Writer
Hey guys, welcome to B’s Views and Reviews, the article series that promotes faith-based, family-friendly comics and the creators that make them, brought to you by Geek Devotions, a show by devoted geeks, devoted to letting you know that you are loved. I’m B, and today we’ll be taking a look at The Epic of the Shield Knight by the Grand Writer.
The Plot:
The story follows a young man named Lucas, a slave for a kingdom in a fantasy world of knights and kings. One day, Lucas feels strangely drawn to a cave where he finds a green shield. Soldiers, thinking he is attempting to escape, capture him and bring him before the owner of the estate. They balk at the legendary Shield attaching itself to a slave and threaten to chop it off his arm. A fight ensues, leading to the death of Lucas’s parents. Lucas is then approached by a mysterious knight, who takes him in and begins teaching him how to live in his role as the Shield Knight. As the Shield Knight, Lucas is one of five prophesied warriors who will battle against the impending threat of the Calamity King.
This comic series seems to be influenced by anime. It follows the “rule of three.” Things are hinted at and slowly revealed in the first two issues, but things do not start to make complete sense until Issue 3. This is a narrative style that I have learned happens in anime often. In reading, I often feel very frustrated on Lucas’s behalf. All the other knights seem to be not only skilled warriors but also knowledgeable of their special weapons. Lucas is neither. Even after a “training montage” series of panels, a more fit and skilled Lucas is still not up to par with the other knights. It isn’t until the big fight in issue 3 that Lucas finally starts to understand his abilities and uses them in a constructive manner.
Another anime influence can be seen in the primary villain of Issue 3. He looks to be a more sinister version of Yatsume Mumyoi from Ruroni Kenshin – a villainous jester with elongating arms. He also has a vibe similar to Ghirahim from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. His power and skill are so great that the whole of the team of Knights can’t defeat him. However, Lucas and his “ricocheting shield” ability turn the tide of the battle in the Knights’ favor. The long-range aspect of the throwing shield certainly negates the long-arms issue, but it does leave me wondering why the Bow Knight didn’t take out the villain from the start. This may be a plot point explored later in the series.
What’s Unique:
Lucas has a “secret sight” ability that grants him knowledge about himself and those around him. He can see “stats” on each of the other Knights, including “levels.” The secret sight also allows him to learn just what his shield can do and what abilities “unlock” as his “experience grows.” It’s like looking at a pause menu on an old-school fantasy RPG. It’s a unique concept that I’ve not seen done before and can lend the characters to being adapted to a TTRPG or CCG later.
The comical short comic strips at the end of each issue that feature the writer and artist have whimsical art elements seen in a lot of the Manga that I have read. It’s an interesting way to wrap up each issue, as it gives us a glimpse into the mind of both the writer and the artist. It also is a welcome splash of comedy to the otherwise grim tone of the book.
Faith-Based or Family Friendly?:
The Grand Writer acknowledges and thanks God in his letter to the reader at the beginning of the book. The story itself does not address God directly, but there are themes about deliverance from bondage that connect with the account of Moses from Scripture.
Mild language issues and occasional gore make this comic not as family-friendly as others. It is certainly less than other mainstream stories, but it is present. I would rate this book at 12+, or young adult and up.
The Epic of the Shield Knight is written by the Grand Writer with art by Quinjao and is published by GrandVerse Comics. You can get your copy and see the Grand Writer’s other projects at https://grand-writer.carrd.co/.
Stay devoted. Peace and Love.