I started threads for Oni Press's other "EC" titles, so I might as well start one for Cruel Kingdom as well. For some reason, I assumed Cruel Kingdom would be an ongoing narrative, but it's not; it's an anthology (sword & sorcery in this case), just like ever other EC. I will often rank the stories as I see them, but that's usually when I have a clear favorite. In this case, I liked all the stories equally (and I did like them). I would provide some brief summaries, but I don't think doing so would serve a purpose. Those of you who are going to try this title will try it, and those who aren't, won't.
Replies
Pretty good issue! Because of the settings, it had the feel of stories passed down by oral tradition.
"Blood of the Robo King" was just an OK story, where you kinda knew where it was going. But the art (by Leomacs) was the star. Best line: "Are they not as human ... as we?" Chilling.
"Friendly Visitors" also had a telegraphed ending ("Once one is in place, the other cannot challenge it"), but again I enjoyed the art (by Kano) which was perfectly suited to the tale.
"Death and Pickaxes" was my favorite story, because of the familiarity. For those just tuning in, it's about Snow White's forgotten eighth dwarf ... Vengeful.
"The Demon's Face" was a slight six-pager, one that made the reader think it was going to make one point, then swerved to make another. A bit too short or slight to make much impact on me.
Speaking of Kano, I had to flip back to the credits to check whether or not it was Paul Smith.
I hadn't made that connection. I'll watch for it in future!