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Ax-Wielder Jon
A ruthless killer in a world of monsters and mayhem makes a precious discovery and learns what a man is willing to lose to protect what he loves most. It’s an epic adventure in every sense of the word. AX-WIELDER JON is created, written, and drawn by Nick Pitarra, the Eisner-nominated and New York Times bestselling co-creator of the Manhattan Projects, who is known for his hyper-detailed and dynamic art.
168 pages
Published January 1, 2023
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 2, 2024
This book was almost too good for me.
At first, I wasn't sure what to expect because I bought the book on a whim at a signing event at my local comic shop. I had no idea who Nick Pitarra was let alone any of the works he'd already finished.
Please get the hardcover edition of the book. It's stunningly beautiful and I feel as if I'm holding a work of art without even cracking the book open.
I thought this would be a run-of-the-mill story about an ambiguous barbarian lurching his way from one battle to the next. After finishing it, I had to read it again, because I had no idea it would be that good and wanted to make sure I caught everything, similar to the feeling I had when I first read Watchmen, though Ax-Wielder has a lot less depth storywise than Watchmen.
The storytelling relies on ambiguity, which I often chalk up to the writer not really sure what the story was going to be about, but with the twist ending, you realize "aha" and your perspective shifts astronomically and you realize that you've been duped by a master.
I won't be giving anything away, but for me, I loved the villains in the book more than the protagonist, because they are quirky without being silly, and sure of themselves, but just flawed enough to know their weak spots.
The art was absolutely amazing, with just about any page being a stand alone masterpiece on its own, but the action shots are worthy of additional praise because I rarely see such bloody scenes depicted with such grace and finesse.
The only bad thing about the novel was at the end when you realized who was who and what was what, it left me wanting more, but knowing that I'll be waiting for quite a while before the sequel comes about.
Worth every penny.
At first, I wasn't sure what to expect because I bought the book on a whim at a signing event at my local comic shop. I had no idea who Nick Pitarra was let alone any of the works he'd already finished.
Please get the hardcover edition of the book. It's stunningly beautiful and I feel as if I'm holding a work of art without even cracking the book open.
I thought this would be a run-of-the-mill story about an ambiguous barbarian lurching his way from one battle to the next. After finishing it, I had to read it again, because I had no idea it would be that good and wanted to make sure I caught everything, similar to the feeling I had when I first read Watchmen, though Ax-Wielder has a lot less depth storywise than Watchmen.
The storytelling relies on ambiguity, which I often chalk up to the writer not really sure what the story was going to be about, but with the twist ending, you realize "aha" and your perspective shifts astronomically and you realize that you've been duped by a master.
I won't be giving anything away, but for me, I loved the villains in the book more than the protagonist, because they are quirky without being silly, and sure of themselves, but just flawed enough to know their weak spots.
The art was absolutely amazing, with just about any page being a stand alone masterpiece on its own, but the action shots are worthy of additional praise because I rarely see such bloody scenes depicted with such grace and finesse.
The only bad thing about the novel was at the end when you realized who was who and what was what, it left me wanting more, but knowing that I'll be waiting for quite a while before the sequel comes about.
Worth every penny.
March 13, 2024
So very metal.
There is a lot to like here.
A lot.
The art and pacing is great and the villains are hilariously underplayed and surprisingly relatable for being hideous fantasy monsters. Like Head Lopper and Conan mixed with the Office. The book is really nicely made with a good chunk of behind the scenes sketches and process art in the back (you know I love that stuff!).
Just be aware, the book is all hook and set up. It’s book one and it does exactly what a good first book needs to do, leave you begging for book two. We’ll, here I am, begging for it like a nerd.
Thanks for the thoughtful, beautiful work Nick.
When do I get more?
There is a lot to like here.
A lot.
The art and pacing is great and the villains are hilariously underplayed and surprisingly relatable for being hideous fantasy monsters. Like Head Lopper and Conan mixed with the Office. The book is really nicely made with a good chunk of behind the scenes sketches and process art in the back (you know I love that stuff!).
Just be aware, the book is all hook and set up. It’s book one and it does exactly what a good first book needs to do, leave you begging for book two. We’ll, here I am, begging for it like a nerd.
Thanks for the thoughtful, beautiful work Nick.
When do I get more?
March 23, 2025
I wrote and drew this book and am very proud of it! I figured I’d sign up for GoodReads and check out any early reviews, trying to figure out how to update the cover.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews