Demon Knights: Paul Cornell, Diogenes Neves, Oclair Albert, Julio Ferreira, Marcelo Maiolo, Jared K. Fletcher, Michael Choi

DEMON KNIGHTS IS AN EFFING BRILLIANT COMIC BOOK.

If this were a full-on swearin’ blog, I’da done it.

What Paul Cornell does in the first few pages of this book, some comic books I read don’t accomplish in a whole issue. A whole ARC even! It’s really sad! Great for Cornell, but sad for comics! And readers! Here is why everyone should be reading Demon Knights.

The very first lines in this issue are screamed by Vandal Savage: “Look! It’s a pirate sea serpent! That is something I have never shouted before!”

I couldn’t stop laughing. I still am now, thinking about it. Not only is that something that Vandal would say, but it’s just so damn funny! Because of the words, yes, and the situation, but it also makes you think of ALL the different things he’s shouted in his centuries - or more! - of life!

These poor pirates think they have the upper hand, but Xanadu has a plan that involves rope and magic. Well, time for Vandal to shine again as he comes in and CLOBBERS that serpent, declaring that it doesn’t need to be so complicated! I just love Vandal in this book! I’ve totally forgotten about what he did to that little boy in Little Spring (aw, but now I’m thinking about it again D’:).

The heroes land and come ashore, only to be accosted by the “Shire Reeve” of the town. ……….I took an Administration to Justice class in college. I learned there what a Shire Reeve is. And I love that not only did Cornell slip that into the story, but that I knew what it was too. What is a Shire Reeve? Why, Jason Blood explains so in the very next line: “Exactly the opposite, sheriff.” Way before there was an organized policing system, one man was elected into position over his town, his county, his “shire.” He was called the Shire Reeve. Over time the name was shortened, of course. BRILLIANT!!

Six pages in and so much to talk about, I’m tripping over myself trying to explain this issue’s genius!

Our heroes hear of trouble from Camelot in a very “side mission” style from a bloke in a tavern and decide to see what’s up. Avalon is close, so they’re not too far from their goal. I actually liked this setup. Our band of merry folk decide to look into what’s causing all these people trouble. Sure, it also works out because it may solve their sailing problem…so there’s incentive to get the task done. It’s right out of an RPG or something. And I really like that, since medieval settings are often used in those types of games and scenarios. It just fits!

They fight a giant dire wolf creature, along with some very funny dialog (Vandal complaining that it’s flesh won’t be appetizing), and Sir Ystin is able to bring it down. I like it when one character of the group gets a moment to really shine. I’m waiting for more from Al Jabr and Horsewoman, though. I’m sure they’ll get their time.

An undead King Arthur comes leaping out and transforms everyone into more animalistic forms, their true natures as Exoristos was just commenting on. And suddenly, I can’t wait for next issue.

Demon Knights #10, the verdict: Y’know, as soon as I saw the cover, I knew it’d be Arthur. I like that Cornell is helping me feel super smart with this book. I’m waiting for a real challenge…some reference or piece of knowledge from him that’ll really make my brain twist. I can’t say how much I love reading this book. It’s so much FUN, while remaining grounded in a strange sense of seriousness and duty. It’s the weirdest combination I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Neves’ art is, as always, just so beautiful to look at. This was another issue where I spent extra time just staring at his lovely pages. That first page? The one revealing Camelot? Sir Ystin raining down death from above? Good lord there’s some gorgeous art in here. As long as this creative team doesn’t change, Demon Knights will contain GOLD each and every time, I know it.

(Photo Source: iFanBoy)