Comic Review: The Realm #8

The Realm #8

Image Comics

Writer: Seth M. Peck

Artist: Jeremy Haun

In the previous issue of The Realm, our party is still split into two groups. While issue #6 followed Rook and Ben in their search for their enemies, issue #7 followed Will and the rest of the party. At the end of issue #7, Will has been abducted by the Spider King, leaving Molly and company to search for him. Molly, Zach, Eli, and David track Will to a strange, creepy tunnel, where they immediately find themselves in trouble. This structure is one of the most interesting scenes in the series so far, with hidden doors and collapsing staircases adding mystery and intrigue to things. This issue, like most issues in this series, is not short on action. The battle atmosphere and setting here reminded me of a smaller version of the battle that takes place in the Mines of Moria in The Fellowship of the Ring. We have Molly, the skilled archer, and several characters who don’t have much fighting skill, similar to the hobbits, who are fighting a huge group of goblin-like creatures.

Meanwhile, Eldritch gives some much-needed answers to the plot’s puzzle, like what exactly David is transporting. While he and Neera’s relationship is strange, it’s clear she’s the one in charge. Eldritch, although clearly not as powerful as Neera, seems to have huge issues with her position of power, showing quite a bit of pride and stubbornness in the few scenes he’s featured in. Although I don’t always understand their relevance, I have to brag on The Realm‘s covers for each issue. Slotted among tons of other comics and color schemes, The Realm is one that grabs my attention better than most others. The art in each issue is not a disappointment either, utilizing unique angles and generous details.

Deep in the heart of the Spider King’s nest is where I’m hoping issue #9 will pick back up. Jeremy Haun and Seth M. Peck have left things wide open to tell an amazing story. The Realm is certainly not devoid of interesting characters. I’ve been hoping that we would learn more about each of these people, but it looks like it will be a slow build if it does ever come to fruition. We didn’t learn much about our crew in this issue, but I’m dying to see what will happen next, who these people were before the apocalypse, and what becomes of them.