In Review: Solomon Kane: The Serpent Ring #1 – Kane hunts evil through Europe

Synopsis: The ‘Sword of Vengeance’ slashes into his own new series, Solomon Kane: The Serpent Ring! Kane battlers from the Barbary Coast, across Southern Europe, to the canals of Venice, as a band of rogues forms around him in their quest for the fabled Serpent Ring of Set!

The Story

Solomon Kane is serving as a privateer for the English crown during a conflict along the Barbary Coast. In the heat of battle, he accidentally kills an innocent man. With his dying breath, the man entrusts Kane with a mysterious artifact and a final request: deliver it to an old friend in Venice.

Determined to honor the man’s wish, Kane embarks on a perilous journey across Southern Europe. Along the way, he encounters a motley crew of rogues—each with their own interest in the strange item he carries.

Artwork

Writer and Artist Patrick Zircher does a brilliant job with this book. He expertly captures the look and feel of life aboard a ship, bringing it to vivid life. His portrayal of Solomon Kane is spot-on, and the various locations, from Venice to Africa, are beautifully illustrated, each with a distinct sense of character. The most striking panel in this first issue comes when we see the remains in Africa, as the aides to a priest are sent off on a mission.

Overall

A solid start, with great nods to the historical period in which the story is set. The depiction of the Barbary Coast is brilliantly accurate. The Barbary Wars, fought against the Barbary pirates of North Africa, were a significant conflict during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The story captures the tension of naval engagements, the perilous waters of piracy, and the political backdrop of European nations vying for influence in North Africa and the Mediterranean.

The story also excels at capturing the religious tensions of the period. Solomon Kane, with his strong puritanical background, navigates a world steeped in religious conflict. The mention of a priest’s aides and their mission in Africa reflects the influence of religion in European colonialism and missionary efforts, which were widespread during this time.

Overall, this first issue does an excellent job of depicting the world in which Solomon Kane exists, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things evolve in future issues.