The Amory Wars: Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV #11 Review

Story: Claudio Sanchez
Written by: Chondra Echert
Illustrated by: Rags Morales
Colored by: Emilio Lopez
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99
Review by: David Johnson

We didn't start the fire! It was always burning since the Writer's been yearning....and complaining about the failures of all of his past relationships. When things aren't working with the ladies I tend to pour myself a double scotch and put on some Van Morrison. Ryder decides he needs to destroy all of reality. I guess some people just handle rejection better than others.


The issue begins with the forces of Archmage Willhelm Ryan continuing their assault on the resistance as Claudio and Chase attempt to mount a defense. However, their efforts are thwarted by the sudden disappearance of Ambellina. Claudio initially believes that Ryan has orchestrated her kidnapping, but Chase realizes that the real cause of Ambellina's disappearance lies elsewhere, inside the Willing Well. She may look young, but the girl has good instincts!

Will Claudio and Chase be able to save Ambellina from the Willing Well or will Ryder's rage overwhelm the force of the Crowing?

I enjoyed this issue quite a bit. The story moves quickly, starting with a quick look at Sizer and Inferno before transitioning to Claudio and Chase engaged in battle with the forces of Ryan. Once the characters move into the Willing Well the action is fast-paced, with a number of great looking full panels. The story is quickly paced without feeling rushed, conveying the urgency of the escalating conflict between Claudio and Ryder without sacrificing depth and character development.

The art is terrific, capturing both the bleak war-torn landscape in the first pages while making use of a well-executed color palate. Once the characters move into the Willing Well the art becomes more colorful and robust, with the burning fire theme of Ryder underscoring his growing rage. The vivid green of Claudio's Crowing contrasts well with the fire and creates a landscape that manages to be complex and powerful without getting too busy or difficult to follow. DC readers may see many similarities to the Green Lantern comics in terms of color use and symbolism.

For those singing along at home this issue corresponds with The Willing Well IV: The Final Cut. Feel free to play some air guitar during the solo.

Bits and Pieces: 

The story remains engrossing through the entire issue and the ending has me excited for the next entry in the series. This issue is a solid chapter in the story of Claudio and The Writer and fans of the Amory Wars story will likely be engrossed as the saga moves towards another epic showdown.

7.8/10