Book Review: Barbaric Vol 1 and Vol 2

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the SHADOW SERVICE by Michael Moreci, Nathan Gooden Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Books:

Title: BARBARIC Vol. 1

Authors: Michael Moreci, Nathan Gooden (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: May 16, 2023

Publisher: Vault Comics

Formats:  Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 104

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/Barbaric-Vol-1-Murderable-Offenses

Owen the Barbarian is under a witches’ curse to make amends for his murderous past. His bloodthirsty talking Axe is his moral compass. And he’ll do whatever it takes to do good, even it if it means cleaving a few skulls. Even if it means helping a witch.

OWEN THE BARBARIAN HAS AN AXE. AND HE’S GONNA DO GOOD WITH IT IF HE HAS TO KILL SOMEONE.

Owen the Barbarian has been cursed to do good with what remains of his life. His bloodthirsty weapon, Axe, has become his moral compass with a drinking problem. Together they wander the realm, foredoomed to help any who seek assistance. But there is one thing Owen hates more than a life with rules: Witches.
Welcome to the skull-cracking, blood-splattering, mayhem-loving comic brave enough to ask: How can a man sworn to do good do so much violence? Hah! F***ing with you. It’s just…BARBARIC.

Collects #1 to #3 of the multi-part series.

 

Title: BARBARIC Vol. 2

Authors: Michael Moreci, Nathan Gooden (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: May 23, 2023

Publisher: Vault Comics

Formats:  Paperback, eBook

Pages: 144

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/Barbaric-Vol-2-Axe-to-Grind

As one of Entertainment Weekly’s “10 Best Comics of 2021,” Barbaric – featuring Owen the Barbarian and his bloodthirsty companion Axe – returns in a whirlwind of blood, humor, and mayhem  with an evil demigod, vampires, and rampaging monsters!  

Hailed as one of the best comics of 2021 by Entertainment Weekly, Thrillist, Screen Rant, and more, bestselling BARBARIC returns with its second explosive volume!

When a foe from Owen’s past returns, he embarks on a bloody mission to succeed where he once failed and kill a malevolent demigod. Which suits Axe just fine, considering he hasn’t gotten drunk on god blood yet! Meanwhile, Owen’s former barbarian comrade, now a timid vampire, gets cold feet about a life of violence. But in the world of BARBARIC, where orcs, giant spiders, and devil bats roam the land, and doing good is full of gore, is there any other way?

For fans of BRZRKR!, The Witcher, Conan the Barbarian, Red Sonja, Heathen, Rat Queens, and Dungeons and Dragons!

Collects the second three-issue miniseries (Axe to Grind) and the special one-shot standalone (Harvest Blades)!

It’s just … BARBARIC!

From writer Michael Moreci (Wasted Space, The Plot, and Revealer) and artist Nathan C. Gooden (Brandon Sanderson’s Dark One, The RUSH, Vampire: The Masquerade)!

PRAISE FOR BARBARIC

‘One of the “10 Best Comics of 2021…” Barbaric took only three issues to establish itself as a first-rate comic.’ – Entertainment Weekly

‘One of the “Best Comics of 2021…” It’s a funny, gory, weird comic with stunning art in muted colors.’ – Thrillist

‘One of the “Best Comic Books and Graphic Novels of 2021…” the “excellent…violent, expletive-filled fantasy epic Barbaric never holds back… It’s bloody spectacular.”’ – Screen Rant

 

---

Why Should You Read This?

Barbaric Volume 1, written by Michael Moreci, is a thrilling and irreverent graphic novel that follows the story of Owen the Barbarian. Cursed by witches, Owen is compelled to atone for his violent past by doing good deeds. However, his moral compass comes in an unexpected form—a bloodthirsty talking axe with a penchant for alcohol. Together, they embark on a journey filled with skull-cracking action, blood-splattering mayhem, and a unique exploration of morality.

Owen is a compelling protagonist, driven by a desire to make amends and guided by his unconventional weapon. The dynamic between Owen and his talking axe adds a touch of humor and unpredictability to the narrative. Moreci masterfully balances the comedic elements with the gritty violence that permeates the story, creating a distinct and entertaining reading experience.

The artwork in Barbaric is bold and vivid, with detailed illustrations that bring the characters and action to life. The graphic novel embraces the gore and brutality of its barbaric setting, ensuring that readers are fully immersed in the visceral and action-packed world.

What sets Barbaric apart is its exploration of the moral quandaries faced by a man sworn to do good while resorting to extreme violence. Moreci tackles this theme with a clever blend of humor and introspection, inviting readers to question the nature of heroism and the consequences of one’s actions.

Barbaric Volume 1 fearlessly embraces its over-the-top nature, delivering an adrenaline-fueled ride that revels in its own audacity. The storytelling is fast-paced, filled with witty dialogue, and unapologetically graphic. It’s a comic that doesn’t shy away from embracing its own title, offering readers an unabashedly barbaric and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Fans of dark humor, epic fantasy, and morally ambiguous characters will find much to love in Barbaric. Michael Moreci’s writing, coupled with the stunning artwork, creates a memorable and visceral graphic novel that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. So, grab your axe, prepare for mayhem, and dive headfirst into the wild and wicked world of Barbaric.

---

 

About Michael Moreci:

Michael Moreci is a bestselling comics author, screenwriter, and novelist. His original comic works include The Plot, Curse, Barbaric, Wasted Space (all for VAULT COMICS), the upcoming Creepy the Snowman Middle Grade graphic novel – with his two sons – for WONDERBOUND, Roche Limit, and more. He’s also written canonical stories for Stranger Things, Star Wars, Hack/Slash, and the DC universe. Additionally, Moreci ‘s first movie, Revealer, premiered in Fall 2021 and he’s in pre-production on a second film.

Keep in touch on social:

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Nathan Gooden:

An award-winning illustrator and sequential artist, Nathan C. Gooden is Art Director at Vault Comics. Nathan studied animation at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and worked in film production, before co-founding Vault Comics. Nathan’s previous works include Brandon Sanderson’s Dark One (Vault), Barbaric (Vault), Zojaqan (Vault), and  Killbox (from American Gothic Press). He lives in Southern California, where he plays a lot of basketball and hikes constantly with his wife. 
Keep in touch on social:

Instagram

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copies of BARBARIC series, US Only.

Ends June 6th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway