Connect with us
Green Valley #1 Review

Comic Books

Green Valley #1 Review

A group of knights who are badass as hell without a scrap of ego are getting older and living comfortably. Enter the Barbarian Lord.

What’s the worst that can happen?

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Green Valley #1 (Image Comics)

Green Valley #1 Review

So what’s it about? The Image summary reads:

The knights of Kelodia are the finest in the land, but they’ve never faced a power like the one that resides in the Green Valley… MAX LANDIS (Chronicle, American Ultra, Superman: American Alien) and GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI (Amazing Spider-Man) welcome you to the world of Green Valley… where nothing is ever what it seems.

Why does this book matter?

Max Landis is one of the hottest writers in Hollywood these days, especially if you’re a fellow nerd. Landis has worked on the upcoming Power Rangers film, has a new TV show on the way (Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency) and is an all around cool dude on Twitter. He also just came off a fantastic seven-issue miniseries about Superman called American Alien. Because of that, you prick up your ears when his name shows up on a title. Match him up with fantastic artist Giuseppe Camuncoli who has been killing it on Spider-Man and this new book from Image Comics should be a no-brainer.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

It’s evident from page one Max Landis has a handle on good dialogue. It’s not so much the time period in which Green Valley takes place, which is in the medieval epoch of knights and kings – but because it flows so nicely. The characters sound natural and genuine. The opening of the book gives you the sense that these men have been to war more times than they can count and that’s their way of life. Just another day at work so to speak. It makes the reader wonder if people like this existed in the past, where even when facing an army of thousands they chatted and waited for the battle to get going rather than shit their pants like we all know we would. These opening pages set the tone so that when the action ramps up, or calamity strikes our characters, it feels all the more real.

And don’t you worry, the book is not all dialogue, nor is it missing character work either. The knights of Kelodia are made up of four men, who all get some time to develop in this issue. Sir Bertwald seems to be the main protagonist, as he gets the most time of the bunch (and also gets the most to fight for by the end) and he’s likeable and interesting. One might say writing less is more and I think Max Landis has done that here. The characters feel realistic, but you’re not getting full-on exposition and backstory for each of them either. The character moments are in between the lines, or in subtle facial expressions of reaction, which is not unlike a screenplay.

Green Valley #1 Review
Two calm chums.

The story progresses at a fine pace too. By the end you’ll want to see what the baddies have in store for them – because damn do they deserve it – and you’ll be interested to see what four average joe knights can bring when they’ve lost all reason to retire ever again.

The art by Camuncoli is delightfully cinematic, with a wide panel throughout the tale that at times focuses in on one character amongst clouds, or a single moment of chaos. I particularly liked how Camuncoli drew the surroundings; from the castles to a singular tree on a hill to a small village — each setting does well to capture the scene. Colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu captures a lot of light and texture in the skies with an almost watercolor-ish look. Some of the clouds and trees – and really the characters too – have a European comic style that’s highly detailed and textured. Bertwald’s incredible chainmail is a good example. You can tell the art team put a lot of time into Green Valley.

It can’t be perfect can it?

People are going to bemoan the fact that the plot appears to be turning in the direction of the revenge tale. It’s not a bad thing per se, but the book is being billed as one that’s filled with surprises. It’s way too early to tell, but the cliffhanger doesn’t do quite enough to make you believe that.

It’s probably dickish of me to say this given how much I like the art, but the horses are a bit awkward looking here and there. In one double page layout for instance, the horse looks practically wooden. In another, Bertwald’s axe is strangely cutting through the horse dangling between its legs.

Green Valley #1 Review
Uh oh!

Is It Good?

Green Valley #1 is a calm before the storm opening salvo that will kick you in the teeth more than once. It has a handle on dialogue that’s expected from Landis at this point, but just as satisfying as ever. You will dig this tale if you like your knights believable and primed for violence.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup