Just when you thought comics were dead, Archangel Studios resurrects hope with the sequel of its hit historical fantasy epic The Red Star. The second volume entitled The Red Star: Nokgorka, is the first major release from Archangel Studios since leaving Image Comics and moving to Crossgen. And the move has proved nothing but fruitful. At 9x12 inches and 176 pages, Nokgorka stands head and shoulders with its predecessor, solidifying Archangel's reputation as a future leader in the US Comic Industry.

     Taking place after the events of the first tale, the heroes from The Red Star return for a new war. Drawing heavily from the Afganistan/USSR conflict, the previous story, The Battle of Kar Dathra’s Gate, focused on a battle between the United Republic of the Red Star and the forces of Al’ Istaan. The Red Star thinks that the use of their big weapons and superior army will defeat the opposing soldiers whose religiou faith actually make them a deadlier force thank anyone the Red Star has ever fought before.

     When the Red Star loses the war, the demise of an empire begins, and a new saga begins. Seeing an opening, other Republics of the Red Star demand their independence, in particularly Nokgorka, which is denied independence and takes up arms. Fighting for the Red Star is Maya Antares, a leader in the Red Fleet and a sorcereress who lost her husband Marcus in the previous story. Maya's life is further disrupted when she loses her dear friend Alexandra, the woman who introduced her deceased husband. With no one left in her life, Maya becomes obsessed with finding her friend's killer, something she could not do for her husband, and sneaks into the Nokgorka Territory for answers and revenge.

     Keeping things fresh, The Red Star: Nokgorka introduces another feisty character, Makita, a ruthless young soldier for the Nokgorka, who is actually not as ruthless as she lets on. She was present when Alexandra was killed and despite being on enemy sides, buried the woman out of respect. She is also drawn to Maya and soon discovers that she has been carrying a letter for Maya that tells of the true fate of Marcus Antares. Once this is revealed, the Red Sorceress, a magical being from the volume 1 reemerges to warn Maya of Marcus’ fate and informs the group of the true nature of the nation’s struggles. Now, entagled in a bitter struggle with their own loyalties, Maya and her colleagues must make the ultimate decision. Will The Red Star continue to fight for their country or help to liberate those who have been affected by generations of the immortal sorcerer Imbohl’s evil rule?

     The Red Star: Nokgorka is an epic masterpiece! From the very beginning your attention is captured through a perfect combination of historical fiction and hybrid art (hand drawn mixed with computer generated 3D art). It is not a surprise that Archangel Studios has won five Eisner Nominations for its work. In light of these troubling times, this book adds light on an integral part of world history, that is often overlooked here in the West. The Red Star provides an essential lesson lesson in the politics of the world with comic book elements thrown in to make the lesson one to remember. Those that do not know their history are doomed to repeat it and as our own country prepares soldiers to die for oil, this tale’s characters and images of war are ones to never forget.

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to Blackhart@ybfree.com.

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