At the End of Nottingham
When we last left Nottingham, the once Sir Robin of Locksley, Earl of Huntingdon was condemned as an outlaw. He was stripped of all titles and lands and he, along with all who follow him were likewise condemned. Robin lay in hiding, healing from his wounds from mortal combat with both Everard Blackthorne, the Sheriff of Nottingham and Maid Marian. As for Marian, she also was laid up from an arrow received from the Sheriff’s bow. Lord Guy of Gisbourne was ruling in Nottingham, still awaiting the return of Richard the Lionheart. It was from this point that the next chapter in this tale begins.
A Message about the Lionheart
England had been awaiting word of when their King would return from the Crusades. Recently, a missive had been sent, bound for Nottingham, that would shed some light on the Lionheart’s status. As per usual, it was the Sheriff who had been dispatched to assure the safe delivery of the message. It should also come as no surprise that the Merry Men and the by now healed Robin Hood should come to intercept the incoming message. Everard had suspected this possibility, but Gisbourne had not sent along enough men to assure safe passage. Despite the Sheriff’s suspicions, the Merry Men had outnumbered his men and had shot the messengers horse, pinning him beneath it. With so few men, and the ponderous weight of the steed, the messenger could not be freed.
A King’s Ransom
As reluctant as Blackthorne was to leave him behind, common sense made it necessary to retreat. But not before taking the message to assure its safe arrival to Nottingham. For Everard, this was a cruel defeat. But for Gisbourne, the message was the prize and its safe delivery made all other sacrifices worth it. The message was of ill tidings for many in England. Richard the Lionheart had been kidnapped and ransomed by Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI. Elenore of Aquitaine, mother of King Richard and Prince John demanded that the ransom be paid.
Much to the chagrin of Prince John and his secret conclave that included King Phillip II of France. As far as they were concerned, Richard could stay in captivity. However, they needed to follow through with the pretense of surrendering the reward. But to do so, they needed someone who would be beyond approach. But more importantly, someone they could pin the blame on when Richard was not released. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Everard Blackthorne, the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The Money Train
Seeing as how Everard was not really given a choice in the matter, he took a contingent of men with him to deliver the ransom and return the King. But being a man who had learned that trouble seemed to follow him like a shadow, the Sheriff went out with his eyes wide open. He knew the possibility of robbers or more likely, enemies of the crown attempting to intervene was quite high. But more than anyone else, Blackthorne expected to see Robin of Locksley before too long. The old saying goes, “when you expect the worse, you are rarely disappointed.” Well in this case, the Sheriff’s concerns were well founded.
The Appearance of the Hood
It was barely two days into the trip when Robin Hood appeared with some of his men. But surprisingly, he claimed to want what the Sheriff desired. The safe return of King Richard. He also informed the Sheriff of the dark betrayal of Prince John and his conclave. While the Sheriff was uncertain, in this case, Robin’s arrival was very timely. Because the wagon train was attacked by an unknown assailant. So, for now, the Sheriff of Nottingham and the Hood were reluctant allies. How long that would last was uncertain.
Maid Marian Makes Her Move
With Robin and the Sheriff away, Marian had been biding her time. She had been playing as the invalid at Manor Fitzwalter, but she had recovered some time ago. Regardless, she needed a patsy to agree to take her place in her chambers to allow her to enact her plans. That patsy would be Mutch, the Millers Boy, who had aspirations of becoming a Merry Man. He took her place in her room while Marian snuck out to seek an audience with Little John and the remaining Merry Men.
Needless to say, they were reluctant to listen to what she had to say. But Marian was a compelling orator to go along with her noble good looks. If they were to follow her, she could deliver Nottingham to them in a way that Robin had failed to do. She would not drag her feet as Locksley had. Besides, he was not there…and she WAS!
Thoughts
Writer Hazan wasted no time in jumping straight into action with the Sheriff and Robin resuming their hostilities from Issue 5. Not to mention the political intrigue with so many factions moving in paths they would normally not have considered previously. It is apparent that someone like King Phillip II of France would believe that Prince John on the throne would be MUCH easier to manipulate than the Lionheart. Hazan also continues to explore the strong foundation he laid out for Marian from Vol. 1. No shrinking violet to be found in Marian. In truth, leaders like Elenore of Aquitaine should be impressed by her ambition…or perhaps intimidated.
Shane Connery Volk
Artist Shane Connery Volk has appeared to evolve from his excellent work in the first volume. In this first issue, he approaches the action with a grittier and more in your face approach. This decision works well in the down and dirty fighting that has already set precedence in Issue 6. With more characters being added, it gives Volk even more opportunities to stretch his already prodigious abilities.
What’s Next?
I look forward to seeing what comes next as the story proceeds. Can Everard and Robin maintain their shaky truce? Will they be able to navigate the intrigue against them and bring Richard back? What will they return to if Marian is able to bring her schemes to fruition? Thats a whole lot of excitement to look forward to and it’s only been the first issue. Speaks well for another hit from the creative team of Hazan and Volk for Mad Cave Studios. Nottingham, Issue 6 by David Hazan and Shane Connery Volk hits stands April 6 from Mad Cave Studios.
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Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
