Kull: The Cat and The Skull #4 (of 4)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: David Lapham
Artist: Gabriel Guzman (cover by Jo Chen)
When we last left Kull, he was being dragged below the murky depths of Forbidden Lake. Once he reaches his destination, he is greeted by some disgruntled fish-men. These beasts are an ages old civilization, that has been warring with man for a long time. Although right now, they are at peace because a bargain was struck between the two races. After Kull finishes verbally sparring with them, they realize that he is a good king, and let him get back to the surface. Of course, Kull now realizes that Saramese sent him on a fool’s errand, but he still doesn’t know why. When he returns to his kingdom, he finds out why, and also that his wife was savagely attacked by the serpent men. He speaks with Brule and his advisers, and they eventually get to the bottom of this ruse. But what they find there is something that neither Brule or Kull is quite ready for!
I really enjoyed this mini-series by David Lapham. He did a great job at showcasing not only Kull, but also Brule, one of my favorite characters, and also Igraine, Kull’s wife. Kull is an awesome character for action and adventure, but the supporting cast are what make the story really interesting in my opinion. I loved the reveal at the end because the villain is also one of my favorites. Oh, and I love the name “Forbidden Lake” that’s used in the story. Why, you ask? Because it makes me laugh due to the fact that it sounds like an erotic thriller one might see watching Cinemax late at night…not that I do that, I’ve just heard about it.
I think some big time credit for the awesomeness of this series has to go to Gabriel Guzman, as well. He did an outstanding job with the pencils on this series. The best parts were the action scenes of course, but even things such as Kull arriving at the underwater kingdom was great (see above pic, click to enlarge). The lizard men were also a really big bright point as Guzman was spot on with their creepiness. The cover by Jo Chen goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. It. Was. Awesome! Rating 4/5
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
