Review by Jamie McNeil
Thorgal: The Blade Ship follows the titular protagonist joined by his new ally, Petrov, serving as a guard on a blade ship—essentially a medieval ice breaker. Travelling along the river trade route is a perilous journey in pursuit of his son Ahniel’s kidnappers who appear to be heading to the city of Bag Dadh. Along the way, Thorgal encounters an old friend in distress and to in order to help them he undertakes an errand to deliver supplies to an isolated village. He has three days to complete the task or risk being left behind. However, unforeseen dangers emerge at his destination, forcing Thorgal to fight for survival in a desperate race against time.
The previous three volumes (begun in I, Jolan) primarily concentrated on Thorgal’s son Jolan; however, here writer Yves Sente shifts the focus back to Thorgal. Sente dedicates a few pages to conclude Jolan’s story arc, which continues in the Kriss of Valnor spin-off series. Consequently, The Blade Ship incorporates several smaller plot devices within the main narrative to set up future instalments. Although these elements are crucial and enhance the story, detailing them further would risk spoilers. Suffice to say, Sente crafts an engaging narrative inspired by themes of animal horror and survivalist thriller films, exquisitely illustrated by Gregorz Rosinski.
Petrov, introduced in The Battle of Asgard, is a surly warrior intrigued by Thorgal’s clear-cut morality. A veteran of the East-West trade routes, Petrov holds a more cynical view of humanity. Though a straightforward character, he adds depth by providing a pragmatic perspective on complex moral decisions. His presence highlights Thorgal’s isolation from the world despite his adventures, having relied heavily on his family and close friends to reinforce his ideals. Separated from them, Thorgal faces significant challenges, with Petrov serving as a reliable, albeit gruff, guide.
Artistically, the illustrations are stunning, with Rosinski leveraging the stark snowy backdrop to emphasise intricate details of ships, animals, and people. The action sequences are both visually striking and dynamic, ranging from sled dogs running onto a platform extended from a moving ship to a meticulously choreographed underwater scene. The characters appear authentic, exuding a gritty realism reflective of individuals who lived in less forgiving times. It serves as a masterclass in adapting artistic style for sustained excellence by an artist who still hand-paints every sequence.
The Blade Ship delivers an exhilarating thriller experience, with Sente skilfully blending modern cinematic influences with historical context. Coupled with Rosinski’s breathtaking artwork, this volume stands out as one of the finest achievements of the Sente/Rosinski partnership, setting the stage for the next instalment in the Thorgal: Ahniel.
