GVN Talking Comics Review: Mad Cave Studios ‘Nottingham: Kings Ransom’ Issue 10

Last Time

When we last left the treachery that is Nottingham, the Sheriff had been literally stabbed in the back by Robin Hood. All under the approving gaze of Richard the Lionheart. This was despite the Sheriff’s part in rescuing the King. However, it appeared that the King had already made an alliance with Locksley that outweighed any debt he felt to Blackthorne. The best that he could promise was a quick death for the Sheriff for his efforts…if the Hood would oblige.

WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW – READ FURTHER AT YOUR OWN RISK

The Assassin Returns

However, before he could decide on Everard’s fate, his inner debate would have to take a back seat. They were under attack. The Assassin, the Hashashin had returned. After taking an arrow through the hand, Robin and the King decided it was time to take their leave. Believing the Sheriff would not survive his wound, they left him to be finished by the Saracen. At least they thought…

Similarities

However, Aya, had other ideas. Days later, the Sheriff was being carted in a wagon headed south. Southern Italy to be precise. Aya had stitched up the Sheriff’s wounds, but not to the point they wouldn’t open up again if he didn’t lie still. Blackthorne pondered how he was still alive and more importantly, why his Saracen attacker had saved him. She explained that she mainly did it because she believes that the Sheriff and herself were not that different. Both killed not out of malice, but to protect their people.

Not Welcome Home

Blackthorne didn’t necessarily see the comparison. Besides, he wondered, if her job had been to assassinate King Richard, and she failed, would not her own people punish her for that failure? Could she even think of returning home?  She reminded the Sheriff that the same could be said of him. However, he offered since technically the King WAS still alive and freed, he hadn’t actually failed HIS mission. Regardless, they were headed to Naples. From that port city, they both had options.

Marian’s Plan

Back in Nottingham, Marian was still playing the role of invalid, wrapping Ser Guy of Gisbourne around her little finger. Through her machinations, she made it appear that the simpleton Mutch had tried to kill her at the behest of Robin. Of course, they fell for it hook, line and sinker.

Now, because of Robin’s betrayal, she would reveal the Merry Men’s location. But she would only do it in front of the entire council of nobles. It’s always easier to eliminate your enemies when they are kind enough to gather together in front of you.

Facing the Council

Just as she planned, the council gathered with Marian in their midst. At first, it was a discussion of how best to protect Marian after she divulged the location of the Merry Men. However, some of the council didn’t necessarily trust her. Her father had been a traitor and so was her former paramour Robin of Locksley. Marian admitted that she was constantly surrounded by men who promised her wealth and safety but gave her the opposite. It was time for her to take her life into her OWN hands. With that, her men, disguised as guards, assaulted the council of nobles. Killing most but leaving Guy of Gisbourne and Friar Tuck alive.

Taking Nottingham

Gisbourne would order all the city guards to lay down their arms and armor and confine themselves OUTSIDE the city walls. At the same time, the rest of the Merry Men would enter through the gate and take their place. In one fell swoop, the city of Nottingham would be theirs…or Marians. She would, however, keep Gisbourne and Tuck as prisoners. Gisbourne would be useful to keep the few guards and possible remaining nobles in line. Tuck, as a “man of god,” would keep the general public docile. Little John questioned the wisdom of this arrangement. But Marian said it would work in their favor. Finally, they were free of “THEIR RULES.”

Choosing a Path

Back in Naples, Aya found a practiced healer to look after Blackthorne. But decisions needed to be made. What path would the Sheriff or Aya take? As for Aya, she would return to the mountain and accept any punishment her fellow Hashashin might have in store for her. Everard questioned why she would be willing to subject herself to their will. She clarified that she would return, but she never said WHEN she would return.

Regardless, she had some advice for Everard. If he were to return to Nottingham, as she thinks he might, he must adjust his thinking. Going back to warn of King Richard’s and Locksley’s plans is dangerous enough. But, if he plans to face those who had no value for his life, he must stop playing by “THEIR RULES.”

Speaking of Plans

Meanwhile, King Richard and Robin were riding back toward Normandy, France. As much as Robin was reluctant to question his liege, he wondered why a ship would not have been a better choice. Richard told Robin ALL would be revealed as they were close to their destination. Upon their arrival, it appeared that the King had been putting all the funds Robin had been filtering to him to good use. He had gathered an armada of ships and men. First to take back Normandy from King Phillip of France and then to return to England and remind Prince John who ruled this land. After that, finally, he would set his sights on Nottingham. A bloody reconning was fast approaching.

At the Crossroads

As for Everard Blackthorne, the Sheriff of Nottingham, he was at a crossroads. Would he do as Aya believed he would and attempt to intervene in England? Or would he wash his hands of it and head over the Mediterranean and away from his past. Perhaps for the first time in his complicated life, he was unsure of his path.

Thoughts

Nottingham Kings Ransom has left us with a well-conceived and executed cliff hanger. With a slow build through the five chapters, writer David Hazan has left us in a place where treachery can be found at every corner. Plots, and sub-plots, are par for the course in Hazan and Volk’s masterful tale. Especially for those who, like Marian and King Richard, thrived on the intrigue and somehow outthinking those who feel in control.

Everard’s Dilemma

But for warriors like Everard, such machinations are outside of his purview. His job is to protect and serve those in command. Which, as far as Everard believes, also includes the citizens caught in the middle. It tells you how bad things had gotten that he now questioned which was right. Perhaps he and Aya are as similar as she offered? Although I doubt (or hope) that is not the last we will see of Aya the Hashashin. If that ALONE doesn’t scream for Volume 3, I don’t know what does. As it is, Nottingham Kings Ransom is firmly in place for inclusion in our 2nd annual best of 2022.

Artwork

With now two volumes under artist Shane Connery Volk’s belt, his mastery of the world of Nottingham has evolved and so has his skill of bringing it to life on the page. Starting with the brilliant, interconnected covers. Then attacking each panel. Capturing the angst of those caught in the midst and those pulling the strings with equal energy and sometimes, powerful darkness. Not to mention the down and dirty fight scenes brought to life along with colorist Luca Romano, and lettering maven, Justin Birch. Just imagine where they will go in Volume 3.

A bloody siege is on the horizon. Who better to tell it than Hazan and Volk? Mad Cave Studio’s Nottingham King’s Ransom Issue 10 releases on August 24th. Of course, you can also find it on the new subscription service here.