The biggest element that’s stood out in David Dastmalchian and Fede Mele’s Knights vs. Samurai isn’t the fight scenes between the two titular groups of warriors (though as I’ve said before, the premise and the payoff definitely live up to the hype), or the mystical elements. It’s the cultural barrier. The samurai speak an entirely different language, have entirely different customs, and an entirely different outlook on life than their opponents.
Knights vs. Samurai #3 fully leans into that, as Charles Ward and his companions are now prisoners of the samurai; Charles cannot communicate with them, despite their desire to learn more about him. But that’s not the only obstacle that pops up. It turns out the samurai have their own challenge to fight, and it’s one that Charles has previously faced.
Throughout Knights vs. Samurai #3, Dastmalchian explores the differences and the dualities between Charles and the samurai’s Taisho (read: Commander). A simple translation spell fails because Charles is too strong-willed, meaning that most of the dialogue is still presented in Japanese with subtitles. On the other hand, one of Charles’ monks and the Taisho‘s lead sorcerer find a connection via their shared abilities, which shows that people can form connections despite their differences.
Image Comics
Dastmalchian also starts to sow the seeds for future issues, including a hint to the knights’ true mission and the Taisho dealing with another group of enemies. Not only does it make me yearn for the next issue, but it also makes this world feel more fleshed out. Most franchises, whether they’re comics, movies, or TV shows, race into expansion without bothering to set a solid foundation. That’s definitely not the case here; it feels like Dastmalchian could keep this series going for years if he wanted.
The world of Knights vs. Samurai continues to be visually stunning as well, thanks to Mele’s art. Mele has an immense eye for detail, to the point where you can see the scars and sweat on a warrior’s body or the fine brushstrokes of a tapestry. He also gets the chance to draw another dragon, and this one’s terrifying. Its entire body fills the sky, with its eyes glowing a dark red.
Mele’s art is further boosted by Ulises Arreola’s color work, which plays with shadows and light in a number of ways. Torches lit in a cave give off a glowing golden light. The moonlight is silver and piercing, casting shadows over everything. The dragon itself possesses scales that are a bright emerald, immediately drawing the readers’ eye to it.
Knights vs. Samurai #3 shows another side to its titular conflict, as it continues to expand upon its world of wizards and warriors. If you haven’t added this book to your pull list I definitely recommend it, especially if you’re a fantasy fan. Or if you want to see knights and samurai fight a big-ass dragon!
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