GVN Talking Comics Review: Mad Cave Studios 'Nottingham' Issue 13 David Hazan And Shane Connery Volk

Last Time

In Issue 12 of Nottingham, Sheriff Everard Blackthorne was fervently gathering support to protect the townspeople from King Richard and Robin’s forces, including Little John and the Merry Men. His efforts were timely, as the King’s patience had waned, and he was readying to besiege the city. Could Everard’s efforts stem the tide and bring safety to Nottingham? That is what Issue #13 will tell us.

A Deal is Struck

As Lionheart and Locksley readied themselves to storm the walls, Little John, the Merry Men, and the Sheriff took their stand on the battlements, intent on negotiating for the lives of the people. Robin, however, saw no need for talks. With their superior army and armaments, and the advantage in numbers, he was confident in their strength. He believed he understood Little John’s combat skills well. To Robin, they held every advantage. Why parley at all? If John and Everard truly wished to protect the populace, they would simply open the gates and welcome them in.

A Battle for the City

However, Little John suggested an alternative: a one-on-one duel between Robin and himself. Should Little John emerge victorious, the King would march his armies south to confront Prince John and spare the city. Conversely, if Robin won, they would surrender the city gates to the King and his forces. It was to be a contest of skill, with each combatant fully cognizant of the other’s capabilities. While Robin suspected that the Sheriff had something up his sleeve, the King was tired of waiting. He also was beginning to have his doubts about Locksley’s commitment. Because of this, the King accepted the terms for Robin. He just wanted this delay to be over so he and his army could proceed.

The battle between the former comrades was fierce and brutal. John had chosen quarterstaffs as the weapon of choice. He believed it would give him an advantage as he was so accustomed to fighting with the weapon. As the battle rages on the ground, the Sheriff and the archers gathered on the battlements watch, wondering what their fate will be. And while John fought well, he was eventually overcome by Locksley and was taken down by the very weapon he assumed he had mastery of. The King had won and awaited the opening of the gate. But the Sheriff had other plans.

Destiny Fixed

He commanded the men on the walls to launch their arrows. Despite some hesitance, as they seemed prepared to open the gates according to the prior agreement, the Sheriff’s determination prevailed. They unleashed a barrage upon the King’s men below. Even after the arrow storm, a few still wished to respect John’s accord. However, the Sheriff insisted that having attacked the King’s men, they were inevitably bound to face Lionheart’s retribution upon his entry. Their destiny was thus fixed. Meanwhile, another issue arose: fires were being ignited within the gates, signaling the onset of a rebellion.

Safeguarding the Grain Storage

Amidst escalating internal conflict, Blackthorne convened with Marian, the true authority in Nottingham. The city guard’s defection was evident, and Marian anticipated their next move would be to seize the city’s food reserves. Such a loss would spell doom. They needed to rally every able man to safeguard this crucial resource. Concurrently, Everard instructed his man to prevent the opening of the city gate at all costs, for if the King and his forces entered, mercy would be scarce.

Little John’s Sacrifice

As the Sheriff waded through the tumultuous crowd, striving to instill order, his patience reached its limit. With a commanding presence, he silenced the factions and demanded their attention. He had endeavored to reach their sense of duty and reason, but to no avail. Now, he implored their instinct for survival. Recounting recent events and Little John’s sacrifice, the Sheriff resolved to disregard John’s agreement, convinced that the King intended to annihilate everyone within the city walls regardless of their actions. He refused to facilitate this by opening the gates.

Unity and Combat

Survival hinged on unity and combat. If trust was insufficient motivation, then obligation should compel them, for the Sheriff had spared their lives on numerous occasions. This included the Merry Men, who, beneath their disguises, were likely criminals spared from execution or maiming due to the Sheriff’s leniency. His sole request was for them to dedicate the following day to fighting a common foe rather than each other. His plea was timely, as the King’s siege was already underway.

Thoughts

Constant conflict can transform even the most honorable individuals. Everard Blackthorne, when he joined the crusades, was undoubtedly a soldier who valued honor above all. Yet, he quickly discovered that honor only held value if it was a mutual principle among allies and adversaries alike. Blackthorne’s grim experiences taught him that such ideals were rare. This was especially true among the rulers of the lands and people he vowed to defend. Therefore, it was not unexpected that the Sheriff would break with John’s agreement, having witnessed firsthand the disregard King Richard and Robin had for such pacts.

Relying on Honor

That said, Everard’s reliance on a sense of honor in expecting Marian, the city guard, and the Merry Men to unite in battle seems naive. While self-preservation is a compelling incentive, believing they would align due to a perceived debt to the Sheriff, who has previously ignored their crimes, appears misguided. This same misplaced trust has backfired on Blackthorne in the past. Whether this pattern will repeat in this story is yet to be seen. However, given the Sheriff’s history, betrayal seems inevitable. This is the way in Mad Cave Studio’s NOTTINGHAM!

Betrayal, Valor, Conflict and Carnage

In the more than two volumes of Nottingham, writer David Hazan has demonstrated a strong ability to craft a riveting narrative teeming with betrayal, valor, conflict, and carnage. The third issue continues this trajectory, with trust being scarce and the plot approaching a critical juncture, akin to a powder keg ready to ignite. Artist Shane Connery Volk consistently showcases his prowess in depicting this raw and visceral saga. The latest fierce battle between Robin and Little John further highlights his skill in depicting such conflicts as well as his harmonious collaboration with Hazan. Even as it heads for its end, the series remains energetic and intensifies with each new release.

Mad Cave Studios Nottingham, Issue 13 by David Hazan, Shane Connery Volk, Luca Romano and Justin Birch is available now where great comics are sold.