When it seems as though one must yield to the better fighter, most boxers do not relent. You get a boxer in a corner; they try to find a way out. You get a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter in a grapple; they look to toss themselves out of it. No matter, the odds, a fighter always finds a way.

It gets a little different when you are in an actual battle. Some of those odds are about survival. Where a fighter for sport knows more than likely he will live to fight another day. A warrior doesn’t know if today will be his last day. In the third issue of Aztec Empire, we find the Triple Alliance at a disadvantage. But, this is their land, one that they rather die on than become slaves to Spain.

We catch up with Tephua, as he strategizes the next move for what’s left of the Aztec warriors, knowing the upcoming meeting with the Spanish invaders, may every well be the chance they need to take back their land. We also find Nacom at the helm of the battle forces, as he uses his Maya forces to overwhelm Orazco’s battalions, a plan that succeeds. Unfortunately, the Spanish has a weapon that Nacom did not foresee.

Overall, a powerful entry that shows that saving lives is more important than winning. The story by Paul Guinan is engrossing. The art by David Hahn is magnificent. Altogether, a story that gives context when history books don’t.

Story: Paul Guinan Art: David Hahn
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy