The legend of Camelot has invaded modern times in a monster way! A large stone crashes from the sky around a group of unsuspecting children. They have now become involved in a conflict of good versus evil. Are they up to the challenge or is a new Dark Age on the horizon?
Considering the creative team behind “Seven Secrets” is behind this project is one thing. It is the first time since 2022 that Tom Taylor & Daniele Di Nicuolo have teamed up on a book together. Factor in this is a creator owned series at DC Comics and expectations are huge!
C.O.R.T.(Children Of The Round Table) #1 by Taylor, Di Nicuolo, Rain Beredo & Wes Abbott debuts their new all-ages series of Arthurian Lore!
Let’s take a closer look at how this debut fares.
C.O.R.T.(Children Of The Round Table) #1 by Tom Taylor, Daniele Di Nicuolo, Rain Beredo & Wes Abbott (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Taylor throws readers a fresh take on the classic themes with this chapter. The opening sequence sets a solid pace with the mystery at hand. It quickly shifts to meeting the young heroes in their ordinary lives. The writing showcases just enough of their personalities to have readers invested in who they are. Fel and Connor seem to have a rivalry forming. How this factors in with the rest of their group will be something to watch.
Readers see the whole group together as they start “a quest”. The dialogue is fun as they interact. In these moments, it is very clear Connor is a breakout character. Once destiny finds them, the story takes a dramatic turn. Pacing speeds things up to where the key points are hit. The writing doesn’t go overboard in elaborate details. It doesn’t need to. The group must adapt on the fly which rushes the book towards its’ close. There’s a sense of wonder forming as the closing panel hits. It leaves many possibilities for where things go from here. That’s never a bad problem to have with a new series.
Di Nicuolo & Beredo bring some energetic events to the forefront here. The starting pages tease the suspense of “The Hill.” This feeling switches gears Fel & Connor’s game. Readers watch as the soccer match spills into a brief glimpse into each’s character. The facial expressions tip off Fel’s disinterest in what her mom is wanting. This allows her (and the readers) to segway into the “mission” at hand.
The group meets the audience via full page panel. Connor’s disinterest shines in these panels. There isn’t too much time to focus on this aspect. The stone’s crash landing is given a near full page intro. It results in the young heroes exploring what they’ve found. Another full page image steers the story into a new direction. The art moves at a sleek speed during this commotion. From an explosive full page to bold panels, readers know something is unfolding. This moves into a synopsis of what’s coming. Readers watch as the group must react quickly. With the final panel, much is eluded to of a destiny forever changed. The art lands at a solid spot with much still left on the horizon.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.8
A re-imagining of King Arthur lore wastes no time in presenting an enjoyable start. Taylor’s writing delves into sorcery & social hijinx. Di Nicuolo & Beredo craft an energetic mood with the art. Pulling this on NCBD is much like pulling Excalibur: A huge win for whoever holds it.
Let me know your thoughts on C.O.R.T.(Children Of The Round Table) #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!