The second installment of Oni Press/EC Comics’ anthology Cruel Kingdom uses various dark fantasy/magical settings to tell stories about human failings and foibles. None of its stories have the utterly dynamic, genre-mashup world-building in miniature tone as Al Ewing and Kano’s story in the first issue, but the three stories in Cruel Kingdom #2 are visually interesting with several memorably horrifying panels. Best of all, the stories increase in quality as the anthology progresses.

Cruel Kingdom #2 leads off with a suitably grotesque fantasy horror tale called “Immunity” from Chris Condon, PJ Holden, and Michelle Madsen. The plot is a simple, be careful what you wish for monkey’s paw type of situation as a warrior named Parzival acquires a sword that gives him immunity in battle, but there’s a catch. However, the impetuous knight beheads the man who is about to tell him the side effects of the blade and goes onto fight and win many wars. Holden and Madsen’s visuals are the standout part of this story as Parzival’s body deteriorates from page to page fighting endless wars and taking damage that would even make Wolverine shudder until he looks like a figure from a classic EC comic. There’s also a playful sense of humor interlaced with the blood, guts, and addiction like a deadpan overhead shot of Parzival in bed with his wife … and his sword. “Immunity” could be read as a parable for warmongering, addiction, or even not reading the side effects/small print. (I’ll definitely be reading every word of the Apple Terms and Condition when I get a new iPhone.) It’s a moralistic short story, but the heavy metal artwork makes it go down smooth.

In “Hammer of Witches”, Steve Niles, Andrea Mutti, and Michael Atiyeh put a stylish spin on the story of burning witches and how discrimination can happen from both in- and out-groups. Mutti’s background doing psychological fantasy comics like Parasomnia and historical fiction books like Rebels comes in handy in the story as he nails the period specific clothing and set dressing a la the films of Robert Eggers. Atiyeh’s colors almost tremble as the men of the village get closer and start to burn the protagonist, but he also uses big bursts of flat color for important moments in the story. Niles’ plot is straightforward, but is full of truths about how terrible human nature can be. The main character just wants to be left alone to do her own thing, but she threatens the established order of multiple groups so she must be silenced. Although it’s set in the distant past, “Hammer of Witches” has a timeless relatability to anyone who hasn’t quite fit in and the final page is worthy of a fist pump.

Cruel Kingdom #2 concludes with a proper intrigue-filled banger of a story from Cameron Chittock, David Lapham, and Nick Filardi called “Seat of Power”. There are a lot of twists, turns, and commentary on the nature of power in this short story about two sons vying to succeed their father on the throne. I’m very impressed by the economy of the storytelling from Chittock and Lapham who use the foreboding image of a closed door and a conversation between two brothers playing strategy game to establish their characters and the atmosphere of the story. How the sausage gets made is always a compelling narrative path, and “Seat of Power” delivers a strong payoff and even a bit of a political statement about how heads of states are at the mercy of the folks that put them in power or hold the purse strings. Featuring strong images, characters with distinct personalities, and a relevant message, “Seat of Power” is easily the best of the three stories in Cruel Kingdom and the comic is worth picking up for it alone as well as the David Lapham interior art.

Cruel Kingdom #2 uses the settings of war-torn kingdoms, superstitious villages, and a medieval kingdom ran like a macabre Civilization campaign to reveal truths about the dark side of human nature. As both a fantasy and horror fan, I’m looking forward to future installments and their miniature macabre worlds.

Story: Chris Condon, Steve Niles, Cameron Chittock
Art: PJ Holden, Andrea Mutti, David Lapham
Colors: Michelle Madsen, Michael Atiyeh, Nick Filardi
Letters: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
Story: 8.1 Art: 8.7 Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle