C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table #5
Anthony Bergamini
Recap
MAGIC VERSUS MIGHT! Gwen and Merlin begin training the Children of the Round Table to fight with and without their weapons enhanced with magic and the wisdom (and personality quirks) of King Arthur and his knights. But even with time slowed down in Camelot, the clock's running out for Connor's grandma, who's in the clutches of Mordred and one of the most powerful men in the world, as the kids are about to learn!
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C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table #2: What Lurks in the Cart
Review
C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table #5 opens with the team resuming their training in Camelot, a dimension where they can train for months while only a couple of days pass in the real world. While the previous issue exposed many of the characters’ pitfalls and weaknesses, this installment begins to highlight their strengths, giving each member of the team an opportunity to showcase their weapons. At the same time, the world surrounding these events continues to be developed, revealing not only who these characters are becoming but also what is expected of them in the future.
One of the few criticisms of earlier issues was that, despite its large cast, the series often felt centered almost entirely on Connor and Fel. C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table #5 effectively puts that concern to rest by giving nearly every character a page or two to shine. While most do not receive groundbreaking character development, it is satisfying to finally gain a well-rounded sense of who these characters are at their core.
In many ways, this issue serves as a reflection of the one before it. Where the previous chapter showed the team arriving unsure and completely unskilled with their weapons, this issue ends with them brimming with confidence and equipped with the training needed to succeed. The book also features a new set of montage training sequences that showcase each character learning new skills, directly contrasting the earlier issue’s montage of repeated failures. Watching these two chapters mirror each other so deliberately is a testament to the creative team’s strong sense of storytelling.
Without question, the most memorable aspect of the issue is its shocking final reveal. Comic fans are no strangers to cliffhangers, but this one is genuinely surprising for readers of any age. Without spoiling anything, it is fun to revisit earlier issues to spot the subtle foreshadowing and clues that led to this moment, of which the creative team planted plenty.
Final Thoughts
C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table #5 excellently devotes its time to developing each character in unique ways, leading to a reveal that will leave your jaw on the floor.
C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table #5: Learn to Use Thy Weapon
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10
