By d. emerson eddy — The fantasy series Reaver returns with its second arc, The Grim After, here in Reaver #7 with a bit of a change in tone and approach. This world takes a low magic stance similar to something like Robert E. Howard's Conan, but the first arc was rife with intrigue and backstabbing as a band of pressed men were forced to save the world. More or less. It's definitely more involved than that, but I highly recommend that everyone check out the first volume, Hell's Half Dozen. Reaver #7 dials it back to a more personal level, following Essen Breaker.

You don't need to have read the previous arc in order to follow this. Justin Jordan approaches the story much as you would the first chapter in any standard fantasy story. He establishes the new town of Haas Haaden, the colorful cast of characters populating it, some conflict, and references to the soldierly bitter past that Essen and his old friend, Bren. The perfect starting point for anyone coming in new to the series. There's some wonderful character building as Essen tries to change from the monster he saw himself as in the past and some intrigue and mystery regarding the criminal element running the town.

Niko Henrichon comes aboard for this arc, taking over the art duties from Rebekah Isaacs and Alex Guimaraes. Henrichon's line art has a scratchier feel than Isaacs, giving a rougher atmosphere to the story than before. It suits the shadowy and downtrodden areas of Haas Haaden very well, enriching the underbelly of the town and the seediness of the story. Likewise, the colors here take a more muted tone, with Henrichon employing a number of earth tones keeping the story relatively sombre. There is a color shift in the final sequence of this chapter, fitting as the action livens and we get a welcome surprise for a cliffhanger. Overall, Henrichon delivers some very beautiful character work and gives us a very believable fantasy village that feels a bit like Riften from Skyrim.

Clayton Cowles helps maintain visual consistency as he continues as letterer for the series. The mixed case location headings are still a very nice element and the sound effects, particularly the CRASH as Breaker...well...breaks things, are well done. 

Overall, this is a welcome return for the series as Jordan, Henrichon, and Cowles take Reaver #7 down a different path. It revels in some standard light fantasy storytelling elements, while building up a new mystery out of Essen Breaker's past. This a great jumping-on point for readers who are looking for more amazing fantasy tales.

Reaver #7
Writer: Justin Jordan
Artist: Niko Henrichon
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Image / Skybound
Price: $3.99
Solicit: NEW STORY ARC! INTRODUCING NEW SERIES ARTIST NIKO HENRICHON! Essen Breaker is tired of violence. He's traveled to Haas Haaden, the city at the edge of the world, to escape it. But where Breaker goes, death follows. Join writer JUSTIN JORDAN and new series artist NIKO HENRICHON (Pride of Baghdad) for the start of a brand-new story arc, featuring murder, mystery, and lots and lots of blood.

d. emerson eddy is a student and writer of things. He fell in love with comics during Moore, Bissette, & Totleben's run on Swamp Thing and it has been a torrid affair ever since. His madness typically manifests itself on Twitter @93418.