Growing up, I used to love watching Saturday morning cartoon TV shows, as any child of my generation, knew that it was the only time we got to watch what we wanted and for hours and n multiple TV channels. I remember waking up at 6:00 in the morning to watch what was on, everything from Gargoyles to Zorro to MASK. I remembered this is the exact medium where I was introduced to high fantasy, everything from Thundarr the Barbarian to He-Man and Masters of the Universe. From that point, I was hooked, I started reaching for everything that was similar, anything to do with dragons and warriors and princesses, all at the same time, seemed like a magical world that one could get swept up in an instance.

Tom Scioli, is a master storyteller, whose talents I believe are nowhere as appreciated as his contemporaries, as I was introduced to his talents in the superb modern classic, Godland. His prior work had been excellent up to this point as his skills as a writer remind of Jim Steranko in so many ways. When I heard that he was using his talents to not only draw but write a series that was based in high fantasy, I was instantly interested in how the end product would turn out. He not only excels in American Barbarian, but his love for everything “Saturday morning cartoons,” exudes throughout the series.

Within American Barbarian, we are introduced to Yoosamon and his seven sons, whose hair, is colored in American Red, White and Blue, who are taking part in a fate ceremony, where they must pull a sword to determine their destiny, as they are protectors of the Lionhorn Dynasty, in a place called New Earthsea, defending against robots, rising dead, genetic supermen, dinosaurs, etc. One is chosen to be the American Barbarian, through this ceremony, and must be the ultimate savior for the kingdom. All seems to fine, until they are attacked by the Two Tank Omen, Ancient Egyptian like creatures who have tanks and invade the kingdom, ultimately killing most of the Yoosamon family except for American Barbarian. He plots his revenge by joining the Two Tank Omen, where he plans to infiltrate them and destroy them from within, ending the series with more than a satisfying end, reminiscent of those Saturday morning cartoons where it draws its inspirations from.

Ultimately, the series is a fun romp through high fantasy, equal parts Turok the Dinosaur Hunter and Heavy Metal, eventually becoming something not only nostalgic but exceptional. Scioli’s story is nothing but love for high fantasy, not only of those Saturday Morning cartoons, but also of authors like Ursula Le Guin. Scioli’s art is the main reason why I loved his work on GI Joe and is the reason why I love his work on this series. Overall, a fun time, that will not only feel reminiscent of the best fantasy out there, but just like any good fiction, will take you away.

Story: Tom Scioli Art: Tom Scioli
Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review