Slaine: Demon Killer
Slaine: Demon Killer – Pat Mills, Glenn Fabry, Greg Staples & Dermot Power – Graphic Novel (2000 AD / Rebellion)
It’s all to easy to dismiss Slaine as a second rate Conan meets Lord Of The Rings rip-off, but anyone who does so, is clearly a schmuck and clearly hasn’t read and knows nothing about either the source material he or she is using as a yardstick or Slaine. Believe me, I know. I’ve had the argument. More than once. Okay, so maybe Pat Mills was inspired by seeing Marvel’s Conan appear, proving that fantasy could work in comics, and maybe somewhere in the back of his mind, he remembered reading Lord Of The Rings once, but that’s about it. Slaine, is based on Celtic mythology, he’s the son of the warped spasm, initially banished from his tribe, wandering ancient Britain conquering all manner of demons, creatures, Gods and villains, slaying the monstrous, mystical and real, before finally returning to his people, uniting the tribes of Ireland, serving as the countries first High King, and then being ritually sacrificed after seven years. A precursor to our modern political system, only a lot more deadly. It’s here, at the moment of Slaine’s death that ‘Demon Killer’ starts, as the Earth Goddess sends him through time to aid Boudicca in her fight against the Roman Invasion of Britain and his ancient demon nemesis, Elfric. Mixing folklore, mythology and history in a timeless tale of fantasy, full to bursting with incredible, exquisitely detailed artwork, ‘Demon Killer’ proves just why Slaine has become essential reading for comic and fantasy fans alike. It really doesn’t get much better than this kids…. Tim Mass Movement
