782

The plot thickens now as the doctor finds that the quest is one full of intrigue and ancient conspiracies. The Duke of Lorraine's power is ascending, but what else is he entangled with? The doctor finds more clues, and the Inquisition is getting closer. This is definitely getting interesting now as he finds the scroll that has gone missing. However, that is just the beginning. I am definitely going to find the next volume in the series. By the way, the alternate history this series has established is very good and interesting too. ( )

This was the first of the Rex Mundi books I had read and I was favourably impressed. Arvid Nelson creates a believable world where sorcery exists and the Catholic church still presides over the principalities and empires of Europe. The French, American and Russian revolutions never succeeded. It is 1933 and war between the European powers is imminent. Interspersed with the story are various Watchmen-style background newspaper articles. The story itself is a conspiracy about the Knights Templar and church secrets, somewhat like Holy Blood and the Holy Grail or the Da Vinci code.

The main protagonist is Doctor Julien Saunière, who diligently investigates the deepening mystery with the help of feisty Councilor Tournon and wise Rabbi Maiselles. The lovely Tournon is playing a dangerous game of double agent by sleeping with Lord Lorraine, a powerful French politician who seems inextricably linked to the conspiracy.

The writing can be a bit cerebral. Sometimes Saunière doesn't actually do too much but large chunks of the conspiracy are revealed anyway. The artwork by Eric J does a great job of rendering Paris, the scene of most of the action. ( )

A fascinating and enjoyable read. Rex Mundi is an alternate history story with a murder mystery thrown in, together with a quest for the Holy Grail. Just a normal everyday plot! The story moves fast, dragging the main character, Doctor Sauniere, and the reader along with it. Considering the many strands of the story, it’s well paced but intricate. Towards the end of the book, the story takes an interesting turn so it’s going to be intriguing to see where the story goes from here. I also enjoyed the additional material added to the end of each individual story. I found these more compelling then in the first trade. The artwork continues effortlessly much as in the trade #1 ( )

Oh, if you don't know, what I can I tell you? Grounded in one of the cleverest conceits of any comic series in recent memory (a world of the 1930s where the Reformation never happened and magic is real, made setting for a hunt for the holy grail) RM has been through more illustrators than I can count, but is held together by a plot so intriguing you don't care that you already know where it's going and how it ends. Imagine The DaVinci Code or Holy Blood, Holy Grail redone as a graphic novel, and more imaginatively written and you're on the right track. ( )