Once and Future #16
Boom Studios
Written by: Kieron Gillen
Art by: Dan Mora
Colors by: Tamra Bonvillain
Letters by: Ed Dukeshire
Once and Future #16 wastes zero time diving into the action. From panel to panel, Gillen and Mora take you on a 100 mph thrill ride that makes Once and Future #16 one of the craziest issues yet.
Over the last several issues there have been a lot of moving parts, and in Once and Future #16, they all come to a head. Up to this point we’ve been dealing with 3 separate story lines, which at times has been confusing. With all major characters and storylines merging together, Gillen was able to drastically increase the level of intensity — which given the action already at hand, seemed like an impossible task.
In addition to the converging storylines, we also get some answers as to who the mysterious man in the suit is. This was a wrinkle I didn’t see coming, and getting that backstory was a nice break in the action. Gillen has done a great job so far at keeping this story fresh. By adding new elements into the mix, it gives Once and Future an interesting new direction to take the story in.
(Warning: Spoilers for Once and Future #16 Ahead)
With so many mythological characters all looming large at once, it’s easy to lose sight that this is an Arthorian tale. However in Once and Future #16 we see the King itching to get back into the forefront of this tale — all the while his fellow knights of the round table are seeking vengeance of their own.
In addition to the viciousness that is the main story at hand, the subplot of Rose and the mysterious Accord was a great addition to the story. A mysterious shadow government interjecting itself into this grail quest is an exciting twist that both elevates and propels Once and Future to new heights.
It’s hard to imagine that Once and Future was originally planned as just a 6 issue series. Here we are 10 issues later with no signs of slowing down.