Reyn is a freelance swordsman and monster hunter who also might be the last of the legendary “Wardens” of the land of Fate, whose ranks long since faded into myth. He’s haunted and driven by visions from a “guiding angel” who sets him on the path of a great quest— though Reyn’s hardly the errant knight-type. He’ll rescue and partner with the sorceress Seph, a member of a coven known as the Followers of Tek, hunted as heretics for their beliefs, but who may know what secrets Fate holds.

I’ve really been enjoying writer Kel Symons‘ Image series The Mercenary Sea. Reyn is his latest release, a fantasy series that has an interesting start, but doesn’t quite knock it out of the park.

I absolutely enjoyed the first issue, it’s a fun read, but the build up and mystery is dragged out a lot without enough to get me super excited for the second issue. The first issue really focuses on Reyn, as he kind of wanders. There are lots of set-up as to his being a “Warden” and some of the past history of the world, but overall it’s a lot of talk, with characters that feel a bit cookie cutter. That includes Seph, who might be the more interesting of the two characters, though it’s not her name on the title. Her abilities and personality seem like they’ll be a draw to the series. But overall, the plot of the first issue seemed like a very typical sword and sorcery tale.

The art by Nathan Stockman is a bit inconsistent as well. What really stood out to me were the female characters, some of whom fall into a stereotypical large chested, thin wasted, damsel trope, while others feature a much more down to Earth design you might see in Princeless. The former is over the top, and the latter not so much. So when you mix the two, it’s a bit weird. I’d much rather see a consistent feel to it, whether it’s an exaggerated look like we’ve seen in Battlechasers, or a much more down to Earth such as the previously mentioned Princeless. I do like Stockman’s design for some of the characters and creatures. The villains are a snake like being that are original in look, and the design could be very cool going forward. Also, I do dig Reyn and Seph’s design. It’s simple and solid.

The first issue is good, and fans of fantasy should check it out. The issue lacked a little bit of oomph that makes it stand out from the pack though. I’ll definitely keep reading at least through the first arc, and here’s hoping we see that something special to make this series rise above the pack of numerous other fantasy series out there.

Story By: Kel Symons Art By: Nathan Stockman
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review