Review by Karl Verhoven

Massively popular medieval fantasy game RuneScape builds the world of Gielinor, consisting of a multitude of different lands and kingdoms to explore. Such is the variety of places, that slotting extra material into what’s available is a relatively easy task, and Ryan O’Sullivan’s method is to begin with a hooded and cloaked figure in a tavern telling stories. “Who among you have heard the tale of the Godsword?”, he begins, “No-one? Not a soul among you has heard of such a legendary blade?”

It introduces the possibilities of Gielinor, and encompasses a potted history, with the sample art introducing the four people most relevant to what follows. You’ll notice each is accompanied by a skull glowing pink. Maro by name, the skull is crucial to what follows and endearing as a character in their own right.

Whether or not you know or care for the game, Tales of the God Wars is entertaining fantasy, a story continuing over four chapters with a recurring cast. O’Sullivan puts the effort into creating a variety of different characters with interesting backgrounds and then placing them into difficult situations and ensuring each has a surprising response at some stage. Tying the stories together is people coveting the Godsword, a weapon allegedly capable of ending an ongoing war, but will it live up to reputation?

Multiple characters and multiple races feature, but Sid Kotian opts for stock designs, although they’re drawn well. There’s a density to the plot, meaning Kotian has to pack the panels more than he might like, but he still manages to convey brutality, danger and the occasional moment of reflection or tenderness.

Readers are likely to guess the punchline well before the final page disclosure, but we’re invested in the characters until the end.