I admit that I am not a fan of the mainstream U.S. based comic book industry. My reasons for my lack of interest are simple; the stories in mainstream comics are played. How many damn superhero universes can you create? With all the stories to be told, their still remains a group of people whose dreams to publish their fan stories rank higher than breathing new life to an industry, which set the standard for the sequential art markets around the world. But Image Comic's Warlands has renewed my faith! What an intelligent, beautifully drawn piece of sequential art. It makes a nerd like me so happy to see such diverse storyline that borrows concepts from the Celts to the Japanese.

     Warlands: Three Stories is a collection of rare Warlands' stories from Wizard, and AnotherUniverse.com, with an addendum created especially for this issue. Warlands' setting is in a medieval fantasy world. The once prosperous civilization of Ceranzan (which is like the Sleeping Prophet Edgar Cayce's descriptions of Atlantis) has been taken over by Malagen, the world's first vampire and loyal disciple of the dark goddess Tara.

     Under the leadership of Tara, Malagen seeks to rule the world, but not without fear of his own demise. For it has been foretold that a Champion of Light will come to overthrow him and resurrect the world. But Malagen's only enemy is not only the prophesized hero, there are legions of magical and human folk who seek to destroy him as well.

     Complementing a great story is the artwork, which is nothing short of spectacular. Reading this book will seem as if one is watching an animated motion picture. The story and characters are complex, making this a great comic for mature readers who have been disenfranchised by the industry's need to mass market to all ages. I do believe that Warlands might be the first American comic I will seriously commit to, and hope you will as well.

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