Art by: Simon Coleby
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: July 9, 2014(War is Over)
The Royals: Masters of War is a series that should be getting more attention. There really is nothing quite like it nowadays and maybe that's the problem. Alt-history meets super powered Royal Families during World War II? Not an easy sell to the masses, but I dare you to open up any issue of the series and try to put it down. Rob Williams' writing is thought provoking yet accessible while Simon Coleby's art is breathtaking. It all ends here with issue #6 and believe me, Williams and Coleby do not disappoint.
The issue starts in Japan with Emperor Jimmu summing up this series, history and human nature in general. War follows Peace. Peace follows War. People will die. Rinse and repeat. He should know, he's immortal and has seen it happen over and over again. While he may come off as cold and uncaring, I believe it's just his observation of the Truth. Plain and simple. Unfortunately for Prime Minister Tojo, the truth hurts. For some of the others involved, it's about to hurt a whole lot more.
We then cut to the hero (?) of the story, Prince Henry of England. Whether he did the right thing by entering the War is a mute point now, but it's obvious it has taken a great toll on him. The naive, optimistic boy who wanted to do the right thing is now a grizzled man who just wants it all to end. He's lost everything dear to him and appears to have given up. Appearances can be deceiving.
Rob Williams must have a checklist of everything I wanted out of this final issue. Henry finally has enough with Arthur and the two have a brief, but glorious fight. Adolph Hitler shows up and the way Williams depicts him and how Arthur treats him is fantastic. Then it ends. Henry shows that a hero is someone who tries to right the wrongs he caused and Arthur surprises everyone, especially me.
What didn't surprise me is Simon Coleby's art. I'd like to say he saved the best for last, but every issue has looked fantastic. The action and sense of motion are some of the best I've seen and he goes from beautiful to ghastly with ease. He has won a fan for life.
Bits and Pieces:
I loved this issue and the series as a whole. I'm sad to see it end, but wouldn't want it any other way. If you are looking for a mature comic that is action packed, thought provoking and beautiful, pick up the whole series now. You will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.
10/10
War...Never Been So Much Fun
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