Captives #3 review: Surviving the deadly doors of King Nelm
By Alex Widen
Our troupe of characters venture further into the labyrinth of Zardhe. Yet will the truth about King Nelm splinter them in Captives?
Captives #3
Writer & Creator: Alex Banchitta
Artist: Robert Ahmad
Inker: Dan Parsons
Cover: Mike Dubisch
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Part of the fun of the “sword and sorcery” genre is the thrill of the unknown. Either a lone hero or team of plucky adventurers challenging the unknown with little more than their skills and wits. Captives from Fright Comics captures this spirit and mingles it with a pinch of Golden Age horror comics. For a variety of reasons, a band of varying fighters have found themselves trapped inside the labyrinth of Zardhe. They’ve since come across the massive statue of its craftsman, King Nelm!
Image by Fright Comics
Each person is there for different reasons. Once a year King Nelm opens the labyrinth for all those seeking either treasure or adventure. None ever return! Yet the young Simon feels propelled by destiny to brave it and win the hand of Princess Agatha. His elder brother Robin tags along to protect him. The alchemist Irwin seeks to study the mystery of the labyrinth, while “Tor the Wicked” leads his barbarians for the riches. Other figures include the archer Falcon and dwarf Rowan.
Image by Fright Comics
Behold, the Doors of King Nelm!
The Paladin, whose name is revealed as Nigel, seeks a course of unity. Yet the most divisive figure is Tor himself, who easily steals most scenes he’s in. Irwin claims that the statue of King Nelm is in fact the avatar of the king himself. The power of King Nelm is more than mere royalty; he is capable of assuming a nigh unstoppable form to kill all those within the labyrinth. Therefore, whether at the claws of the monsters or at the blade of King Nelm, they are all on borrowed time.
Image by Fright Comics
Tor refuses to believe Irwin, and leads his diminishing group of rogues elsewhere. Robin is skeptical himself, remaining only to protect his brother. The scale of the danger that Simon has stumbled into finally overwhelms Robin, and he briefly fights with his brother! Nigel, as well as Falcon, see the benefit in unity and appear to respect the wisdom of Irwin and the brothers’ lack of greed. With Rowan also pledging his ax to the cause, the group continues through the labyrinth.
Image by Fright Comics
However, the labyrinth of Zardhe offers more than physical challenges. King Nelm seeks test the minds and hearts of those who enter as well. Therefore, Tor and his goons once again run into Robin, Simon, and the rest in another intersection within the maze. Yet this section isn’t without a challenge. Three doors stand, baring the symbols of a tree, water, and fire. While Irwin has often been the expert of the labyrinth, this time it’s Simon who offers knowledge from a bizarre source.
Image by Fright Comics
What’s behind Door Number 3?
Propelled by destiny, Simon has seen these doors in a dream. In it, they were revealed as the challenges of King Nelm himself. Each is meant to test the love of the adventurers for Princess Agatha. Each door bares the symbol of what effort intruders are willing to suffer to proceed, with the tree representing the least effort and fire representing the most. The labyrinth will reward those willing to face certain death yet punish those seeking the easiest possible path to glory.
Image by Fright Comics
While Irwin, the trippy wizard, is willing to roll with Simon’s prophecy, Tor mocks the brothers as fools. King Nelm presses the point by opening all three stone doors and allowing the decision to be made. While most of the cast had been united thus far, the challenge of the doors successfully divides them. Confident in his ability to swim, Falcon heads for the door of water, flanked by Rowan and Nigel. Simon is intent on the fire-doors, which means Robin and Irwin follow behind.
Image by Fright Comics
Tor smugly leads his his gang through the forest door, seeking an easier path than water or fire. Yet it turns out that in case, Simon was right on the money. Expecting a gauntlet of flames, he, Robin, and Irwin instead face a scene of nymphs and bunny rabbits out of a Disney TV special. Elsewhere, while Tor and his brood expect a serene forest, they quickly learn it’s full of large panthers. With the element of terrain and surprise, the big cats quickly attack! Will Tor make it?
Image by Fright Comics
Mingling Classic Fantasy with Classic Horror!
Alex Banchitta continues to craft a simple yet effective tale which blends Dungeons And Dragons with Tales From The Crypt. While Golden Age horror comics had their share of monsters and magic, they often relied on twist endings and psychological angles. In many ways, it was a formula brought to TV with Outer Limits and Twilight Zone. While not quite on that level yet, this angle provides some more depth to the adventures of a variety of warrior classes within a maze.
Image by Fright Comics
The banter between Robin and Simon is great, as well as among the other characters. Readers will find many of their favorite reliable fantasy tropes in characters like Falcon, Nigel, and Rowan. Nigel gets a slight spotlight, and it is nice to finally learn his name. Yet the character who often steals the show is Tor the Wicked. Every adventuring band needs a rogue, and he’s worse than most. His abrasiveness and arrogance keeps the plot moving and everyone on their toes. It’d be dull otherwise!
Image by Fright Comics
Great Art at a Steal of a Price!
Robert Ahmad and Dan Parsons continue with terrifically stoic and solid black and white art. I’ve compared it to the likes of Sal Buscema (or his elder brother John Buscema) from Marvel Comics, and it remains true. The Buscemas had a flair for drawing barbarians, adventurers and fantasy elements that Admad and Parsons appear to be inspired by. From strong jaws to righteous poses to effective staging to shadowing, every panel of their work is iconic and timeless looking.
Image by Fright Comics
Next: Enter the Labyrinth of Zardhe in issue #2!
Much like with their other series, Champions Of Earth, Fright Comics has an exciting deal for readers! The first two issues of Captives are now available via their website and other outlets for free! This issue, which offers 22 story pages, can also be had for 99 cents. Compared to the average Marvel or DC Comics book, that’s an incredible bargain. Therefore, there’s never been a better time to explore the mazes, mysteries, and horrors of King Nelm with these ragtag heroes!