Cruel Kingdom #1 Review: A World of Magic and Horror

Cruel Kingdom #1

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Al Ewing, Chris Condon, Greg Pack, and Ben H. Winters

Artist: Kano, Leomacs, Charlie Adlard, and Andrea Mutti

Publisher: Oni Press

Release Date: January 8, 2025

Page Count: 40

Format: Comic

Cruel Kingdom #1 delivers a spellbinding collection of dark fantasy tales that blend magic and technology in fascinating ways. With top creators bringing their A-game, this revival of EC Comics is off to a strong start, welcoming readers to an equally whimsical and brutal fantasy world.

Cruel Kingdom #1

Review

Writer: Al Ewing, Chris Condon, Greg Pack, and Ben H. Winters

Artist: Kano, Leomacs, Charlie Adlard, and Andrea Mutti

Publisher: Oni Press

Release Date: January 8, 2025

Page Count: 40

Format: Comic

Cruel Kingdom #1 delivers a spellbinding collection of dark fantasy tales that blend magic and technology in fascinating ways. With top creators bringing their A-game, this revival of EC Comics is off to a strong start, welcoming readers to an equally whimsical and brutal fantasy world.

Rating

9

Good

The beauty of comics lies in their ability to tell impactful, complete stories within just a few pages. While anthology-style comics are nothing new, they often remind us of the medium's storytelling prowess when done well. Oni Press’ Cruel Kingdom brings together top creators to channel the spirit of EC Comics, crafting a captivating world where magic, science, and horror collide. Let’s delve into this spellbinding debut issue and see how it measures up to its legendary inspiration.

Overview

Cruel Kingdom marks the return of EC Comics under the Oni Press banner. This spellbinding anthology series blends magic, science, and horror within a mysterious realm. With today’s top creators at the helm, it reimagines the legacy of EC Comics for a new generation of readers to explore and devour.

Image: GONKBONK

Review

"Cruel" is certainly the perfect word to to describe the kingdom these stories are set in. This debut issue features four short tales filled with magic, horror, and death. While their narrative tones range from grim to whimsical, they all contribute to shaping what is ultimately a brutal yet fascinating fantasy world. Upfront, the comic bills itself as dark fantasy, but the stories beautifully blend in sci-fi elements to create a visually distinct setting. The mix of robots and machines alongside fantastical knights and sorcery aesthetics results in a unique realm that feels fresh and familiar.

But more than just being a visual flourish, the mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements ties directly into the dynamics of the stories. Robots and technology are treated as otherworldly things, like aliens in a realm where magic and sorcery reign supreme. But that distinct contrast is balanced well enough that neither the fantasy nor sci-fi elements feel overshadowed or out of place. This dynamic keeps the stories engaging and unpredictable, as you can never quite guess how the magical and technological elements will interact.

Image: GONKBONK

With creators like Al Ewing and Greg Pak among its contributors, Cruel Kingdom launches with an impressive start. The opening story, “Blood of the Robo King” by Greg Pak and Leomacs, sets the tone brilliantly. It’s a brutal, mysterious tale about a community of religious humans exploiting the violent nature of a robot “king” to circumvent their supposed peaceful teachings. In just a few pages, it delivers stunning visuals and a foreboding narrative that leaves you eager for more. It’s the perfect hook for what’s to come.

The following stories maintain the high standard set by the opener, offering unique narratives that kept me guessing. While I'm typically not drawn to anthology comics, this one broke the mold, delivering tight plots, satisfying twists, and unexpected dark endings. The shorter format allowed for focused storytelling, with every page contributing to the larger world-building and atmosphere.

Visually, Cruel Kingdom is a feast for the eyes. The artists bring the strange blend of fantasy and technology to life with striking designs and atmospheric environments. From imposing robot knights to eerie magical rituals, each page is filled with evocative imagery that pulls you deeper into this unsettling world. Charlie Adlard’s art in Death and Pickaxes, the third story, stands out. Known for his work on The Walking Dead, Adlard adapts his gritty style to a more storybook fantasy setting, adding a unique tone to the story and making it one of the issue's most memorable.

Image: GONKBONK

Final Thoughts

Cruel Kingdom #1 is a strong debut that successfully channels the spirit of EC Comics while carving out its own distinct identity. The fusion of dark fantasy and sci-fi elements creates a rich, textured world that leaves readers wanting more. With top-tier talent delivering compelling stories and stunning artwork, this series has plenty of potential coming into this new year.

While the tone may vary between stories, the overall package is incredibly promising. For fans of dark fantasy with a twist of horror, Cruel Kingdom offers a fresh and exciting take on the anthology format. With bold storytelling and exceptional execution, this series is one to watch.

Why You Should Read Cruel Kingdom

• It offers a fresh take on dark fantasy by blending magic and technology in intriguing ways.
• The anthology format allows for a variety of creative voices and art styles.
• The unique setting provides endless possibilities for future stories.