Tales From Nottingham #5: Destiny Is Calling

Tales From Nottingham #5 is the latest from Mad Cave Studios’ anthology series. This time the winners of the Talent Contest show Robin Hood’s founding of the Merry Men.

Tales From Nottingham #5: Engineering A Legend

The winner of the writer’s talent contest Damien Becton lays the foundation of a compelling tragedy. Sure a lot of people know about the Merry Men and their cult-like behavior, but over what? Here, Becton frames their loyalty to King Richard being rooted in a sense of nostalgia. Which isn’t hard to justify with how Prince John’s taxations allow the tax collectors to profit. Some of the poor people had to flee to Sherwood and go into banditry to make a living.

So when Robin needs help to start his campaign against Prince John, you might assume people as loyal to King Richard as he is would go together. But no, he’s appealing to them like a revolution’s influencer. Anyone familiar with A King’s Ransom might know that King Richard isn’t exactly a just ruler. But the Merry Men don’t know that, just the idea that things were better under him. Something that Robin is using to exploit by giving these disenfranchised men direction.

At Least It Looks Cool

Rafael Romeo Magat uses his visual storytelling to show off some great character action. Robin is ever in control of a situation, effortlessly sliding from one panel or page to the next. This is best shown when the backgrounds fade away, almost like a special moment is about to take place. Especially in juxtaposition with very important panels that foreshadow another character about to strike at Robin. These get further support from Ellie Wright’s colors with a blank background changing from yellow to red. Or when the backgrounds are completely gone and characters share an empty space. It gives a sense of timelessness where nothing except Robin and the other character matter.

Tales From Nottingham #5: Well Executed Actions

Tales From Nottingham #5 is probably the best way to look at this series’ take on Robin Hood. He’s always a step ahead, even to those he’s supposed to share beliefs in. Readers can’t help but marvel at this scoundrel as he snakes his way out of a bad situation and turns another one to his benefit. Final score 8.5/10.

Thanks for coming to the end and as always, remember to look between the panels.