Kings Watch #5 Review

Is this an ending that lives up to the promise of its premise? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dynamite:

Final Issue!!!!! The Cobra and Ming The Merciless have dealt our world an apocalyptic blow that will change the course of the 21st century! In the 11th hour, Flash Gordon, Mandrake The Magician and The Phantom will all make the toughest decisions of their lives for the sake of Earth! Daring risks and ultimate sacrifices. The biggest adventure of the century just got bigger! It all ends–and begins–here!

I have to say that following last month’s rush to global conflict, the pace of this issue slowed and hit the right tone. From the first page to the final panel the creative team continues to build a world full of familiar characters. And in the wake of this event we’re left with a lot of possibilities but I can’t wait to see how they’re explored in the coming months.

Jeff Parker does a marvelous job taking not one but three unrelated icons and gives them each a moment in the sun. Whether you plan on picking up this week’s Flash Gordon #1 or not there’s still plenty to love as this arc reaches a conclusion of sorts. To be frank the whole is left lingering, as the villains are stopped but the possibility of conflict remains. Despite that fact each primary ends their time on this journey with enough narrative meat to keep an audience in these final moments.

The illustrations by Marc Laming are high quality, as each panel is given a dynamic but realistic interpretation of these out of the norm festivities. We’re witnessing a global invasion and Earth rebellion, and it’s not a wholly original vision but trust me from magicians to adventurers these characters, in a modern context, have never looked this good. The addition of captivating colors done by Jordan Boyd completes the package.

Kings Watch #5 is a really good introduction to this world and the players therein, but it lacks enough closure in order to sell its finale status. Still it comes recommended.