Captives #2 review: Revealing the Curse of Zardhe
By Alex Widen
Our unlikely heroes have breached the labyrinth of Zardhe! Yet can they survive the first gauntlet and each other?
Captives #2
Writer & Creator: Alex Banchitta
Artist: Robert Ahmad
Inker: Dan Parons
Cover: Mike Dubisch
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Dungeon crawlers and “sword and sorcery” epics may not be the biggest genre in comics, but they’re beloved by audiences. Joining the ranks of comics like ElfQuest, Rat Queens, and Princeless is one of Fright Comics‘ two launch titles. Captives follows a band of unlikely heroes, rogues, and other warriors as they gather at the labyrinth of Zardhe. Each of them are there for their own reasons, but as a result of being locked inside together, they’re all captives of the same trap.
Image by Fright Comics
The main protagonists are Simon and his elder brother Robin. Simon is there to earn the hand of Princess Agatha, whose father King Nelm transformed Zardhe and created the labyrinth. Legend says that any hero who survives it can marry the Princess, and Simon believes this his destiny. Robin just wants to keep him safe and escape. Yet in trying to talk Simon out of going, they’ve come upon a variety of warriors and are immediately entangled in a giant serpent.
Image by Fright Comics
Simon Probably Should Have Brought Anti-Snake Spray!
Because they met a band of warriors at the gates of Zardhe, however, the brothers are not alone. Falcon the archer, Rowan the dwarf, and an unnamed Paladin rush to aid them against the massive snake. In the meantime, the bandit leader “Tor the Wicked” and his gang breach the keep in search of plunder. Finally, the mysterious Irwin the alchemist, who seems to know more than he lets on, also joins them for his own reasons. The end result is all of them being joined at the hip.
Image by Fright Comics
Once the entrance slams shut and the serpent is dead, Irwin lays out some rough truths. Nothing can open the gates again, and they’re all trapped there. Even worse, the hordes of Zardhe seem endless. After a brief respite from the serpent, a gang of trolls, goblins, and other monsters emerge. Yet it seems combat remains the only time when all of the warriors seem to get along. Arrows fly, axes swing, and swords slice through limbs and heads of the monsters before them.
Image by Fright Comics
Yet it’s Robin who notices something too familiar about one of the beasts. Once upon a time, all of the monsters were once adventurers just like them. Irwin may be known for his alchemy, but he may as well be called “Basil Exposition” with all the information he dumps. The only one who doesn’t seem to heed it is Tor, who is there to cause trouble and loot the place. He sows discontent when Falcon and one of his minions bicker about a dropped sword to plunder.
Image by Fright Comics
Maybe Tor Is Worse Than the Goblins!
Rather than get lost in the competition and looting, Robin remains focused on trying to exit, and keep Simon alive. Yet very quickly they see that they are pawns in something far grander. The labyrinth of Zardhe is a universe unto itself with different realms to explore. And King Nelm is no mere blue blood; he is lord and master of the realm. Even the ever arrogant Tor may realize they are all pawns in a very deadly game. Their adventure as captives has only just begun!
Image by Fright Comics
Alex Banchitta is an obvious fan of the “sword and sorcery” genre, and does a great job of replicating it here. Captives isn’t out to mock it, or even seek some bombastic gimmick regarding it. It is out to tell a traditional story within that genre in a serious manner with excellent execution. There is an absolute faith in the fantasy genre and all of the related tropes which easily becomes infectious from panel to panel, and page to page. It is a well done dungeon crawling adventure.
Image by Fright Comics
Part of this involves clearly defined characters. The youthful and romantic Simon plays into endless heroes such as Link or even Super Mario who are out to rescue a princess at all costs. Robin may be an adventurer, yet he’s really there to protect his kid brother. Irwin is the all-knowing sage, and Tor is the rabble rousing rogue, out to stir the pot. Some of the other characters can use some more rounding, such as Falcon and Rowen. The Paladin seriously needs a name sometime.
Image by Fright Comics
Most of All, Utterly Epic Black and White Artwork!
In addition, another major selling point is the artwork. Robert Ahmad and Dan Parons offer up a classical style which is utterly timeless and epic. There is strong line work and jaw dropping action. The more I see it, the more I am reminded of the style of legendary artist Sal Buscema. Best known for his Marvel Comics work (including a 10 year run on Hulk), he did his share of fantasy stuff on Conan. Ahmad’s bold figures and poses replicate this sort of magic for a new generation.
Image by Fright Comics
Next: Enter the gates of Zardhe with #1!
In conclusion, Captives offers one of the best renditions of the “sword and sorcery” genre in comics today. It may seem as if someone has sought to build a story around a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, but this is no bad thing. The works of Tolkien which have inspired all this remain popular for a reason. The legends of heroes battling monsters and dungeons serve as metaphors for life alongside solid adventure. Captives is a magical thrill ride which never lets up.