A Tribunal Update
When we last left Hellfighter Quin, he had advanced in the Tribunal tournament along with a “sharp“ new girl he had met he called Shard. She had just defeated the former champion by giving him a “facelift.“ Although, It appears he never got the memo that he was eliminated. For he returned riding a sea creature and was looking to save “face“ from his defeat. (I promise, last face pun). So the tournament continues as issue 4 begins.
Apparently, Quin also was confused by how the defeated former Invictus is still allowed to participate. It wasn’t like they gave the fighters an orientation before the tournament began. The Queen informs Quin that they are required to defeat all who are present in the level. And while the former champion is not in the tournament, as long as he is there, they must contend with him. While not necessarily agreeing with this turn of events, he assumes that the odds are still in their favor. Along with Shard and her Sensei, he rationalizes that the results will be the same. Which would be true, if they were the only fighters who had advanced. The Queen informs him they were not, as three more combatants appear.
Choosing your Foes
As the battle ensues, Shard’s Sensei Deadeye shoots an arrow at the defeated champion. He catches it with lightning fast reflexes but is then enveloped by a field of ice that has come from the arrow. Quin is impressed but Deadeye quickly warns that it will not hold him long. They should choose their opponents and endeavor to defeat them as quickly as possible…and perhaps not die in the process. Sound strategy.
Shard vs The Queen’s Clan Warrior
Shard faces a member of Former Champions clan. She didn’t appreciate the close shave Shard had given him. (I know…I promised…Sorry). As for the Hellfighter, he engages with the apparent mate of Mainframe, the warrior that Quin had defeated last issue. She didn’t like that Quin had taken her man offline. But she tells Quin that Mainframe is no worse the wear from their battle. In the Cyber Horizon, all injuries can be healed…unlike the human “meat sacks.” That is good to know as Quin makes quick work of the vengeful cyborg. Looks like the Cyber Horizon will be healing another combatant.
As for Shard, she is temporarily put on the defensive by the female warrior, and appears to face defeat (that doesn’t count) as she gets shattered by the force of her opponents blow. But the warrior didn’t count on Shard’s ability to repair her own damage. Soon she is on the receiving end of a fatal blow from behind as Shard advances. At least it appears so. However, just as her Sensei predicted, the ice cage didn’t last for long. Her sore loser former Invictus was soon free and on the attack. Shard did well to dispatch his sea monster mount but it allowed the former champion an advantage. At least, until the Hellfighter intervened. But their apparent victory was short lived as Mainframes main squeeze returned and blasted the ground under Shard’s feet.
Making a Deal
But Quin wasn’t about to let Shard be shattered again. He jumped down after her and rescued her…with a little mouth to mouth thrown in. Not that she was drowning or anything. However, Quin didn’t realize that there are apparent boundaries set around the arena. By going to rescue her, they had both been eliminated by “ring out” rules. Must have decided to use wrestling rules for some of this competition. Quin had another card up his sleeve. The Queen had asked him to join HER clan last issue. As he was without a clan, it made sense for her to offer. Now was the time to perhaps accept that offer. It didn’t take but a moment for the Queen to accept the proposal and the Hellfighter was once again in the tournament.
Revealing the Doomseer
Elsewhere, the former Champion feels like he has been discarded by the Queen. He calls upon the ancient spirits of tournaments past to reveal his future. They appear, but it’s not his future they wish to reveal, but his past. As it is revealed, he learns how he became a member of the Queens Clan…and who the Doomseer is…What?!! You want me to reveal the identity of the DoomSeer? Read the book. It will be worth it.
Thoughts
All the strengths of the previous 3 issues are still in force as we reach Issue 4. Great battles, vibrant, energetic artwork and even more strong color usage set the stage for what should be a rousing finish. Jay even found a way to mix in his wrestling knowledge with the “ring out” gambit. That and eliminated contestants who refuse the leave the arena. Attention, we need some ring security to escort these folks to the back. Although, if I’m a combatant, I might want to see the rules for this thing. I think Queenie is making this stuff up as she goes. However, nice twist at the end. So who is the DoomSeer? Will there be any other unexpected turns as the fifth and final issue releases? You only have until September 16th to find out.
It’s not too late to catch-up with Hellfighter Quin before the 5th and final issue hits. If you like tournament combat action in the Mortal Kombat Style, Hellfighter Quin is for you. Sandlin keeps the story moving with great action while throwing in a few curves, just to keep us on our toes. While the tag team of Ilhan and Santaolalla continue to make the pages pop with their combative artistry. Looking forward to see how this all comes out.
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.
