A CLASH OF KINGS Part II #4, available in comic book stores on June 17th, is a tale of politics, power, and the games played to control both. Writer Lander Q. Walker’s adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s work splits the story into two sections, highlighting the stories of Daenerys Targaryen in Qarth and Stannis Baratheon in Storm’s End.
Story
Dany has become all but Queen of Qarth. The pompous Xaro Xhoan Daxos, a merchant prince holding much sway over the city, instructs townspeople to cater to her whim. He sees in her a power and authority that is too irresistible to leave alone; the most logical next step for him is to convince her to stay and agree to marry him, giving him ownership of her dragons.
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Now the young Targaryen must make a decision quickly, less she find herself beholden to the city forever.
Readers are then brought to the other side of the world where Stannis meets with Ser Cortnay Penrose. The former has seen the man’s death in the flames of his beloved sorceress Melisandre, believing the omen to prove Penrose would be an obstacle in his quest for the throne if not dealt with.
After relaying his plans to his friend Davos, the smuggler expresses misgivings over the sorceress’s involvement due to her suspected connection to Lord Renly Baratheon’s death. But Stannis commands him to accompany Melisandre nonetheless. Will this be the beginning of the plot to kill Penrose.
Walker’s writing captures all of the intense political gaming found in George R. R. Martin’s novels. We feel the stress of both Dany and Davos as they seek to navigate the chaos that is their lives.
Artwork
Mel Rubi’s penciling and ink work, Ivan Nunes’s coloring, and Tom Napolitano’s lettering bring the world’s of Westeros and Essos to life. The elegant gold painting the city of Qarth is contrasted with the grey shades found at Storm’s End. These serve as effective backdrops for our highly detailed protagonists. It feels like we’re watching our favorite GoT come to life. What’s more, the lettering follows the characters movements to slow our reading speed down to take in the illustrations.
Conclusion
A CLASH OF KINGS Part II #4 gives readers engaging, in-depth portrayals of two characters seeking to the make the right choice. We’re excitied to see what comes of Dany’s decision and Davos’s reluctance at serving Stannis.
Which of the two storylines did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments below!
