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Once & Future (Collected Editions)
Once & Future, Bd. 2: Das alte England
When an ancient helmet at the British Museum is taken, Bridgette and Duncan are confronted by another hero of yore, one who will lead them to facing off against their most formidable challenge yet...a beast and his mother.
Although Bridgette and Duncan stopped Arthur from retrieving the Grail and separated him from the legendary scabbard of Excalibur, the undead King of the Britons still has his sights on returning to our world and returning to power. By inadvertently changing the story of the famous King, Duncan and Gran have thrown the Otherworld into shambles, allowing for new legends and characters to make their appearance - and bring a world of trouble along with them.
But when an ancient helmet at the British Museum is taken, Bridgette and Duncan are confronted by another hero of yore, one who will lead them to facing off against their most formidable challenge yet...a beast and his mother.
New York Times bestselling writer Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine, Star Wars) and Russ Manning Award-winning artist Dan Mora (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Klaus) deliver the next chapter of the critically-acclaimed series that took the world of comics by storm!
Collects Once & Future #7-12.
Although Bridgette and Duncan stopped Arthur from retrieving the Grail and separated him from the legendary scabbard of Excalibur, the undead King of the Britons still has his sights on returning to our world and returning to power. By inadvertently changing the story of the famous King, Duncan and Gran have thrown the Otherworld into shambles, allowing for new legends and characters to make their appearance - and bring a world of trouble along with them.
But when an ancient helmet at the British Museum is taken, Bridgette and Duncan are confronted by another hero of yore, one who will lead them to facing off against their most formidable challenge yet...a beast and his mother.
New York Times bestselling writer Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine, Star Wars) and Russ Manning Award-winning artist Dan Mora (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Klaus) deliver the next chapter of the critically-acclaimed series that took the world of comics by storm!
Collects Once & Future #7-12.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published November 11, 2020
About the author
Kieron Gillen
1,379 books1,830 followersKieron Gillen is a comic book writer and former media journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
June 19, 2021
Fuck yeah, Grandma!
I like Duncan, don't get me wrong. But Bridgette is a BOSS.
She saves the day again and again with no-nonsense & zero tolerance for any bullshit. I feel for her, I really do. Duncan is so idealistic and determined to do the right thing, but Bridgette has been there, done that, and knows that you have to break a few eggs to make the damn omelet.
This time around they're fighting a new story.
Well, they're actually fighting one of the oldest stories - Beowulf. Which means they'll also have to go up against Beowulf's monsters, Grindel and his dear mother.
Ye olde helicopter parent...
*dramatic pause*
Ok, ok. But the best part of the story is the bloodbath at Bridgette's retirement home when she takes a chainsaw to some bitches and goes all vvvvvvvvrrrrrrr!!!!
Anyway, as they find new ways to defeat these monsters, they change the stories and maybe, more importantly, their role in the stories. I'm not even 100% sure what that means, but I know it means something.
This is just a neat concept with cool characters, and if you haven't checked it out yet you really don't know what you're missing.
I like Duncan, don't get me wrong. But Bridgette is a BOSS.
She saves the day again and again with no-nonsense & zero tolerance for any bullshit. I feel for her, I really do. Duncan is so idealistic and determined to do the right thing, but Bridgette has been there, done that, and knows that you have to break a few eggs to make the damn omelet.
This time around they're fighting a new story.
Well, they're actually fighting one of the oldest stories - Beowulf. Which means they'll also have to go up against Beowulf's monsters, Grindel and his dear mother.
Ye olde helicopter parent...
*dramatic pause*
Ok, ok. But the best part of the story is the bloodbath at Bridgette's retirement home when she takes a chainsaw to some bitches and goes all vvvvvvvvrrrrrrr!!!!
Anyway, as they find new ways to defeat these monsters, they change the stories and maybe, more importantly, their role in the stories. I'm not even 100% sure what that means, but I know it means something.
This is just a neat concept with cool characters, and if you haven't checked it out yet you really don't know what you're missing.
February 7, 2021
This arc is balls to the wall action as Grannie chainsaws beasties for the win. It can't get any better than that, can it? Duncan's finally all in too, no longer being completely inept, which is refreshing.
Turns out Arthurian legend isn't the only story coming to life. This go around Beowulf and Grendel head on over from Otherworld. I wonder what's up next, Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham?
Dan Mora is a beast. He's drawn every issue so far without a break and it all looks fantastic. You don't see that much these days.
Turns out Arthurian legend isn't the only story coming to life. This go around Beowulf and Grendel head on over from Otherworld. I wonder what's up next, Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham?
Dan Mora is a beast. He's drawn every issue so far without a break and it all looks fantastic. You don't see that much these days.
December 21, 2020
This is just a fun romp of a series that plays with Arthurian convention and now, in The Unwritten fashion, seems to have opened up the door to other legends popping up. Gillen speaks my language, which is a mishmash of Pig Latin, drunken boasting, and self-depecating nose observations.
October 18, 2020
I am absolutely loving this book! This may be my favourite indie book for... well, a long time.
I said to myself as I sat down to read it ‘Just read the first two issues and save the rest for tomorrow’ but, before I knew it, I’d already finished issue three and was enjoying it so much I just thought ‘Oh, sod it’ and read the whole damned thing in one sitting, stopping only for crumpets.
Great stuff. In addition to the Arthurian stuff from the first volume, Kieron Gillen and co. have thrown Beowulf and Grendel into the mix this time around, while still building on the Arthurian bits. Also, the artwork is just gorgeous.
If you like the thought of an octogenarian attacking a huge mythical monster with a chainsaw, this book could be for you. If you don’t like the thought of that, you may want to check your pulse.
I can’t wait for volume three!
I said to myself as I sat down to read it ‘Just read the first two issues and save the rest for tomorrow’ but, before I knew it, I’d already finished issue three and was enjoying it so much I just thought ‘Oh, sod it’ and read the whole damned thing in one sitting, stopping only for crumpets.
Great stuff. In addition to the Arthurian stuff from the first volume, Kieron Gillen and co. have thrown Beowulf and Grendel into the mix this time around, while still building on the Arthurian bits. Also, the artwork is just gorgeous.
If you like the thought of an octogenarian attacking a huge mythical monster with a chainsaw, this book could be for you. If you don’t like the thought of that, you may want to check your pulse.
I can’t wait for volume three!
June 23, 2021
While Skeletor King Arthur experiments on super-sizing his knights in Castle Gray-Camelot, Crypt Keeper Merlin’s a-schemin’ - but he needs something to distract those pesky meddlers, Duncan and his gran Bridgette. Time to bring another ye olde English myth to life - this time: Beowulf, Grendel and Grendel’s muvver!
Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora’s Once and Future, Volume 2: Old English is about as good as the first volume was, which is to say it’s a’ight. It’s not deep or thoughtful but it’s a fun read at times.
The story, like in the first book, is straightforwardly one-note and involves fairly shallow, fantasy/horror-themed action as Duncan and Bridgette face off against the latest monsters of the week. Run, fight, next. That said, it’s never boring and some of the scenes play out imaginatively, like in Bridgette’s old folks’ home where Swamp Thing Grendel rocks up.
Mora’s art is superb, though his character designs for Beowulf and co. are derivative. I liked Tamra Bonvillain’s colouring choices in this book with bright purple skies and other interesting colours to lend the action an otherworldly air. It makes for a very eye-catching and pretty book to look at.
The Hot Fuzz cameo was completely random and I loved it, and the ending is bonkers in terms of who Gillen could potentially be introducing as a new knight character in the series -
Fans of the last book won’t be disappointed with this second volume, and I’d also recommend this series to Hellboy fans as all its magic/horror/King Arthur/action is very reminiscent of a lot of that character’s books.
Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora’s Once and Future, Volume 2: Old English is about as good as the first volume was, which is to say it’s a’ight. It’s not deep or thoughtful but it’s a fun read at times.
The story, like in the first book, is straightforwardly one-note and involves fairly shallow, fantasy/horror-themed action as Duncan and Bridgette face off against the latest monsters of the week. Run, fight, next. That said, it’s never boring and some of the scenes play out imaginatively, like in Bridgette’s old folks’ home where Swamp Thing Grendel rocks up.
Mora’s art is superb, though his character designs for Beowulf and co. are derivative. I liked Tamra Bonvillain’s colouring choices in this book with bright purple skies and other interesting colours to lend the action an otherworldly air. It makes for a very eye-catching and pretty book to look at.
The Hot Fuzz cameo was completely random and I loved it, and the ending is bonkers in terms of who Gillen could potentially be introducing as a new knight character in the series -
Fans of the last book won’t be disappointed with this second volume, and I’d also recommend this series to Hellboy fans as all its magic/horror/King Arthur/action is very reminiscent of a lot of that character’s books.
April 21, 2022
Wow what a volume omg!
So the arthurian legends aren't the only ones but the story of Beowulf and Grendel is here too as we have Gran and Duncan fight these beast off and that action where Gran uses the chainsaw to knock down the grendel is so good omg, just pure awesomeness and brutality on full display and its awesome to read it plus who the Grendel turns out is interesting and I loved Duncan vs Beowulf plus the part with mother of monsters was okayish too and we see what the fate of Elaine now Nimue will be and Merlyn and Arthur continue their plans...
Its an amazing volume and does a good job of expanding on the lore established and also its just pure action and Mora's art on full display here as he unleashes his talent with some amazing action scenes and horrifying at that while the big story continues! Whats next - Robin hood? Knowing the writer, it very might be.
So the arthurian legends aren't the only ones but the story of Beowulf and Grendel is here too as we have Gran and Duncan fight these beast off and that action where Gran uses the chainsaw to knock down the grendel is so good omg, just pure awesomeness and brutality on full display and its awesome to read it plus who the Grendel turns out is interesting and I loved Duncan vs Beowulf plus the part with mother of monsters was okayish too and we see what the fate of Elaine now Nimue will be and Merlyn and Arthur continue their plans...
Its an amazing volume and does a good job of expanding on the lore established and also its just pure action and Mora's art on full display here as he unleashes his talent with some amazing action scenes and horrifying at that while the big story continues! Whats next - Robin hood? Knowing the writer, it very might be.
January 31, 2023
A great second volume. Good story and character development (well for Duncan and Bridgette, Rose is just there), with lots of action. The schemer is revealed but what is his end game?
Since the last volume Duncan has been made accepted his family vocation, and even an uneasy peace with his grandmother. Now is he ready for another story.
I really enjoyed this volume and can't wait to see what happens next. The book finishes with a cover gallery with a full page spreads of the cover from issue 7 to 12.
Since the last volume Duncan has been made accepted his family vocation, and even an uneasy peace with his grandmother. Now is he ready for another story.
I really enjoyed this volume and can't wait to see what happens next. The book finishes with a cover gallery with a full page spreads of the cover from issue 7 to 12.
October 18, 2023
Action-packed, highly creative, gore-tastic. Writer Kieron Gillen continues to dive deep into his mythology arsenal to bring into play famous personages and creatures in this Arthurian adventure. The choppy and depthless narrative continues to hinder my own enjoyment of this series but somehow remains incredibly addictive, probably thanks to Dan Mora's stunning artwork.
June 17, 2021
Congratulations BOOM! Studios and Kieron Gillen for making a believer out of me. This volume is hard to talk about without getting spoilery, but it's gory and glorious. There is a great pace to the reveals in this series as well. Gillen doles out just enough to keep you coming back and these read quickly because the pace of the action doesn't slow down once it gets to business.
This is an easy recommendation: it feels unique, Dan Mora's art works wonderfully for this story and it feels familiar enough to keep invested. If you're looking for a non-superhero book, this is a great series so far.
This is an easy recommendation: it feels unique, Dan Mora's art works wonderfully for this story and it feels familiar enough to keep invested. If you're looking for a non-superhero book, this is a great series so far.
September 6, 2021
Прочитав другу арку «Минуле й прийдешнє: Староанглійська» («Once & Future: Old English») #7–12 Кіерон Ґіллена й Дена Мори. І скажу, що тут усе якось веселіше. Та все ж таки я опираюсь на те, що просто звик до швидкого темпу, який продовжує використовувати Кіерон Ґіллен у своєму коміксі. Але спершу про сюжет цієї арки.
Хоча Бріджит і Дункан зупинили короля-нежить Артура в отриманні Ґрааля і розібралися із легендарними піхвами Екскалібура, неживий король британців усе ще має на меті повернутися в живий світ і отримати владу у свої кістляві руки. Ненавмисно змінивши історію про знаменитого короля, герої відкрили можливість появи нових легенд і персонажів, чим принести разом із ними у світ нові неприємності.
Кіерон Ґіллен вводить нових персонажів у комікс, як Мерлін та Беофульф. Якщо перший має свої власні плани на короля Артура й на інших, то другий просто хоче знищити головних героїв, бо вважає їх негідниками. Відносини між Бріджитт і Дунканом після подій у першій арці виглядає, що безповоротно змінені. Онук не дуже бажає спілкуватися із бабусею і вирішує самостійно розбиратися з міфічними небезпеками, які виникають на кожному кроці. Але, звісно, це не призведе до чогось хорошого й добре, що є Бріджетт — мисливиця з досвідом, яка зможе швидко розібратися в ситуацій і прийти на допомогу в найкращий момент.
І взагалі, хоч я і звик до динаміки розповіді, але Бріджетт тут далі тішить око і витворяє такі дикі речі, що тільки заради неї можна читати цей комікс. А ця сцена із бензопилою — це просто жир! Уххх!!! Також ще раз хочу похвалити малюнок Дена Мори, за яким приємно спостерігати. Монстри просто шикарні, з вигляду й міміки героїв розумієш їхні емоції, а динамічні сцени є ще однією прикрасою, якою насолоджуєшся під час читання.
Сюжетна арка «Староанглійська» для мене вийшла на рівень краща. Окрім того, усі елементи, які мені сподобалися в першому томі залишилися, що теж грає на руку цій історії. Трохи важко зрозуміти, куди це все йде, тому що я не настільки знайомий із фольклором Великобританії, але переживаю, щоби Кіерон Ґіллен не напхав в��юди всього, чого можна й не зробив якусь таку збірну солянку, яка наприкінці вийде зіпсутою. Та глянемо, як піде далі.
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Хоча Бріджит і Дункан зупинили короля-нежить Артура в отриманні Ґрааля і розібралися із легендарними піхвами Екскалібура, неживий король британців усе ще має на меті повернутися в живий світ і отримати владу у свої кістляві руки. Ненавмисно змінивши історію про знаменитого короля, герої відкрили можливість появи нових легенд і персонажів, чим принести разом із ними у світ нові неприємності.
Кіерон Ґіллен вводить нових персонажів у комікс, як Мерлін та Беофульф. Якщо перший має свої власні плани на короля Артура й на інших, то другий просто хоче знищити головних героїв, бо вважає їх негідниками. Відносини між Бріджитт і Дунканом після подій у першій арці виглядає, що безповоротно змінені. Онук не дуже бажає спілкуватися із бабусею і вирішує самостійно розбиратися з міфічними небезпеками, які виникають на кожному кроці. Але, звісно, це не призведе до чогось хорошого й добре, що є Бріджетт — мисливиця з досвідом, яка зможе швидко розібратися в ситуацій і прийти на допомогу в найкращий момент.
І взагалі, хоч я і звик до динаміки розповіді, але Бріджетт тут далі тішить око і витворяє такі дикі речі, що тільки заради неї можна читати цей комікс. А ця сцена із бензопилою — це просто жир! Уххх!!! Також ще раз хочу похвалити малюнок Дена Мори, за яким приємно спостерігати. Монстри просто шикарні, з вигляду й міміки героїв розумієш їхні емоції, а динамічні сцени є ще однією прикрасою, якою насолоджуєшся під час читання.
Сюжетна арка «Староанглійська» для мене вийшла на рівень краща. Окрім того, усі елементи, які мені сподобалися в першому томі залишилися, що теж грає на руку цій історії. Трохи важко зрозуміти, куди це все йде, тому що я не настільки знайомий із фольклором Великобританії, але переживаю, щоби Кіерон Ґіллен не напхав в��юди всього, чого можна й не зробив якусь таку збірну солянку, яка наприкінці вийде зіпсутою. Та глянемо, як піде далі.
Підуписуйтеся на Телеґрам канал про комікси і не тільки https://t.me/tripwithbook
November 6, 2020
What could have been a six issue and done story has mutated, as stories are wont to do, as Once & Future enters its second arc. Bridget and Duncan, now joined by Rose, must face off with the continued machinations of the revived King Arthur, as well as Beowulf - and where Beowulf goes, the Grendel is never far behind.
Gun-toting badass grandma? Dorky gentle giant character? Super evil, super unpredictable bad guys? Yeah, Gillen knows how to get me, and he's got me again. This isn't the first time he's deconstructed the nature of stories, and that concept gets kicked into high gear once again, so he's really hitting all the buttons for me with this book.
I've sung Dan Mora's praises in so many places now, but I won't stop doing it ever -the guy can draw literally anything, and he can do it so fast. This is 12 issues in a row, and he's shown no signs of stopping. And he's done hundreds of covers, and side-stories, and...I just don't get it. Man's a machine, but you'd never know it, because the quality never falters. Easily one of my favourite artists right now.
Once & Future is a gem. Boom! don't have many books that make it past 12 issues, but I'm so glad O&F is doing that, because I could read this for a very, very long time.
Gun-toting badass grandma? Dorky gentle giant character? Super evil, super unpredictable bad guys? Yeah, Gillen knows how to get me, and he's got me again. This isn't the first time he's deconstructed the nature of stories, and that concept gets kicked into high gear once again, so he's really hitting all the buttons for me with this book.
I've sung Dan Mora's praises in so many places now, but I won't stop doing it ever -the guy can draw literally anything, and he can do it so fast. This is 12 issues in a row, and he's shown no signs of stopping. And he's done hundreds of covers, and side-stories, and...I just don't get it. Man's a machine, but you'd never know it, because the quality never falters. Easily one of my favourite artists right now.
Once & Future is a gem. Boom! don't have many books that make it past 12 issues, but I'm so glad O&F is doing that, because I could read this for a very, very long time.
March 5, 2023
Една идея по-хаотичен сценарий, за да ми хареса на 100%, но пък артът, изобилстващ от графично насилие и решен в психеделични цветове, е просто чудесен. 4,5/5
August 20, 2023
Volume Two continues to be gross and amazing. I both blame his grandma for everything that's happening, and also think she's awesome. And Grendel's mother was TERRIFYING. Good stuff!
February 11, 2023
THE HOT FUZZ CAMEO WAS EVERYTHING
This continues to be absolutely bonkers good fun, and this volume weaves in the Beowulf myth, mixing things up. Loads of gory action and fun as the story progresses. Very curious to see where this is going.
This continues to be absolutely bonkers good fun, and this volume weaves in the Beowulf myth, mixing things up. Loads of gory action and fun as the story progresses. Very curious to see where this is going.
January 9, 2021
3.5 stars. Not quite as good as the last volume but still enjoyable. The art and colors continue to be great and the pacing is still chugging along quite nicely. What hurt the book, keeping me from giving it 4 stars was Merlin. Every time he spoke, I had no idea what the hell he was talking about. But the battles were bloody, oh so bloody.
October 17, 2023
In the first volume of Once & Future, British academic Duncan and his monster-hunting Gran, Bridgette, fought off an un-dead King Arthur that some Nationalists had reanimated to keep Britain pure. While they were successful in defeating him, the king is now down but not out and the Otherworld is in disarray, leaving other legends and deadly creatures to emerge and fight for power.
The second volume begins with Duncan rightfully angry at his grandmother, who had kept secrets from him his whole life, and now he has to be on his guard for new dangers. His colleague Rose, who is also a love interest, uses some magic to determine where the next problems will pop up and he is exhausted keeping up with it all. But when Beowulf appears, King Arthur and an evil Merlin try to harness his strength to their advantage. And for those familiar with the Beowulf mythology, there are additional monsters such as Grendel and his mother, who show up at Bridgette’s assisted living home and cause havoc and destruction as Duncan races over to help.
The artwork continues to be amazing, although I did notice a change in making some facial reactions extreme and anime-like. I prefer a more realistic approach, as the monsters and mayhem were always detailed and naturalistic, and I don't want the hunky Duncan to become a caricature. The Otherworld had vivid almost hallucinogenic colors, with the floating orbs a clue that magic was moving into the regular world and they should be wary.
I continued to enjoy this new series and look forward to more warped British mythology. King Arthur remains a threat, and Duncan also has to contend with his family dysfunction as his long-gone mother and half-brother are part of the Nationalist group that opened the portal into the dark world. That the volume ends with a real-world politician ready to make an unholy allegiance opens the story to more exciting plots!
My review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2021/01/1...
The second volume begins with Duncan rightfully angry at his grandmother, who had kept secrets from him his whole life, and now he has to be on his guard for new dangers. His colleague Rose, who is also a love interest, uses some magic to determine where the next problems will pop up and he is exhausted keeping up with it all. But when Beowulf appears, King Arthur and an evil Merlin try to harness his strength to their advantage. And for those familiar with the Beowulf mythology, there are additional monsters such as Grendel and his mother, who show up at Bridgette’s assisted living home and cause havoc and destruction as Duncan races over to help.
The artwork continues to be amazing, although I did notice a change in making some facial reactions extreme and anime-like. I prefer a more realistic approach, as the monsters and mayhem were always detailed and naturalistic, and I don't want the hunky Duncan to become a caricature. The Otherworld had vivid almost hallucinogenic colors, with the floating orbs a clue that magic was moving into the regular world and they should be wary.
I continued to enjoy this new series and look forward to more warped British mythology. King Arthur remains a threat, and Duncan also has to contend with his family dysfunction as his long-gone mother and half-brother are part of the Nationalist group that opened the portal into the dark world. That the volume ends with a real-world politician ready to make an unholy allegiance opens the story to more exciting plots!
My review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2021/01/1...
April 16, 2021
I am liking Once & Future so much that I had to look back through all of the Kieron Gillen comics I've read to see if there's anything I've had more fun reading. Wic/Div is probably a better comic but it's not as fun as this is. It's fast, it's action packed, it's funny, and it blends horror and mythology like a good Hellboy comic. Gillen is in his wheelhouse.
Dan Mora's pencils are similarly on point. The action just absolutely draws me in and there's a ton of it in each issue. Tamra Bonvillain is coloring her ass off. The combination of line work and colors that the art team uses for Arthur is *chef's kiss*.
What a fun series. I can't wait to read more.
Dan Mora's pencils are similarly on point. The action just absolutely draws me in and there's a ton of it in each issue. Tamra Bonvillain is coloring her ass off. The combination of line work and colors that the art team uses for Arthur is *chef's kiss*.
What a fun series. I can't wait to read more.
December 12, 2020
This is brilliant as a fun action comedy romp that’s incredible to look at. Mora and Bonvillain’s art continues to be outstanding and Gillen has fun remixing in English myths outside the Arthurian tales this time. The characters remain likable and entertaining, though I’m still not emotionally invested in them. That may change though, and even if it doesn’t I’m looking forward to seeing how Gillen expands the plot/world going forward and how the art team presents it all so memorably.
May 10, 2021
The world’s most lethal grandma and her reluctant sidekick of a grandson are back. England is still/once again under attack from legendary characters of yore. This time it’s Beowulf and Grendel, because you gotta have someone awesome to follow up the King Arthur act.
Going into this knowing what to expect, having read the first book not too long ago, made it more enjoyable. Sure, it’s kind of a silly monsterhunting Grimm tv show style thing and sure, an old lady and her untrained for this grandson shouldn’t be able to be quite so dangerous to creatures like that, but in the end it’s all just pure fun. The art is great, really great, one striking panel after the next, courtesy of a very talented Dan Mora. And the bookish nerds will be delight to bookishly nerd out over the author’s use of Anglo Saxon myths and legends.
So yeah, quick entertaining read. Fun was had by all. Recommended.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
Going into this knowing what to expect, having read the first book not too long ago, made it more enjoyable. Sure, it’s kind of a silly monsterhunting Grimm tv show style thing and sure, an old lady and her untrained for this grandson shouldn’t be able to be quite so dangerous to creatures like that, but in the end it’s all just pure fun. The art is great, really great, one striking panel after the next, courtesy of a very talented Dan Mora. And the bookish nerds will be delight to bookishly nerd out over the author’s use of Anglo Saxon myths and legends.
So yeah, quick entertaining read. Fun was had by all. Recommended.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
January 26, 2021
Best. Grandma. Ever.
June 29, 2022
I read this book in ebook format.
Once and Future Volume 1 was an incredible start to this series, I think the draw on English folklore and a granny with a gun was the perfect mix. However, what I've come to find with a lot of books is that the second volumes often take a bit of a dip. Once and Future Vol 2 was a victim of that. We see Duncan containing his mission of bringing down whatever Arthur is dragging up in his new role as Perceval, he isn't talking to his grandmother after she kept all these secrets from him for years and Rose is directing him to where new energies are. When his grandmother comes to help him, of course, nothing goes right, and they find themselves facing Beowulf legends all while more of Merlin's plans are revealed in the background.
Like I said, this volume was very much a world-building book. While a lot happens, none of it felt super important in a way, as if something bigger is coming and we need to wait until the later volumes. Still good though and Dan Mora's art is just *chefs kiss*.
Once and Future Volume 1 was an incredible start to this series, I think the draw on English folklore and a granny with a gun was the perfect mix. However, what I've come to find with a lot of books is that the second volumes often take a bit of a dip. Once and Future Vol 2 was a victim of that. We see Duncan containing his mission of bringing down whatever Arthur is dragging up in his new role as Perceval, he isn't talking to his grandmother after she kept all these secrets from him for years and Rose is directing him to where new energies are. When his grandmother comes to help him, of course, nothing goes right, and they find themselves facing Beowulf legends all while more of Merlin's plans are revealed in the background.
Like I said, this volume was very much a world-building book. While a lot happens, none of it felt super important in a way, as if something bigger is coming and we need to wait until the later volumes. Still good though and Dan Mora's art is just *chefs kiss*.
October 17, 2022
The second volume of ONCE & FUTURE builds on what went before and doesn't disappoint. The art and colors are flat-out gorgeous and the story is pretty damn good as well.
Gillen continues to play around with Arthurian themes and adds Beowulf and the Grendel monsters as well. There's more of Merlin this story arc and a little less of the revived Arthur (both hanging out in the Otherworld and plotting their return to England).
The battle at the nursing home is a hoot! Gran is a real bad ass, and one of my favorite characters from Gillen's imaginative mind.
Gillen continues to play around with Arthurian themes and adds Beowulf and the Grendel monsters as well. There's more of Merlin this story arc and a little less of the revived Arthur (both hanging out in the Otherworld and plotting their return to England).
The battle at the nursing home is a hoot! Gran is a real bad ass, and one of my favorite characters from Gillen's imaginative mind.
February 6, 2021
4.5🌟
One of my favourite Gillen series I've read. The plot is in that sweet spot between being complex and easy to follow at the same time. I'm digging the characters and the snark factor. The tone of this series is a fun time for sure. The art is gorgeous and refined while the monsters/ supernatural are gloriously gory. I feel like the art is even improved in this volume even though vol. 1 looked solid also.
One of my favourite Gillen series I've read. The plot is in that sweet spot between being complex and easy to follow at the same time. I'm digging the characters and the snark factor. The tone of this series is a fun time for sure. The art is gorgeous and refined while the monsters/ supernatural are gloriously gory. I feel like the art is even improved in this volume even though vol. 1 looked solid also.
May 9, 2021
Not quite the bang of the first issue
Loved the art
Love weaponized Gran
Loved the Hot Fuzz cameo
Loved the art
Love weaponized Gran
Loved the Hot Fuzz cameo
January 20, 2022
Bála som sa, že si to neudrží kvalitu, ale ono je to ešte lepšie a krvavejšie a napínavejšie a zábavnejšie ako prvý book. Neskutočná bomba. 5/5
January 16, 2021
While an enjoyable read (with beautiful color work on some good art), this story veers further into an unexpected direction, as we discover more legends than just Arthur and his knights exist and can be thrown into the path of our protagonists. In this volume? Beowulf, and related characters. While there are some entertaining fights, and a bit of world-building to highlight who is doing what (and more, to silhouette a darkened puppet master in the background), Rose is almost completely sidelined in favor of Bridgette, who admittedly does do some memorable things in her time in the spotlight. Duncan is the straight man here, not doing a whole lot, but being the fulcrum upon which the story balances.
It's still a fun read and I am curious to see what comes next, but I wasn't quite as taken with this volume as with the first.
It's still a fun read and I am curious to see what comes next, but I wasn't quite as taken with this volume as with the first.
Read
October 22, 2020Still strongly reminding me of Philip Purser-Hallard's Devices trilogy, even though I'm fairly sure Gillen hasn't read those, by playing one of the same key reversals in its modern Arthurian riff. If stories have power, and you can hook into that by building correspondences with a myth, then your opponent can also gain advantage by snookering you with another legend – especially if it's from a different source altogether, one you hadn't even realised was in play. Still, there are some excellent feints and gotcha moments here, and the central heroic young lunk/devious gran dynamic remains a delight, at least once they're back on speaking terms. Although once or twice I did wonder if she wasn't sounding a little too modern, and for me the Hot Fuzz gag would have worked better without being lampshaded. All of which I forgave when the final reveal smacked me around the face, as neat as it was unexpected as it was 'oh shit'.
December 5, 2020
Well, that escalated quickly. We went from evil King Arthur to evil Beowulf to evil giant Grendel, and then it got worse for our heroes and heroines. Which means better for us.
It’s like Gillen went, “Yeah, here’s the entirety of British myth, all at once, and all these characters from legend want to kill you and your grandma.” And I am here for it. I have to assume next time we’ll get Morgana le Fey and Robin Hood and probably zombie Ivanhoe. Fingers crossed.
The art is gorgeous and the colors are straight out of a Michael Powell film, supersaturated and in Technicolor.
It’s like Gillen went, “Yeah, here’s the entirety of British myth, all at once, and all these characters from legend want to kill you and your grandma.” And I am here for it. I have to assume next time we’ll get Morgana le Fey and Robin Hood and probably zombie Ivanhoe. Fingers crossed.
The art is gorgeous and the colors are straight out of a Michael Powell film, supersaturated and in Technicolor.
January 1, 2021
No doubt, Duncan’s grandmother makes this series fun. I mean, Duncan has his moments too, but grandma is the real deal. This second volume started flat with me. The villains resurrect Beowulf and sic him in our heroes, but Beowulf is a rather dull villain. His dialogue is riddled with cliche and hyperbole, and I’m surprised Gillon didn’t use Duncan or Duncan’s grandmother to sarcastically skewer those words. The book eventually hits its stride, though, into what made the first book so fun. Let’s hope Gillon doesn’t turn this into something self-serious later on.
January 22, 2021
Not quite as good as the first one, but I’m still hooked on this story.
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