I can’t read more than 20 or 30 pages of a fantasy novel, but when you put that story on a page with magnetic illustrations, and you gift these unique creatures varied appearances, my interest level rises, significantly. After just five pages or so, I knew I’d be reading King’s Road: The Long Way Home in a single sitting, eyes straining as I stare at a five inch cellphone screen.

The read justified the strain on the eyeballs, and I’ve got no regrets having tuned out the world around me in order to be sucked into a fantastical world where heroes and beasts call the same landscape home. Not that we spend much time in any magical lands of any sort. No, this story takes place here on earth, but King’s Road is a story that hasn’t met its conclusion, and though I’ve not been familiar with the title prior to today, it’s very obvious that an alternate reality will force the story’s protagonists to return to a realm I’ve yet to see.

Peter Hogan manages to tell a story that is both fast-paced and slowed for consideration of those who may not be familiar with any of this fantasy brouhaha. His story is straight forward, and his characters are all likeable – even a vile “queen” who rules a universe under shady and sinister methods. In fact, she didn’t just land the gig of a universe, the treacherous traitor ambushed the king, who just so happens to be the brother of the story’s hero, and rightful king to a still unknown kingdom.

Loaded with action, it’s impossible to do anything outside of admire the work of artists Staz Johnson, and Phil Winslade who create some nasty beasts with which our heroic family must tangle. What’s even more impressive is that somehow, all of these morbid monsters – cyclops, trolls, and winged freaks of nature – fit comfortably in our own world. An army of monsters doesn’t even look out of place at a strip mall. That’s excellent work from Johnson and Winslade, and it’s all held together by Peter Hogan, who’s created something extremely special here.

I never thought I’d say it, but I can’t wait to read more of King’s Road!

You can look into the single issues, or the trade paperback, right here.

Rating: 4/5