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Kong of Skull Island 2018 Special #1 Review: A Solid Read in Spite of the Hefty Asking Price

A band of Viking raiders landed on Skull Island years ago. They were immediately set upon by beasts, and their leader was killed. His wife almost fell to the same fate, but Kong arrived and saved her. Now, she returns with a new band to conquer and pillage the island using the aid of Kong.

Kong of Skull Island 2018 Special by Dan McDaid
Kong of Skull Island 2018 Special by Dan McDaid

This Kong of Skull Island special takes a slightly different approach to the familiar setting and story. Vikings meeting King Kong is an innately awesome idea, and it stays on theme with the idea of pillagers and conquerors coming to Skull Island for fame and fortune.

That said, it's not just a retreading with a different group of ravenous white people coming to the island. Here, a reliance and trust of Kong is one's downfall instead of the lesson they need to learn. The comic doesn't really frame anyone side as heroes. You believe that the expedition leader is in the right for being on Kong's side, but even that isn't taken as the entirely correct decision.

Also, you get to see Vikings fight giant lizard monsters and dinosaurs, so the comic still has plenty of viscerally awesome scenes to dish out.

The price point is where things get sticky. While the comic is good, $7.99 for a little over 30 pages is a lot to ask.

Kong of Skull Island 2018 Special art by Carlos Magno and Marcelo Costa
Kong of Skull Island 2018 Special art by Carlos Magno and Marcelo Costa

Carlos Magno's artwork is downright gorgeous in its ability to depict the Vikings and Skull Island. Shading and texturing is put to good use while also delivering a lot of line detailing. Kong looks a little different, the Viking designs are cool, and the monsters are aptly terrifying. Marcelo Costa's color art vibrant and lively while also playing with the darker shades when appropriate.

Kong of Skull Island 2018 Special is a solidly entertaining read bringing the vicious Vikings of old to Skull Island. While the price point is a bit hefty, the book is a solid enough experience that I can recommend it to anyone who is comfortably with trading eight-bucks for a little over 30 pages. The story and art are good enough so that I tell you to feel free to check it out.



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Joshua DavisonAbout Joshua Davison

Josh is a longtime super hero comic fan and an aspiring comic book and fiction writer himself. He also trades in videogames, Star Wars, and Magic: The Gathering, and he is also a budding film buff. He's always been a huge nerd, and he hopes to contribute something of worth to the wider geek culture conversation. He is also happy to announce that he is the new Reviews Editor for Bleeding Cool. Follow on Twitter @joshdavisonbolt.
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