Review by Colin Credle

Head Lopper & the Quest for Mulgrid’s Stair is the fourth volume in Andrew MacLean’s tale of warrior Norgal and the decapitated head of the witch Agatha. Despite being a dangling head carried over Norgal’s back, Agatha dishes out a great deal of acerbic wit as Norgal both complains and uses her unexpected talents to defeat foes. It seems everyone covets the head of Agatha. MacLean’s storytelling and illustrations carry Norgal further in developing his character – to what extent is Norgal a loner and to what degree is he apathetic to his fellow adventurers?

Following Head Lopper & The Knights of Venora, Norgal is now travelling with a motley crew back to the city of Arnak Pluth, where he apparently performed a stint as the local executioner. Despite his service to the crown, no one seems to be happy with him as Norgal’s past and recent head loppings bring him into focus as his fellow travellers learn more about him and loyalties shift. There are quests within the overarching quest to locate Mulgrid’s Stair as the Hammer of Arnak, the Martan Keystone and the key to the entrance of the Stair of Mulgrid all need their attention. Once Mulgrid’s Stair is located, they hope to ascend to speak with Mulgrid, the purveyor and recorder of truth, to reveal who covets Agatha’s head so much they wish them dead.

MacLean’s intrigues, multiple quests, interesting monsters and the slow revealing of Norgal’s past, character flaws, introspection along with the dynamic interaction with his posse all make for a good run. This series has legs and keeps the momentum. Jordie Bellaire’s colours are vibrant and sync well with MacLean’s imagery and we grow to appreciate the other characters as we learn about them, while Norgal, despite a few too many harumphs, continues to be likeable. Along the way, we have key characters switching sides too. Their motivations seem believable, but it’s still unexpected and entertaining. Norgal has pals and he should be grateful to include them in his adventures. Hopefully we’ll see more escapades with the same group down the line.