This issue follows Mat and Rand on what I am assuming is a journey to Tar Valon. It highlights their travels from town to town and their attempt to trade what skills they have for room and board. I haven’t read Wheel of Time before, so story-wise I’m lost, but aside from that, how good was the issue?
Wheel of Time opens with Mat and Rand being chased away from a farm. They are penniless and work for a hot meal and a place to stay by doing chores and by entertaining, Mat is a talented juggler and Rand is an accomplished flautist. They manage to bargain a meal and room from a local innkeeper with the promise their talents will bring in guests. But, it soon becomes evident that they are being watched by a mysterious man. They are soon escorted to their room and bar themselves inside with the mystery man outside the door, and iron bars over the window.
Like I said in the beginning, I haven’t read this title before, so this issue is my first foray, but I still liked what I read. The story was engaging and I am interested in finding out the conclusion of the plot. I am also curious to find out more about the light and dark they speak of in the story. The main characters were likable and I liked their conversations with each other.
I did enjoy the art, lots of little details and the backgrounds of panels are never empty, there is always something there. Not saying the panels are busy, because it works, but it’s a nice touch rather than seeing a bare floor, there’s barrels and rope, things you would normally find in a store room and instead of a bare wall in the kitchen, pots and pans hanging.
Since I haven’t read this title before I wouldn’t feel right telling you that you should buy this title. But, if you like fantasy stories and a good plot then you should check this book out.
Art: 7/10
Script: 7/10
Parental Concern: All ages, unless you consider hardcore juggling offensive.
Wheel of Time #22 is in stores March 7th
