BLACK ROAD VOLUME 2: A PAGAN DEATH (Image Comics) Written by Brian Wood & Steve Wands. Illustrated by Gary Brown. Colored by Dave McCaig.
from the Goodreads website summary . . . .
Having located Bishop Oakenfort on the extreme northern coast of Norssk, Magnus The Black moves in on this rogue Vatican outpost with the intent to shut it down. But as formidable a Viking warrior as Magnus is, he is still one man versus a fortress. The epic conclusion to the story started with volume 1's "The Holy North." Collects issues 6 through 10.
my review on the Goodreads website . . . . .
A Magnus The Black mystery. Even better than Volume 1, this is the continuation and conclusion of the story that began with "The Holy North".
Volume 1 relates how Christianity found it's way to the land of the Vikings when a displaced Roman bishop leaves Rome to establish a Catholic fortress in the frozen north country. Ex-warrior Magnus, losing his home and family as the Christian conversion of pagan lands begins, becomes a bodyguard for hire for the Church and in doing so alienates himself from his own people.
On a journey north through the Black Road, to convey a Cardinal and his young female apprentice to the fortress of Bishop Oakenfort, the Cardinal is killed during an ambush. Magnus continues to escort the apprentice Julia, who's also a trained warrior, only to be betrayed and left for dead once they get close to the destination.
As Volume 2 begins, a healed Magnus keeps traveling north to seek revenge against Julia. He's accompanied by a female mercenary-turned-blacksmith on the Black Road.
As they arrive within sight of the fortress they learn of a holy relic in transit to Oakenfort, an item that will aid him in uniting all of Christiandom under his demented leadership. They form a plan to thwart his efforts and embarrass the Church by stealing the relic and using it against Oakenfort. Also, Julia awaits within the walls.
Unfortunately for the soldiers serving the Bishop, they mistake the burly Magnus for someone as slow and stupid as he appears to them. Much to their regret.
This is an epic story that allows the crafty scripting of Wood and the intriguing art of Brown to really explore the potential of this setting. Along with the suspense there is plenty of absorbing conversations regarding religion, holy relics, power and politics and more honest values in life. The numerous fight and action scenes really allow Brown to showcase what he's capable of.
Recommended.
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