Comic Review 189 // Slaine: Demon Killer by Pat Mills

With the building excitement of my Warlord Games Slaine game arriving, I had to dive in and read more of the epic adventures of Slaine by Pat Mills. This title is not the next in the series, but it was the next one I had on hand. So let us dive in:

Title: Sláine: Demon Killer (Sláine #5)

Author: Pat Mills

Art: Glenn Fabry, Cam Kennedy, Greg Staples

Fluff:

Sláine is summoned by the Earth Goddess to travel through time and defend the Britons from Caesar's legions at the side of warrior-queen Boudica. But the Romans are not to be underestimated, especially with Sláine's old foe, the demon Elfric, at their side!

Buy Now: Amazon Kindle Edition

Other: 165 pages. Published March 2010 by 2000ad/Rebellion

Review

Another excellent 2000 AD and Pat Mills title. The introduction, for me, was a very nice touch as he explains how we commonly take the viewpoint of the Romans as civilized compared to the Celts. Which, as we are learning, is not always true. It is easy to remember that history is written by the victors, and their viewpoint of other cultures is properly best not taken as pure fact.

We join Slaine at a low point as he discovers being the High King of Ireland to be rather dull. Now, of a rank too essential to be injured. Slaine is no longer allowed to fight or brawl with his fellows. This continues into the main feature, which sees Slaine reaching the end of his Reign and embracing welcomed Death. At this point, the Earth Goddess offers Slaine the chance to continue fighting for her and whisks him into the future to fight alongside the legendary Boudica.

As Slaine joins forces with the warriors of Boudica, we soon discover that the Caesarians (Romans) are being manipulated by a demon called Elfric. Slaine has met this demon in a book I have skipped, but I am sure there was blood drawn, ha. Elfric is sadistic and enrages Boudica by desecrating sacred worship sites and Boudica's own children. This led to the significant battles of Boudica's fame and an infamous uprising that stalled Rome's occupation of Britain and beyond.

Soon a lot of blood is being shed. And though Slaine enjoyed being a part of the action, he soon longs for Ireland, and as Boudica's forces are finally crushed, he asks the Earth Goddess to return him to Ireland ending the story. This story was violent, like actually shocking at times. Most of the adventure is set within a battle. We play witness to bodies mutilated, spilt or severed. We even see/hear of the acts performed on civilians. I really think this book should come with a warning.

Glenn Fabry's art style is definitely suited to this gore-filled adventure and adds depth to the bloody horrors of war. I think this was a great choice by the art department to use him, and I hope we get more shortly.

The interesting twist in the book is within the final pages as we are treated to a classic Choose-your-own-Adventure story. What a great way to end the book, and it also makes me want to dig out the Ian Livingstone books with the green spines I have hoarded away.

Overall, a solid tale, and I am excited for the next installment I can grab. Until next time I appreciate the support whether it is following here, on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Tik-Tok. I also love that a few of you are using my Amazon links or the Ko-fi Subscription. The little kickback I get is definitely helping to fund my life.

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