Knights vs. Samurai #1 may have saved the “Samurai” part of the title for the last page, but Knights vs. Samurai #2 wastes no time getting into the fight. A battle between Charles Ward’s army and a mysterious samurai forms the bulk of the issue. And that’s pretty epic, especially considering the power that both sides bring to the negotiating table.
At Charles’ side are giants, clerics who can summon mystical shields, and an army of skilled warriors. There are casters on the samurai side, but their advantage lies in the terrain where they can literally and figuratively secure high ground. It all culminates in a beautifully illustrated two-page spread by Fede Mele. The clash of steel and blade feels quite epic, especially as Ulises Arreola’s colors paint the background in a blood-red haze.
Mele also draws comparisons and distinctions between Charles and the protagonist, the samurai Okashira. Charles looks like a typical “knight in shining armor” thanks to his shining silver armor. However, Okashira, who looks like a demon thanks to his midnight black armor, which also includes a terrifying face mask, meets Charles on the battlefield and intends to offer him a chance to surrender. However, since Charles does not speak Japanese, she is unable to understand his words.
This is something I’m glad David Dastmalchian (with help from Teresa Matsuura) incorporated into the script. The language barrier is a major factor in battles between knights and samurai. Even if they have something in common, they cannot communicate, which leads to a common language of violence. I haven’t seen anyone really use this for dramatic purposes and do it well since Shogun.
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Dastmalkian also adds some twists to the story. As one of the knights points out, the samurai are not barbarians, but rather like a coordinated force, which calls into question their entire mission. This also means that future issues of Knights vs. Samurai could delve into some deeper themes, especially considering the historical context in which it takes place. Don’t get me wrong, I love sword fighting and dragons, but the fact that Dustmalkian tries to dig even deeper makes this comic worth reading.
Knights vs. Samurai #2 not only offers spectacular battle scenes, but also sows the seeds of a deeper conflict. There were some great comics this year, and this looks like it’s going to be one of them.
“Knights vs. Samurai” #2 delivers intense battle scenes
Knights vs. Samurai #2
Knights vs. Samurai #2 not only offers spectacular battle scenes, but also sows the seeds of a deeper conflict. There were some great comics this year, and this looks like it’s going to be one of them.
Fede Mele depicts bloody yet beautiful battle scenes featuring magic and swordsmanship.
The language barrier creates some conflicts, but it feels historically accurate.
David Dastmalchian hints at deeper themes to come as he draws comparisons between knights and samurai.
