Story by Paul Jenkins
Art by Pascal Alixe
As the tribes of Pangaea converge to discuss their future, the Ether tribe re-emerges after centuries of silence, not to participate in diplomacy so much as to declare an edict of isolationism. Meanwhile, we’re given more insight into the forces behind the outlanders’ attempts to manipulate the Savage Land natives, and a young corporate cog presents a way to turn the Roxxon corporation’s game back onto itself.
The story focuses on the pressures that the native inhabitants of this prehistoric wilderness must endure from the outside world when their livelihood is compromised. Jenkins successfully depicts Ka-Zar as the man in the middle, simultaneously contending not only with his place as an outsider, but the increasing tension between the tribes and individuals he has sworn to protect, and the machinations of businesses looking to squeeze a profit from their suffering.
I’m impressed by the level of depth, but at times it felt a bit long-winded and I found my mind wandering. On one hand I’m enjoying the presentation of a Ka-Zar/Savage Land tale as a political thriller, but this entry is sadly lacking in the “thriller” half, spending much of the issue languishing in arguements between bickering tribesmen. The end of the book is where most of the story advancement takes place and, although interesting, it felt like it took too long to get there.
Alixe’s art is gorgeous, reminiscent of Cary Nord’s work on Conan, but is quite possibly ill suited for a book with so much loitering dialogue. Even if the writing were terrible (which it most certainly is not), I’d look forward to seeing more of Alixe’s work, and my hope is that the Jenkins ramps up the intrigue in future issues and gives him more to work with. For now, though, I remain cautiously optimistic.
