The Realm #11 Review

Writer: Seth M. Peck

Artist: Jeremy Haun

Rating: 7 out of 8

The Realm #11 Review

The apocalypse is meant to be the end of the world, yet many stories are more interested in what comes after. Films and TV aren't the only ones exploring a post-apocalyptic world, as comics like The Walking Dead and Y: The Last Man readily show. The Realm is just one of the more recent examples, thankfully putting a fairly refreshing spin on the genre.

Instead of the world being without electricity, or infested by zombies, Peck mixes a modern world with the fantastical; a sorcerer, orcs, faeries, dragons, you'll find them all here. Seeing something as simple as a road really stands out here, as I wouldn't expect it with such fantastical creatures around.

The issue mainly focuses on two groups, one a band of warriors trying to take back their world from the monsters, while the other look human, but whose actions are far more vicious. Indeed, the issue doesn't shy away from graphic imagery, as early on, an orc tears into one of the group, seemingly tiring of them questioning his capabilities. Haun doesn't hide just how bloody this gets, highlighting the savagery of the world and ruthlessness of this particular orc.

We don't seem to get many names for the warrior group, though previous issues might've named other members. There's a brief interlude with a blood red woman, with the ending suggesting more to come, though I'm not sure is she new to the title, or was she established in previous issues?

The art is smooth and though mostly muted in colour, there are moments where it's really vivid, like the blood red woman, or a shining, naked fairy. In the earlier scene with the orc, the dashes of red really stand out. Ultimately, The Realm's worth checking out and I say this as someone new to it. One of the only criticisms I have is the lack of a recap for past issues, which would really help new readers like me get up to speed, especially in a world rife with life and stories.