From Vault Comics comes BARBARIC Vol. 4: Born in Blood, a new entry in the acclaimed BARBARIC series written by Michael Moreci and illustrated by Nathan C. Gooden. Published on October 8, 2024, and a part of a book tour sponsored by Rockstar Book Tours, this volume promises to bring back the dark humor, intense action, and wild twists that fans have come to love.
Voted one of Entertainment Weekly's "10 Best Comics," and praised by Thrillist and Screen Rant, BARBARIC has carved out a unique space in the comic world. And let me tell you, BARBARIC Vol. 4: Born in Blood delivers everything you could want: action, bloodthirsty banter, and a bad guy who makes even the cursed barbarian, Owen, look soft in comparison.
If you’re a fan of The Witcher, BRZRKR!, Conan the Barbarian, or Dungeons & Dragons, buckle up. This new volume is the perfect jumping-on point, even though it may leave you wanting to dive back into the earlier volumes to fully immerse yourself in the chaotic world Moreci and Gooden have built. Also, be sure to enter the giveaway to get your copy today!
My Review
BARBARIC Vol. 4: Born in Blood begins with a bang—or more accurately, a splash of blood. Owen the Barbarian is back with his cursed, talking Axe, and they're ready for another wild adventure. But this time, the spotlight shifts to a new villain: Orrick, a former barbarian who has turned into a master torturer.
Orrick forces Owen to confront his dark past, revealing buried secrets that were probably better left untouched. Along the way, we’re treated to a steady stream of gory battles, witty banter, and moral ambiguity as Owen struggles to do "good" while trapped by his curse. Will he manage to be the hero? Well, let's just say there’s plenty of head-chopping, blood-splattering action for the reader to enjoy, whether Owen’s conscience gets the better of him or not.
Illustrations & Tone
One of the standout elements of BARBARIC Vol. 4: Born in Blood is Nathan C. Gooden's illustrations. The artwork is a brilliant mix of brutal action and rich, Dungeons-and-Dragons-style color palettes. Gooden masterfully captures the atmosphere of the story—dark, gritty, yet vibrantly alive. The pages are dripping with detail, whether it's a sword swinging through an enemy or Axe's gleeful thirst for blood.
But the real treat is the tone. The dialogue is as sharp as the swords wielded in battle. Imagine a mix of Marvel-style sarcasm and over-the-top barbarian violence. Owen and Axe have an irresistible dynamic; their banter will have you chuckling amidst the chaos of beheadings and bone-crushing fights.
What I Loved ❤️
What truly stands out in BARBARIC Vol. 4: Born in Blood is the balance between its comedic tone and its graphic action. Moreci’s writing is full of sarcastic humor, making even the most intense battle scenes feel oddly lighthearted. It’s this juxtaposition that makes the series so entertaining—serious violence is constantly undercut by witty dialogue or Axe's bloodthirsty jokes.
The art team absolutely knocks it out of the park. The illustrations are detailed, vibrant, and brutal, drawing you into every scene. You can feel the tension in each fight, with colors that pop and action that flows seamlessly from panel to panel. It’s almost cinematic in scope.
And of course, I loved the unpredictability of the plot. While the story revolves around barbarian violence, there are twists and turns that keep you hooked, especially when it comes to Orrick’s dark backstory and Owen’s struggle with his curse.
What I Didn’t Like 😬
While I loved the story, it wasn’t entirely easy to jump in without having read the previous volumes. I read Barbaric Vol. 3: Hell to Pay so I was familiar with the characters and their backstories, but this volume, though pitched as a great entry point for new readers, sometimes assumes a familiarity with Owen and the world around him. I would have liked a little more backstory, or some world-building elements to ground newcomers to the series. For anyone picking up Volume 4 as their first BARBARIC experience, I recommend starting with the first volume to fully appreciate the characters’ development.
Final Thoughts
Overall, BARBARIC Vol. 4: Born in Blood delivers exactly what fans of the series expect: heart-pounding action, razor-sharp wit, and some delightfully grotesque moments. Michael Moreci continues to craft a story that is equal parts humor and bloodbath, and Nathan Gooden’s art elevates it even further.
If you’re looking for a comic series that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still packs a punch, this is it. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Owen and Axe or just meeting them for the first time, Born in Blood is a savage, side-splitting adventure you won’t want to miss.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5)
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review as part of the Rockstar Book Tours.
Comments