The Realm Volume 1 (REALM TP)

This first volume in the series is a collage of different genre staples that, while well done, didn't grip me enough to track down the next two books. Set in near future America, the basic concept is that some 10-15 years ago, something happened that brought fantasy monsters (goblins, orcs, dragons, etc.) in our world, resulting in the collapse of civilization. What remains are walled enclaves of humanity, armed with guns, bows, and swords, eking out a quasi post-apocalyptic existence.The hero is Will, who makes a living leading people across the wasteland, from enclave to enclave. He is hired to take a pair of scientists on a mysterious mission from Chicago to Kansas City. This first book introduces these, and other characters, along with various dangers along the way. If this sounds similar to "The Last of Us"... well, it certainly has that same vibe. Various secrets and supernatural hints are introduced, including a mysterious red-bearded super warrior, and a sorcerer working in service to a dark lord seeking to conquer our world.It's capably done, and I quite liked the linework and colors, and yet it all felt kind of generic. The action is a fun mix of guns and swords and arrows, but that's not enough to carry things. Presumably, future installments will reveal what happened to the world, as well as the various character secrets, but I'm not interested enough to find out what they are.

The Realm Volume 1. Reprints Issues 1 to 5 of the Image Comics Series. This book is exactly as another reviewer has said - Mad Max meets Lord of the Rings, and you can't got far wrong with that. This book is definitely the best of both of those worlds, the story really zooms along, I read it in one afternoon (Couldn't put it down) and I can't wait for the next volume. That's the highest recommendation I can give - 5 stars !

In this comic collection, Will Mason is a bodyguard for hire in an Earth now invaded by orcs and goblins. Hired to take some scientists West, he encounters various challenges and interesting characters. Some of the story starts out with lack of clarity but it slowly begins to make some sort of sense. The artwork is clear and detailed and visually pleasing. The story will continue in further volumes and is worth a look.