Nottingham #1: Take From The Rich and Kill For The Poor

In a time when evil versions of heroes are starring in some great comics, you can add Nottingham to that list. The story of Robin Hood is a story told throughout the ages, and it’s a story that can literally be told in any setting. From a big city to a dystopian future, the story is pretty much always the same. That is, until now. Author David Hazan puts a very unique spin on this tale, and it’s one that turns the story of Robin Hood into an edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting, downright scary story. Oh yeah, it’s also very entertaining. Hazan has taken the safety net away from the Robin Hood lore, in the first issue alone we lose some established cast members, and almost all of the characters are the exact opposite of what you’d expect them to be, All that aside, Hazan really puts out one hell of a page-turner and the bottom line is that this book will make you emote. In what way, I can’t be sure, but you will not walk out of this comic the same as you walk in, and that’s what a good comic does, after all. I’m not sure if this is a limited series or an ongoing, but the way Hazan has set it up, it’s got legs, and I can see it going on for a very long time while maintaining its quality. 

This is my first exposure to artist Shane Connery Volk’s work, but sign me up as a fan! He’s got a really great style that’s perfect for any kind of comic that is moody or dark in tone. The pages practically drip with atmosphere and his Sherwood looks like what you’d expect if Tim Burton made a Robin Hood movie. His physiques are exaggerated, but not over the top like the Hulk or anything. Men are big, women are tiny and it all fits in Volk’s “world”. I would love to see other adventures told in this universe, it’s got a lot of potentials, just like this artist.