At last count, there was more than three billion characters in the Marvel Universe, so it’s hard for even the most devout Marvel Zombie to know and love all of them. That’s the case for and the hero being highlighting this week, Ka-Zar.
Now, I’ve read issues of Avengers and Fantastic Four where Ka-Zar has popped up, and of course I’ve read myriad books set in his kingdom, the Savage Land, but I’ve never read anything specifically devoted to the character. So. when I started reading Ka-Zar: Lord of the Savage Land #1, it was with no preconceived ideas or biases, which is a rarity when it comes to comics.
Written by Zac Thompson and illustrated by German Garcia, this first issue finds Ka-Zar back from the dead following his murder by the Cotati, and dealing with his new powers and a deeper connection to his wife, Shanna the She-Devil. Meanwhile, the duo’s son Matthew has begun rebelling against his parents and the traditions of the Savage Land. And of course, there’s someone in the shadow’s pulling strings.
Zac Thompson does a solid job catching newcomers up with Ka-Zar’s history, who is today, and the family conflict that’s rising. For a unit living in the jungle, with a host of issues none of us can relate to, I thought their dinner table dialogue felt natural and very familiar.
However, for me the star of the comic is German Garcia’s spectacular artwork, which is wonderfully highlighted by Matheus Lopes’ gorgeous colours. Ka-Zar: Lord of the Savage Land looks completely different from any other book I’m reading right now, which is a compliment to the artistic team.
Ka-Zar: Lord of the Savage Land #1 is the first of a five-issues limited series, just long enough to for interested readers to commit to, and for the creatives to deliver a tight story. For those curious about the character, it’s worth a purchase. For anybody that loves great, unique art, it’s a definite treat for your eyes.
