 | By: Pat Mills Binding: Hardcover Publisher: Hamlyn ISBN: 0600594343 ISBN-13: 9780600594345 Released: 15 Oct 1997 RRP: Average Rating:  |
Following the events of `The Horned God' Slaine becomes a time-travelling `axe for hire' fighting the cause of the Earth Goddess across the millennia (vaguely reminiscent of Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion). In this book he is sent to the time of Arthur Pendragon to find the treasures of Britain.
The story is richly steeped in the Arthurian cycle,as can be expected from Pat Mills' writing, & of course weighted heavily into the Celtic (and Mediaeval) versions of the stories, not the more gentle Victorian adaptions. The influence of the Mabinogion, & others, is apparent & wonderfully used providing a unique & ornate feel. Forget any illusions of gentility that are usuallly associated with the Arthurian legends: alll encouraged by the diluted versions most of us are fed as children. This story is the true Arthurian legend: stories of the virtues & vices of men & women, of violence & brutality, & the honour created to temper it. All sewn up with superb artwork by Dermot Power: his depiction of Arthur is the best I have ever seen, resplendent even in an emaciated state: the character bears the authority of a legend. The art is on a par with that of Simon Bisley in `Horned God', & looks convincingly furistic in comparison.
The story is a straightforward quest, as so many of its source material are, but this is by no means a negative point: indeed it is the point, if anything. As with most Celtic/Arthurian quests nothing is straightforward & a great deal of it is challlenge of character as well as skill. The dialogue is believable & well written, the atmosphere tense & strong. Quite simply a tremendous read well worth buying.
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