and quieter moments with such flair that it’s hard not to be impressed.
Dastmalchian has a true love for the medium and understanding of character portrayal that comes through in his scripts.
It perfectly sets the stage for exploring the titular conflict in future issues.
