Britannia #3 Discussion

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grendeljd
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Britannia #3 Discussion

Post by grendeljd »

If anyone would like to hear our OTV:VCR podcast discussing/reviewing this issue [and Harbinger:Renegade #1], please follow the link;

http://onlythevaliant.com/episodes/vcr91/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks to any who listen in :thumb:
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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by grendeljd »

I think I'm getting a handle on where this story is going to end up. I think the Vestal Virgins are looking to get Bodmall away from the Druid Eryn & Britannia and bring her into their circle. I think that is going to be Antonius' end goal next issue. I also don't think she is some kind of geomancer spin-off, she simply isn't seeming to be worldly enough to be aware of that more global responsibility.

I think Eryn may have some real Druidic power but primarily relies on superstitious fear & parlour tricks to manipulate others to his will. I also think he is more of a self-serving type rather than actually looking to fight for his people against the Romans as he claims. He is using Bodmal's true power to summon & control demonic entities to scare the Romans, but only so that he can maintain his 'arrangement' with the Roman prefect, which apparently involves much more important things like keeping well stocked in fine Roman wines.

Great issue, and the art was also fantastic as always. I just love Ryp's style, and the colours by Bellaire are masterful!
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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by jmatt »

grendeljd wrote:Great issue, and the art was also fantastic as always. I just love Ryp's style, and the colours by Bellaire are masterful!
Agreed. And I thought the same thing about the color, there are some really outstanding panels throughout.

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by jmatt »

grendeljd wrote:If anyone would like to hear our OTV:VCR podcast discussing/reviewing this issue [and Harbinger:Renegade #1], please follow the link;

http://onlythevaliant.com/episodes/vcr91/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks to any who listen in :thumb:
I have to agree with you guys, the story is just building and building... and building some more. But there should have been some climax moved up in the storyline so it begins at the end of this issue rather than all left waiting for #4. The pace is dragging a bit.

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by grendeljd »

jmatt wrote:
grendeljd wrote:If anyone would like to hear our OTV:VCR podcast discussing/reviewing this issue [and Harbinger:Renegade #1], please follow the link;

http://onlythevaliant.com/episodes/vcr91/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks to any who listen in :thumb:
I have to agree with you guys, the story is just building and building... and building some more. But there should have been some climax moved up in the storyline so it begins at the end of this issue rather than all left waiting for #4. The pace is dragging a bit.
I didn't feel that way as strongly as the other guys - I really thought there were enough clues in this issue to see a direction & conclusion coming next issue.

My favourite thing about this series so far has been how much it feels steeped in real historical elements. Superstitions traditions & beliefs ran rampant in that time, and yet this has an actual supernatural event occurring within all that.
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My wife likes to draw stuff too, and she is better than me! [I'm very proud of her]... https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Dec ... ref=stream" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by Dallow Spicer1 »

grendeljd wrote:
jmatt wrote:
grendeljd wrote:If anyone would like to hear our OTV:VCR podcast discussing/reviewing this issue [and Harbinger:Renegade #1], please follow the link;

http://onlythevaliant.com/episodes/vcr91/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks to any who listen in :thumb:
I have to agree with you guys, the story is just building and building... and building some more. But there should have been some climax moved up in the storyline so it begins at the end of this issue rather than all left waiting for #4. The pace is dragging a bit.
I didn't feel that way as strongly as the other guys - I really thought there were enough clues in this issue to see a direction & conclusion coming next issue.

My favourite thing about this series so far has been how much it feels steeped in real historical elements. Superstitions traditions & beliefs ran rampant in that time, and yet this has an actual supernatural event occurring within all that.
+1 I'm enjoying this mini series, yes there's more questions than answers at this point but my assumption is that it'll all come together in issue #4. It's takes a bit more investment in reading each panel but it's worth it. Really glad Valiant are experimenting with this character and time period. Art is perfect for this series. Enjoying the essays at the back too, great value for money.

4/5 - but this score is based on the assumption the last part isn't anti-climatic

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by jmatt »

grendeljd wrote:My favourite thing about this series so far has been how much it feels steeped in real historical elements. Superstitions traditions & beliefs ran rampant in that time, and yet this has an actual supernatural event occurring within all that.
Without a doubt, that's a big plus.

I hope it goes out with a bang and not a whimper. Somewhere in the back of my head I keep feeling like this is gonna end with a lot of explanation rather than action. I think I set my expectations incorrectly about what this was going to be.

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by grendeljd »

jmatt wrote:
grendeljd wrote:My favourite thing about this series so far has been how much it feels steeped in real historical elements. Superstitions traditions & beliefs ran rampant in that time, and yet this has an actual supernatural event occurring within all that.
Without a doubt, that's a big plus.

I hope it goes out with a bang and not a whimper. Somewhere in the back of my head I keep feeling like this is gonna end with a lot of explanation rather than action. I think I set my expectations incorrectly about what this was going to be.
Good point, and something to keep in mind for sure - if your only criticism ends up being that it wasn't what you expected, then consider adjusting (or ignoring) your expectations and read it with a more open mind to what it's actually delivering. I mean that as a general statement that I try to live by, not as a comment directed at you or anyone specifically.

Being essentially a detective story, I'm actually anticipating a less explosive finish at this point - and I'm okay with that idea.

Another aspect of this series that I'm really enjoying is the active thematic exploration of the contrast between more primitive/archaic superstitious beliefs and the development of more intellectual reasoning. Rome was an interesting empire for having developed so many impressively modern institutions & traditions that we still essentially use in some form today.
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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by krylox »

Man this is such a good series!!! The writing, the art, the coloring... One of the highlights of 2016 and Peter Milligan's return to form. Loved the new issue, and also the additional editorial content in the back. Add to that the prestige format and this is easily one of the best packages out there. Kudos to VEI.

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by jmatt »

grendeljd wrote:... I mean that as a general statement that I try to live by, not as a comment directed at you or anyone specifically.
No offense taken.

It certainly has the elements in place for a little explosiveness. I'm just wary of a Scooby resolution.

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by FormerReader »

This series has been terrific! It is great to see Valiant pushing the boundaries on it's universe. I look forward to next month.

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by Tony_H »

I like many things about this series, but not the spelling errors (I saw 3 in issue 3), and especially not the anachronisms. If those were incidental, then I wouldn't care. However, placing Grand Cru wines in Roman (very pre-Norman) Britain? Please. I'd love to see the source for that historical tidbit. The Druid may as well have been smoking a pack of menthol cigs.

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by Captain Craig »

I really wish this was an ongoing. I just don't see how 4 issues does anything but lay the groundwork for more growth of the world and characters introduced thus far.
A mini like this helps me forget the dreck that was Dead Hand.

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by QUARTZ »

I feel like with all the mystery going on it could go on a few more issues, feels like 4 is just too short. I love the art and attention to historical detail and context.

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by ShadowTuga »

First thing first: Ryp is probably my current fav artist in the world when iot comes to bloody battles and general violence. Gruesome, yes, but with a cartoon feel to it, that never gets uncomfortable to see all this blood and broken skulls around. I still remember WotEW Prelude to Labyrinth's amazing artwork. This guy is truly Metal! :headbang:
As for the story, I have no idea where this is going to end- but I am liking it a LOT, for sure. Is this the tale of the first psychology expert? I have no clue. But I want to read more about this, and hopefuly, we will get some connections to the universe in the last issue. I hope that this happens, otherwise, it's a very cool book, absolutely, but is this "real Valiant" or a Vertigoish experience? Will we ever see this character interacting with the "Big Toys" 8-) ? I have the same "problem" with Savage, now: very good reads but completely different of what has been released so far, and I can't for the life of me, see how Axia will be relevant for the continuity of the Universe.
But let's wait for #4.
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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by jmatt »

ShadowTuga wrote: I can't for the life of me, see how Axia will be relevant for the continuity of the Universe.
We could see an arc where he runs into Gilad... or any of the Anni-Padda brothers for that matter.

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Re: Britannia #3 discussion

Post by ShadowTuga »

jmatt wrote:
ShadowTuga wrote: I can't for the life of me, see how Axia will be relevant for the continuity of the Universe.
We could see an arc where he runs into Gilad... or any of the Anni-Padda brothers for that matter.
Yeah, that is always a possibility, but I was thinking modern day. Maybe his lineage lives on with the knowledge of the Codex? Or he could just step into the Faraway, and be here in no time, which would be lame since we already have a time-displaced dude from the past.
Apologies if I was not clear. :thumb:
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