When the Blood has Dried #1: Not in My Bar
Creative Team
writer: GARY MOLONEY
artist/colorist: DANIEL ROMERO
letterer: BECCA CAREY
publisher: MAD CAVE COMICS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
When the Blood has Dried #1 is a fantasy comic book that quickly draws readers into the charm and danger that lurks in the town of Carraig an Bhun.
This series follows Meabh, an ex-member of the “Adventurers Guild.” While she had hoped to have left that life behind, it’s clear: no one ever truly leaves the Guild.
Issue #1 opens with a moody flashback to Meabh soaked in rain and blood and this introduction to the character provides little details that enhance the experience such as conveying her skill with weapons and her ability to take an arrow to the shoulder. This balanced opener is just a few pages before sending readers to the town of Carraig an Bhun but keeps Meabh’s past in the back of the reader’s mind.
Written by Gary Moloney, this premiere issue strikes a great blend of world building and character introduction. From the town and its inhabitants, each with larger-than-life personalities, to the likable Meabh (now the town barkeep), there is a lot of life in this story. Additionally, the reading experience is a joy; Becca Cary’s lettering is well placed throughout the panels that aid the words without overshadowing the art.
In addition to the impressive script, are the illustrations and colors by Daniel Romero. Fantasy stories are almost required to have lush scenes of green, rich brown buildings, and characters with various body types and non-verbal tics. Fortunately, Romero’s art immerses readers into Moloney’s script crafting an experience that lends itself to the various tones throughout.
Final Verdict
With a tight script and art that fluidly shifts from dramatic to cozy–this series premiere has just the right combination for fans of fantasy comic books. While Moloney and Romero have created an interesting world and characters, it’s yet to be seen how this series will pan out—but this start is certainly a strong one.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 9.0 |
| Story/Plot | 9.0 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.0 |
| Colors | 9.5 |
| Final Score | 9.1/10 |