Is this a safe place to admit that I’m not usually a fan of fantasy comics? I will devour a sci-fi or speculative comic all day, but I am always leery of fantasy comics. I find they either don’t catch my attention quick enough or they are similar to other stories I’ve already read. I am thrilled to report, that might just change all because of The Hunger and the Dusk. The first volume absolutely blew me away with its complex characters and compelling story, and I cannot wait to continue on in the comic.

Amazon / Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hugo- and World Fantasy Award–winning writer G. Willow Wilson (Ms. Marvel, Wonder Woman, Poison Ivy) and all-star artist Chris Wildgoose invite readers to experience love on the brink of extinction in their new ongoing high fantasy tour de force!

In a dying world, only humans and orcs remain—mortal enemies battling for territory and political advantage. But when a group of fearsome ancient humanoids known as the Vangol arrive from across the sea, the two struggling civilizations are forced into a fragile alliance to protect what they have built.

As a gesture of his commitment to the cause—and to the relief of his bride-to-be, Faran Stoneback—the most powerful orc overlord, Troth Icemane, sends his beloved cousin Tara, a high-ranking young healer, to fight alongside brash human commander Callum Battlechild and his company of warriors. With a crisis looming, the success of this unlikely pair’s partnership and the survival of their peoples will depend on their ability to unlearn a lifetime of antagonistic instincts toward one another…and rise above the sting of heartbreak.

Collects issues #1-6 of the critically acclaimed hit series.

Review:

It’s not often I say that I genuinely loved basically every aspect of a comic. The story in The Hunger and the Dusk was excellent, and left me eager for the next volume. The characters were well developed, with interesting dialogue and compelling relationships. More than anything, the story is just so dang compelling!

I really appreciated the focus on orcs, which isn’t a typical species that fantasy series usually focus on. Instead of being monsters or “the bad guys,” the orcs are nuanced, detailed, and the main characters in The Hunger and the Dusk. This story reminded me why I love fantasy in the first place. There’s action, tension, politics, a touch of romance, and a bit of heartbreak, all against a fantasy landscape that’s dying.

One thing is for sure – this is not your typical Lord of the Rings story, nor is it a spicy monster romance. The Hunger and the Dusk is complex and unique, and I loved it.

Art:

The dusty and, yes, “dusky” use of colors was lovely and I would be remiss not to mention it. The characters were all uniquely styled and drawn, which I loved. These are not the orcs of the past – I cannot stress that enough!

Rating: 5 Stars. I can’t wait to find time to continue series.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of the full first volume! All the above thoughts are my own.