What do you think?
Rate this book
Birthright #3
Birthright, Vol. 3: Allies and Enemies
As Mikey and Brennan's quest to hunt Terrenos's worst war criminals intensifies, their parents make deals with new and dangerous allies to protect their sons, but a mysterious foe debuts, threatening to destroy the Rhodes family forever.
Collecting: Birthright 11-15
Collecting: Birthright 11-15
112 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2016
12 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
October 25, 2020
Kirkman's Oblivion Song didn't do much for me and I'm kind of burned out on his Outcast, so I wasn't as excited as I should have been for Birthright.
This is one of those comics that builds and builds and builds on each volume until you can't stop turning the pages.
In this one, you meet several of the original mages that Mikey has been hunting.
And none of them are what they seem!
I can't really say anything without ruining the big reveal at the end, but it was good.
This is (to me) the perfect blend of fantasy, mystery, & family drama.
If you're not reading this yet, you're missing out!
This is one of those comics that builds and builds and builds on each volume until you can't stop turning the pages.
In this one, you meet several of the original mages that Mikey has been hunting.
And none of them are what they seem!
I can't really say anything without ruining the big reveal at the end, but it was good.
This is (to me) the perfect blend of fantasy, mystery, & family drama.
If you're not reading this yet, you're missing out!
March 2, 2020
The best colored book on shelves today. Adriano Lucas's colors are brilliant and really enhance Andrei Bressan's artwork. As far as the story goes Mikey and his brother head to Chicago to hunt down the mages from Terrenos. We get to see some more of what happened in Terrenos and the book ends on one hell of a reveal.
July 20, 2017
I'm still waiting for this series to recognize how much potential it has. This is if Every Heart A Doorway explored one singular character's complete in-depth experience in another world. It just so happens that a character coming back to our world brings other things with it. I have so much hope for this series that I am ready to see where it go.
August 13, 2016
THAT ENDING THOUGH.
May 3, 2019
I am really enjoying this series, however, this one was a bit off the charts. Yet, I still finished it and brushed through it rather quickly. I am still left with unanswered concern(s) since book 1. I hope the series by book 6 unleashes the unknowns, or concerns, and put the pieces together.
I enjoy the adventure and the creative voice in this series overall.
Disclaimer: I borrowed a copy from the library and giving my honest opinion.
I enjoy the adventure and the creative voice in this series overall.
Disclaimer: I borrowed a copy from the library and giving my honest opinion.
December 18, 2018
My favorite volume yet! We learn a lot more about Nevermind, new players are brought onto the stage, most of the story arcs evolve rather nicely and there is a helluva cliffhanger ending!
Once again the art and coloring are top notch and the action sequences are phenomenal. If I wasn't already sold on this series for the long haul this would be the volume that would do it!
Once again the art and coloring are top notch and the action sequences are phenomenal. If I wasn't already sold on this series for the long haul this would be the volume that would do it!
February 2, 2017
Birthright continues to be a consistently good series for Image. Joshua Williamson is earning some fame while currently writing the Justice League vs. Suicide Squad event. Where we last left off our fallen hero Mikey along with his brother Brennan are on the run from the law and seeking out the mysterious mages of Terrenos. Brennan is now being haunted by one of the mages which is whispering to him the truth that his brother Mikey is not the savior of the mystical world of Terrenos but was in fact defeated by the evil conqueror Lore who has Mike under his control using a curse called "Never-mind". Brennan still chooses to believe in the goodness of his long lost brother even though his lies are driving him over the edge. Meanwhile we follow the boys' parents who are frantically in their own way trying to find them. There are many puzzles to this story but the character beats work almost flawlessly to build up to a surprising conclusion. In a way the plot to this modern fantasy becomes more clear in this volume than the proceeding books. I love how Williamson uses the action to transition into the flashbacks that show what life was like for Mike as he grew into a warrior on Terrenos. The mages themselves shift from protagonist to antagonist until you become torn between who is good and who is evil. At the heart of the story Williamson is still telling a story of a broken family that through a great tragedy are trying to get back together and be whole again. This is what touches me the most about the tale. I hope Mikey can find his former innocence and that in the end the family will come together. The artwork in the book is well done. I really like the use of colors. The warm colors especially give some scenes the feeling of unyielding flames. Definitely a great series. I would also recommend the following series for those looking for modern fantasy adventures: Wayward, Vol. 1: String Theory , The Woods, Vol. 1: The Arrow, and Thor: God of Thunder, Volume 1: The God Butcher.
May 21, 2016
Volume 2 of this book felt a little slow in comparison to the first arc, but all of the momentum is quickly regained in this third volume, as Mikey and Brennan seek out the next mage, whilst their parents make alliances with others that could lead to everyone's downfall.
I like that Brennan stops taking Mikey's crap in this volume; he's been dragged across the country on some crazy murder quest without all the information, and Mikey seems oddly cagey (mainly because he's hiding some huge secrets), and I'm glad it all comes to a head here. There are some unexpected twists and turns along the way too, with a gut-punch of a final page cliffhanger, which has easily restored my faith in this series. Andrei Bressan's art remains gloriously detailed, and the colours are beautiful too.
Great visuals, and a restored storyline = recipe for success.
I like that Brennan stops taking Mikey's crap in this volume; he's been dragged across the country on some crazy murder quest without all the information, and Mikey seems oddly cagey (mainly because he's hiding some huge secrets), and I'm glad it all comes to a head here. There are some unexpected twists and turns along the way too, with a gut-punch of a final page cliffhanger, which has easily restored my faith in this series. Andrei Bressan's art remains gloriously detailed, and the colours are beautiful too.
Great visuals, and a restored storyline = recipe for success.
December 15, 2017
Continues to be one of my favorite comic series. Great art and a fantastic story. So much is still unfolding about Mikey's past, and more is developing about other characters, such as Mikey's older brother, Brennan, that should prove interesting.
September 17, 2017
The mystical wars come back home to the streets of Chicago. Wow, the panel artwork is absolutely astounding, and I'm really intrigued by this story arc, as we are now set up to venture even deeper by this volumes end.
June 4, 2018
The artwork and colours are amazing in this series. The story continues the mage hunting in Chicago but adds a little more backstory about what has changed Mikey. The reveal at the end I did not see coming, good twist.
June 11, 2016
That was so cool! Another huge cliffhanger. Now I don't if to wait for another volume or start reading individual issues... mmmm.
March 4, 2020
Treći tom Birthrighta je stabilizovao priču i ukupan utisak ovog serijala, koji je na početku obećavao daleko više. Premda osnovna postavka priče nije tako česta, nije ni preterano originalna i kako se odvija tako se sve više pretvara u sapunicu, koja očito za temu ima porodicu i međugeneracijske odnose.
Birthright je svakako serijal koji bi prosečan poklonik fantazije trebalo da pročita: priča je solidna a strip je vizuelno izvanredan (štaviše, da se čovek zapita zašto Narvel nije angažovao crtača, Bresana, da radi novog im Konana), ali činjenica je da ne nudi ništa preterano novo obamrlim paletama džejded konzumenata fantazije u svim njenim raznorodnim pojavnim oblicima.
Ovaj osvrt pišem nakon pročitanih tomova 3-5 i dva gornja pasusa se komotno odnose na sva tri toma, ako zanemarimo radnju koja se u njima odvija. Po svemu sudeći, ako se nešto dramatično ne promeni u narednim tomovima, i za čitav serijal Birthright ukupna ocena će biti 3*
Birthright je svakako serijal koji bi prosečan poklonik fantazije trebalo da pročita: priča je solidna a strip je vizuelno izvanredan (štaviše, da se čovek zapita zašto Narvel nije angažovao crtača, Bresana, da radi novog im Konana), ali činjenica je da ne nudi ništa preterano novo obamrlim paletama džejded konzumenata fantazije u svim njenim raznorodnim pojavnim oblicima.
Ovaj osvrt pišem nakon pročitanih tomova 3-5 i dva gornja pasusa se komotno odnose na sva tri toma, ako zanemarimo radnju koja se u njima odvija. Po svemu sudeći, ako se nešto dramatično ne promeni u narednim tomovima, i za čitav serijal Birthright ukupna ocena će biti 3*
June 14, 2021
This one was a pretty good volume! It starts off with them on the run and encountering this man named Sameal and they face off against him but get injured and trying to escape and go home to Chicago meanwhile Kylen is with Aaron and looking for them and when they finally find them, the battle starts and big things happen. Meanwhile Rya and Wendy meet Mastema and things are getting good now there with the revelations and all that has happened.
I liked the slow nature of this volume and we get to learn so much about the threats or people that Mikey is hunting and the mystery about what happened to him is still building up but the character interactions are amazing, bonds being developed, familial history being put forth and surprise characters and revelations in the end! Amazing volume!
I liked the slow nature of this volume and we get to learn so much about the threats or people that Mikey is hunting and the mystery about what happened to him is still building up but the character interactions are amazing, bonds being developed, familial history being put forth and surprise characters and revelations in the end! Amazing volume!
April 24, 2017
Gripping urban sword and sorcery with a strong family drama thread. Still enjoyable.
February 16, 2019
There's just something about this series that I love.
August 17, 2023
I’ve continued reading this out of sheer curiosity. It hasn’t reeled me in as much as the first volume but it’s still good.
The first volume was full of mystery. Now it feels like a lot of answers are being shoved down our throats along with more questions. Couple that with multiple characters all having their own separate experiences at the same time.
At some point everyone will connect to one other. But there’s still a bigger mystery as to what’s going on first.
The first volume was full of mystery. Now it feels like a lot of answers are being shoved down our throats along with more questions. Couple that with multiple characters all having their own separate experiences at the same time.
At some point everyone will connect to one other. But there’s still a bigger mystery as to what’s going on first.
November 28, 2017
What a cliffhanger! Now I need the next volume ASAP.
February 1, 2018
A stronger storyline than the second volume and some clever twists that are starting to bring the larger plot into focus.
3.5 fire blades.
3.5 fire blades.
March 8, 2019
I want to give this a 3.5. It was good but I feel like more could’ve happened.
March 2, 2020
I love it
September 16, 2021
Didn’t see that ending coming!
October 6, 2022
i love it i really do
November 18, 2017
Definitely love the story and art.
August 27, 2016
[4.5 Stars]
A much appreciated return to form for Birthright after the good, but not great, second volume. In this volume, the cat has been let out of the bag: Mikey may have returned, but he is under sway of the nefarious Nevermind of God King Lore. Brennan and Mikey enjoy some moments and discussions in this book that help to endear me to both Brennan's deer-in-the-headlights attitude, and the plight of Mikey, the failed hero. What's more, this book ends with a pretty excellent reveal that makes good on the promise of the book's title.
Again, the art by Andrei Bressan remains top notch. I love his ability to portray the mundane Earth in contrast with the fantastical of Terrenos. The action scenes in this volume top what has come before, with some really fun magical moments contrasted with the more physical combat present in the previous volumes. This title may not work for everyone, but it scratches a fantasy comic itch for me that I find hard to fill elsewhere (Thor by Jason Aaron does a great job of it too, I might add).
My complaints, if any, are that Williamson spends a good deal of time with plot lines that pay off, though the journey there isn't always enjoyable. In this volume, Mikey's mother and wife's journey left a lot to be desired until the final few issues in this collection. There is a lot of mystery left to be unraveled about Mikey's journeys in Terrenos, as well as what it means for the future of Mikey, Brennan and his family. I really look forward to these volumes, so you can bet I'll be back to peel back the layers of this mystery when the fourth instalment arrives.
A much appreciated return to form for Birthright after the good, but not great, second volume. In this volume, the cat has been let out of the bag: Mikey may have returned, but he is under sway of the nefarious Nevermind of God King Lore. Brennan and Mikey enjoy some moments and discussions in this book that help to endear me to both Brennan's deer-in-the-headlights attitude, and the plight of Mikey, the failed hero. What's more, this book ends with a pretty excellent reveal that makes good on the promise of the book's title.
Again, the art by Andrei Bressan remains top notch. I love his ability to portray the mundane Earth in contrast with the fantastical of Terrenos. The action scenes in this volume top what has come before, with some really fun magical moments contrasted with the more physical combat present in the previous volumes. This title may not work for everyone, but it scratches a fantasy comic itch for me that I find hard to fill elsewhere (Thor by Jason Aaron does a great job of it too, I might add).
My complaints, if any, are that Williamson spends a good deal of time with plot lines that pay off, though the journey there isn't always enjoyable. In this volume, Mikey's mother and wife's journey left a lot to be desired until the final few issues in this collection. There is a lot of mystery left to be unraveled about Mikey's journeys in Terrenos, as well as what it means for the future of Mikey, Brennan and his family. I really look forward to these volumes, so you can bet I'll be back to peel back the layers of this mystery when the fourth instalment arrives.
June 3, 2016
In this 3rd volume the fighting moves into the city, heating things up. And as we close in on the four wizards that fled into our dimension, we learn more about their motives. It turns out they differ greatly and as a result the wizards don’t get along all that well. Also, revelations about Mikey’s past show things aren’t as cut and dry as you might have thought.
When I started reading Birthright I thought it was entertaining, but also leaned heavily on sword fights and spectacular visuals, making me anxious about the future attention to plot and characters. But as the series progresses it becomes more interesting with each volume. Not only does the fighting become more spectacular, but there’s an increasing number of factions involved and none are what they seem to be at first. The plot really thickens and I’m ever more curious to see what’s up next.
Find more reviews on my blog siggestript.tumblr.com
When I started reading Birthright I thought it was entertaining, but also leaned heavily on sword fights and spectacular visuals, making me anxious about the future attention to plot and characters. But as the series progresses it becomes more interesting with each volume. Not only does the fighting become more spectacular, but there’s an increasing number of factions involved and none are what they seem to be at first. The plot really thickens and I’m ever more curious to see what’s up next.
Find more reviews on my blog siggestript.tumblr.com
May 11, 2017
This review is for the first four trade volumes
It doesn’t take a lot for me to be into an alternate universe tale, and this one is unique and cool in which a missing child returns a year later, but a) as an adult b) who is effectively the conquering warrior of another realm. Of course, there’s a lot more to it with that, including evil corruption and a “primary” world unable to understand or control him.
The subplots about family and loyalty and such give the story the emotional weight it needs to matter, so the whole thing is constructed well on a whole. I’m really into everything going on here, but the way this is put together has a derivative quality and I never quite feel like they’re opting to pull the trigger on the big issue surrounding the story four volumes in.
This is solid with a lot of potential to be great, and at this point I’m ultimately looking forward to the payoff.
It doesn’t take a lot for me to be into an alternate universe tale, and this one is unique and cool in which a missing child returns a year later, but a) as an adult b) who is effectively the conquering warrior of another realm. Of course, there’s a lot more to it with that, including evil corruption and a “primary” world unable to understand or control him.
The subplots about family and loyalty and such give the story the emotional weight it needs to matter, so the whole thing is constructed well on a whole. I’m really into everything going on here, but the way this is put together has a derivative quality and I never quite feel like they’re opting to pull the trigger on the big issue surrounding the story four volumes in.
This is solid with a lot of potential to be great, and at this point I’m ultimately looking forward to the payoff.
June 20, 2016
3.5 Stars. Getting better...
The brothers continue across the country towards the next mage. But along the way, certain elements of Mikey's story aren't seeming to add up for Brennan. Brennan finally stands up for himself and tries to get the truth about Mikey's battle with Lore, but they are interrupted by battle.
His parents are trying to help them as well, but their dad gets involved with one of the mages who has disguised himself as an FBI agent on the case to stop Mikey. The Volume ends with a showdown battle that ends on a cliffhanger, as "Grandpa" reveals that he has been part of this as well!
I wish the Volumes would get released faster, but this story is very good. Hope it continues on it's upward swing.
The brothers continue across the country towards the next mage. But along the way, certain elements of Mikey's story aren't seeming to add up for Brennan. Brennan finally stands up for himself and tries to get the truth about Mikey's battle with Lore, but they are interrupted by battle.
His parents are trying to help them as well, but their dad gets involved with one of the mages who has disguised himself as an FBI agent on the case to stop Mikey. The Volume ends with a showdown battle that ends on a cliffhanger, as "Grandpa" reveals that he has been part of this as well!
I wish the Volumes would get released faster, but this story is very good. Hope it continues on it's upward swing.
June 6, 2019
Still liking this, though it is time to start filling in the blanks a bit more. Seems like a number of mages escaped Terrenos and came to Earth and have been in hiding ever since and Mikey has been tasked with hunting them down. Not all of these mages appear to be good and the identity of one of them is a big reveal/cliffhanger at book's end. It isn't entirely clear if Mikey is as compromised as he seems to be. The artwork continues to be a real standout in this and as others have mentioned, the coloring goes hand-in-hand with this. Very interesting series so far, but I hope we start getting a few answers soon.
February 20, 2017
Mikey's quest continues and gets help from an unexpected source
This collection continues the story of Mikey, kidnapped a a boy to Terrenos and now returned as a fierce warrior. This volume deals with his parents' search for him as he tries to defeat the mages on Earth; other characters from Terrenos are present to help or hinder. With quite a lot of bloodshed and death, this volume carries on this exciting story.
Engaging and well-written, this series is well-illustrated and quite entertaining.
This collection continues the story of Mikey, kidnapped a a boy to Terrenos and now returned as a fierce warrior. This volume deals with his parents' search for him as he tries to defeat the mages on Earth; other characters from Terrenos are present to help or hinder. With quite a lot of bloodshed and death, this volume carries on this exciting story.
Engaging and well-written, this series is well-illustrated and quite entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews