Review by Karl Verhoven

Given the legends passed down the generations, an alliance between humans and orcs seems extremely unlikely, yet when the Vangol emerge as an even greater enemy to both, necessity forges unlikely partners. Cal Battlechild already leads a band of marauders known as Last Man Standing, and has attracted the attention and admiration of orc overlord Troth. There’s mistrust when they meet, but a Vangol attack does more to seal the alliance than the plan of Cal being accompanied by Troth’s cousin Tara, or Lady Gruachktar Icemane to give her full title, a healer by trade.

There’s much about The Hunger and the Dusk pulled straight from the fantasy template, but two aspects immediately lift it above. The first to connect is open and appealing pages from an artist whose name qualifies him to join Cal’s band. Chris Wildgoose defines both humans and orcs sympathetically, places them in open locations and has colourist Msassyk bring them to greater life. The second connection is Wilson providing an almost instant understanding of who people are. There may lifelong enmity, but she shows these are fundamentally decent and honourable folk. Cal first came to Troth’s attention when ushering his men from the battlefield, remaining until they were safe. “You protected your people when you thought it would cost your life”, Troth recalls, “A man too stupid to run away is the only kind of man I can trust”.

After their early disruption Wilson rather treats the Vangol as cannon fodder, an ominous foreboding threat who could manifest at any time, yet who can be defeated in small numbers. However, numerous small touches further raise her writing above the median line. Her constructing a consistent version of strange English is seen on the sample art, and the character touches continue to impress, gradually setting up what would seem a fracture between allies. This is elevated by portentous narrative captions.

While there’s a need for both humans and orcs to transmit as appealing, even if their opinions differ, there’s no need to have the Vangol look sympathetic, and Wildgoose designs repulsive, emaciated, pallid creatures, rich with teeth and claws. They’re written to repel, but Wildgoose ensures they do.

The best chapter of a compelling fantasy ends this opening volume, offering insight into a younger Tara and leading to the cliffhanger prefacing Book Two. By that point any fantasy fan will be well and truly hooked. Don’t miss the magnificent selection of alternate covers and character designs after the story. Alternatively, wait until September 2026 for a Deluxe edition combining both volumes.