Art by: Simon Coleby
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 9, 2014
War, Huh! What is it Good For?
For the uninitiated, The Royals: Masters of War is a six part story set during World War Two in an alternate timeline where Earth's Royal Families all have super powers. Since these powers could end existence if used, they have agreed to a treaty as where no matter what happens (like say, a World War), they will always remain neutral. Sounds great on paper, but as we saw in the first two issues of the series, Britain's Prince Henry has broken the treaty to save England during the Battle of Britain. As the Allies hail him as a hero, Henry's actions have mobilized the other Royals. Last issue showed that Japan's Royal Family is not going to sit on the sidelines anymore and they pay America a little visit. This issue shows they mean business.
This month, Rob Williams gives us the Battle of Midway. It is bloody, explosive and epic. It is also the first time we get to really see Royals face off against one another in combat. It's Henry versus one of Emperor Jimmu's sons and it is everything you'd want. Unfortunately for Prince Henry, it's a little more than he is ready to swallow.
Rob Williams has a great concept behind The Royals, but what has driven the book is his character work. By this issue, the reader knows and cares about Henry and how he reacts to actual War is perfect to his character. He's a sensitive guy who is now in over his head. Good intentions aside, he may be the villain of the book by the end. So many more people will die because of his decisions.
Speaking of characters, Prince Arthur is a real ass. He is an obnoxious, overbearing, pigheaded jerk who adds murderer to the list by the end of this issue. The thing is, I like him. Not as a person, but as the polar opposite of Henry. He is everything that Henry is not and in the end may be better suited for War.
The issue ends with Emperor Jimmu getting involved and believe me, the Allies didn't want that to happen. He does give Prince Henry an out, but too much has already gone down. The War is in full swing and I love it.
I also love the art of Simon Coleby. It's epic and gritty like the story. You could just page through this book in awe of the art and enjoy it just on that level.
Bits and Pieces:
Rob Williams and Simon Coleby have a winner that everyone can enjoy. It's so much more than a War book or a superhero book. The story is character driven and the art is epic. Highly Recommended.
9.0/10
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