Being a child of the 1980s, I remember how obsessed the world was with the British Royal family. The world still is but not at the height of when Princess Diana was still alive. Not only the British tabloids were obsessed with the family but the world was as well. The fact that Diana, was not of royal blood, played into it, as initially it was a marriage of love.

Eventually thing went sour, between the two, but the obsession never really ended, as they pretty much made Prince Charles the villain and Diana he princess she was. Despite its tabloid nature and the fact, the royal family, is more symbolic, than possessing of actual power, shows a time in history when the people loved their rulers. This is something every ruler hopes those they rule over, feel. In the last volume of The Metabarons, we find a royal family in shambles, as their climb to build their empire back is an uphill battle.

In the opening pages, we find Aghnar and his mother, Honorata paying the ultimate price to end the fighting amongst the Pthugeran race, which despite their sacrifice, ended their race. Steelhead takes advantage to take over the crumbling empire, but not without the opposition of the las remaining royal families, the Rokhas. What follows is a romance between Lady Rokha and Steelhead, where she finds out her whole life is a lie. By book’s end, a final betrayal, to end the Metabarons, leaves the future uncertain at first, until a future is found.

Overall, the best book of the series thus far, as this iteration proves that Alejandro Jodorowsky knows how to handle melodrama and political intrigue in the same arena. The story by Jodorowsky is action packed and filled to the brim with powerful characters. The art by Juan Gimenez is gorgeous and could hang in any museum. Altogether, a first-rate installment that will have you clamoring for more of this universe.

Story: Alejandro Jodorowsky Art: Juan Gimenez
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy