Advanced Review: The Once and Future Queen Volume 1

The Once and Future Queen Volume 1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writters: Adam P. Knave & D.J. Kirkbride
Artist and Colorist: Nick Brokenshire
Letterer and Logo Designer: Frank Cvetkovic

Kickass Female twist to the Arthurian legend? In the present? YES PLEASE! The Once and Future Queen lives up to that idealism and exceeds it. The narrative introduces many different elements that make it inclusive and fresh. The characters are diverse racially, sexually, age-wise, and gender-wise. Moreover, the story itself shows a learning curve for the characters, from the parents to the Arthurian reincarnations. To adapt to the changes, they all go through different acclimatization methods. This story is one of the most dynamic ones I’ve read this year, and it’s an amazing recreation of the Arthurian narrative.

Instead of replacing the original story and characters, the writers create a story where the Arthurian narrative is retold in the present day, bringing with it contemporaneous idealisms. However, not all of the members of the roundtable are present. Still, the characters exist within a context: they have families. For example, their parents are involved and care about their children’s well-being. The narrative is a queer one without the typical tropes undermining characters and subject development. Moreover, healthy communication balances the adventure. This balance creates a narrative that is hard to put down.

As with all comics, art and style are very important. They balance the verbal element and enhance the narrative. All this is true for The Once and Future Queen and more. The art fits the mood of the narrative well at every twist and turn. Also, the art and style enhance the page by page parallel of sweet art representing the open communication and the brutal art of the action sequences. These moments were my favourite because it reminds the reader that silence is toxic.

Verdict:
Buy it! I really enjoyed The Once and Future Queen, and I’m looking forward to the second installment. The narrative shows how well diversity plays into a recreation of a narrative without replacing the original tale. The main character is a WOC, and bisexuality and asexuality are represented. The action sequences are interspersed with healthy communication. This interspersion produces a polyamorous relationship. Also, the art fits the mood of the narrative and balances the verbal elements of the comic. In short, The Once and Future Queen is a mind-blowingly amazing comic. I am very excited for the continuation of the story.

The comic will be available in comic shops on Nov. 1 and on Amazon on Nov 14.