By Benjamin Morin — Once and Future has long been a series I’d been meaning to get around to reading, but I haven't had a chance due to my ever expanding backlog. I have only heard great things about this book, which is no surprise considering the creative talent behind it, so this weekend I finally sat down to take it all in and I came away extremely fulfilled. As someone who loves mythology and legends of old, this series taps into the heart of what makes these myths so fun and gives them a modern twist. This latest issue, in particular, immediately swept me up in its Arthurian adventure and did not let go.

After a rather slow start to this arc, the previous issue and this one ramp up the action and humor. Our story continues to follow Duncan, Rose, and Bridgette as they fend off Arthur's fiendish invading forces. Specifically, this issue deals with the mythical Grendel attacking a nursing home. If that sentence doesn’t pique your curiosity, I don’t know what will. It’s creative set pieces like this that elevate the series beyond standard monster hunting books.

Kieron Gillen’s writing here stands out, as always. He continues to strike a balance between grand mythical adventure and small humorous moments. It's the minute details and moments that breathe life into the characters and makes the world feel real. The best way I could describe the story would be Spielberg-esque. There’s great action and a compelling hero’s journey paired with moments of levity that make reading this book a joy. One panel in particular made me laugh out loud for its ingenious use of a film reference, and just further illustrates the fun the creative team must be having crafting such a tale.

The artistic duo of Dan Mora and Tamra Bonvillain pull off another fantastic issue here as well. This action heavy issue allows them to put their talent on display as the paneling draws your eyes across the page. Mora’s artwork conveys every minute emotion, which draws you into the story further. Bonvillain also delivers some excellent coloring as well, as the psychedelic tinged palette of the Otherworld warps our reality. Both artists seem to be working in perfect tandem as they each bring out the best in each other’s unique style. 

This issue was a blast to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it even though it was my first foray into the world of Once and Future. I came away excited to go back and read the previous issues to see how we got to such a wonderfully absurd place, and the rest of the series did not disappoint. Gillen’s modern twist on Arthurian legend should be on everyone’s reading list especially if you’re interested in this rich mythology.

Overall: Once and Future delivers an action packed and thoroughly comical issue that instantly captured my attention. I would definitely recommend anyone pick this issue up for an enjoyable ride. 9.0/10

Once and Future #10

Once and Future #10
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Dan Mora
Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Publisher: Boom Studios
Price: $3.99
Revenge is the greatest motivator and Gran and Duncan have awakened the ire of the mother of all monsters...
Release Date: August 19, 2020
Buy It Digitally: Once and Future #10

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Benjamin Morin currently studies Journalism/Mass Media at Johnson University. He is a comic book enthusiast and aspiring filmmaker.