This review originally appeared on Goodreads on August 7, 2011.

The Chronicles Of Solomon Kane

By Various – Dark Horse – December 8, 2009

Review by Robin Marx

This volume collects a two volume series called “The Mark of Kane” and a later six issue miniseries called “The Sword of Solomon Kane.”

Despite scripts by Roy Thomas, the former is a little on the cheesy side, but I was pleasantly surprised by the “Sword of Solomon Kane” series. With only six issues to work with, I found it baffling that they spent time making a few original stories (one called The Prophet was particularly sleight and disappointing, despite excellent Mike Mignola artwork) rather than sticking with adaptations of the original Robert E. Howard short stories, but the comic versions of “Red Shadows,” “Hills of the Dead,” and “Wings in the Night” were well done.

The highlight of this volume was the characterization, however. While the authors of the current Dark Horse series seem to be struggling with how to present Kane, the staff of this old Marvel comic got him right. Dour, vengeful, and above all driven.

While I wouldn't recommend this volume as an introduction to the adventures of Solomon Kane, it's certainly worth a look for those already familiar with the character.

★★★☆☆

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