Solomon Kane

Soloman Kane: Castle of the Devil
By Scott Alie

Overview:

A well done story. Fans of ... Hmmm... I know the people that would pick this up, but I'm not sure what they have in common. They love a good story. They love sci-fi. They love the old comic books. Solomon Kane has two of the three - and in place of sci-fi, this book has a bit of horror/fantasy. But it's definitely in the same vein as... Conan, if only in a different time. Man lives by his code. Does not deviate from his code. And does his best to improve the world.

Maybe more like Punisher. Except Kane's a Puritan, and fights demons. And men. And evil men.

To Sum: Soloman Kane is a Puritan out to rid the world of evil. He travels a lot, and along the way he meets another Englishman in the Black Forest of Germany. (Think Barvaria, Grimms' Fairy Tale sort of setting). Kane cuts down a boy who was dangling, and goes to find out what has called him to this place and what the evil is that he must deal with.

What to watch out for: We do have some... Religiously conservative people in our area. Depending on their mood, I could see them being offended by the demon in angelic form, although in other moods I could see them pointing to that as a way of proving the need for Constant Vigilance. Aside from religion/demonic aspect, there are some horror elements, but nothing too over the top.

Where to Shelve: Honestly, this is a comic book that I see appealing to the older crowd. Not because of content, but because it reminds me of the old pulp comics. Stoic hero saves the day without compromise. Okay, the book is better than that sum, but it does put me in mind of Conan, the Phantom, and other older comics.

Other Reviews:

http://www.indenvertimes.com/mel-odom-solomon-kane-a-compelling-graphic-novel/
http://bookhound.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/solomon-kane-the-castle-of-the-devil-by-scott-allie-mike-mignola-and-dave-stewart/
http://www.epinions.com/review/Book_Solomon_Kane_1_The_Castle_of_the_Devil_Scott_Allie/content_514493943428
http://www.graemesfantasybookreview.com/2010/07/kull-conqueror-solomon-kane-dark-horse.html