Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

WeirdWorld #1WeirdWorld #1
Marvel Comics
Aaron & Del Mundo

Having read a large amount of Thor and Conan comics over the years, reading "Weirdworld" felt comfortable. Jason Aaron takes an extreme corner of the Battleworld during the Secret Wars event and looks at a character called Arkon, a Conan-like, displaced barbarian king. The comic book isn't a new take on barbarians or sword and sorcery stories, but the comic is well written, entertaining and has unique, but stunning artwork. If you have any interest in the genre then you will find this to be a great pick-up.

The story is as straightforward as they come for sword and sorcery. Arkon finds himself alone in a strange land. He's been a king and a conqueror but now he's only got his sword and a map. Arkon isn't willing to persevere as he finds suicide as the best option when he discovers the land he finds himself on is simply a floating island.

Just as Arkon is about to jump he gets involved in a scene that involves ogres trying to capture a dragon. Arkon snaps out of his haze and lets the action take him to the bottom of the sea with the dragon. His actions are noticed by the local lord, potentially the villain of the book. The lord is a familiar character.

The first issue is more of an introduction of the lead character than a plot device for further issues. Any number of things could happen to Argon from here, but the key takeaway from the comic is Arkon's personality. He's charismatic, he's tough, he's longing for home and he's got an edge to him when pushed. Secondarily, the foe that is tracking him is still a mystery in terms of characterization. We have no way to know if this character is up to the task or not. Is this person a real threat? We also do not know the importance of the map. Perhaps nothing, but the map may also become the key to whatever plot Aaron eventually hatches. There is enough to both latch onto and to wonder about with this first issue.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsDel Mundo's art is tremendous. He's got a painted style that puts this book in another category from anything else being published. The book has that dream-like quality. The title suggests the world is strange and artwork makes sure to keep the reader reminded that "normal" is getting redefined with this comic book. The art does have a level of confusion during the action sequences, which isn't necessarily a bad thing given the type of comic book this is and what the main character is pressing through. The artwork is not going to be to everyone's taste, but then again neither are Conan-type comics.

If you are enjoying Jason Aaron's take on Thor then you will enjoy this comic. In fact, this could easily be a Thor story or a forgotten story arc, which may be part of the problem with this getting a perfect score because Aaron writes Arkon much like he writes one of his Thor characters. The comic is a very good introduction to the strange world and the lead character. There isn't much of a plot for the larger arc, but the lead villain is revealed at the end. The comic is backed up with powerfully, but different, artwork by Del Mundo. Overall, this was a well-written, beautifully drawn, fun comic book. If you like Conan then you will enjoy this. I recommend checking this out.

4 out of 5 Geek Goggles