Dante has discovered that not all victories are sweet. The Count may have won his tournament, but the outfit ransacked his dojo and murdered his friend. When that happens, there is only one thing left to do… dojo war. Count Dante: The Unauthorized (But Sort of True) Story of The Deadliest Man Who Ever Lived #5 continues the sort of true story that’ll leave you wondering what’s fact and what’s fiction and ups the action!

Written by J.C. Barbour, it’s hard to figure out exactly where the bullshit begins and truth ends for Count Dante: The Unauthorized (But Sort of True) Story of The Deadliest Man Who Ever Lived #5. That’s part of the story’s charm and fun. It’s based on a real person whose greatest skill might have been selling himself. But, as has been the trend with each issue, it feels like the bullshit has grown more and more. Everything is so exaggerated with each moment taken to an extreme.

The issue focuses on the fallout from the attack on Dante’s dojo. He’s out for revenge and the first round doesn’t go well at all landing him in jail and then from there… it’s time for a counterattack!

The issue has a pop sense about it that evokes B-martial arts films as well as the revenge/action films of the 70s and 80s. The comedic aspect of things dies down a little with this issue, instead focusing on serious moments and coming off more action oriented.

The art by Wes Watson continues to be great with color by Paula Goulart. The comic has a pulp sense about it and there’s a detail about the art and the ads within that really enhances the story overall. The characters have a style that does a nice balance of the tone the comic is going for. It’s both comical and serious at the same time, but the more serious nature enhances the comical aspects. It’s an exaggerated fantasy and grounded in some ways too. All of that is helped with the addition of ads in the comic that evoke the classic style of the time. They punctuate the humor of it all.

Count Dante: The Unauthorized (But Sort of True) Story of The Deadliest Man Who Ever Lived #5 is another great entry setting up the battle to come beyond the tournament. There’s some truth to it all but the end result is an exaggerated comedic mess of reality. It’s the truth but a hyperbole which fits so well in our times. It feels like the precursor of the bullshit that permeates and is standard today. Then again, it can all be true too… that’s for you, the reader, to decide.

Story: J.C. Barbour Art: Wes Watson
Ink: Wes Watson Letterer: Wes Watson Color: Paula Goulart
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Graphic Policy was provided a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Scout Comics