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Lake of Fire #1-5
Lake of Fire
It is 1220 AD, and the gears of the Albigensian Crusade grind on. When an alien spacecraft infested with a horde of bloodthirsty predators crash-lands in the remote wilderness of the French Pyrenees, a small band of crusaders and a Cathar heretic are all that stand between God's Kingdom and Hell on Earth.
Collecting: Lake of Fire1-5
Collecting: Lake of Fire1-5
168 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
January 18, 2019
Toss Cowboys & Aliens, Predator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Aliens into a blender and you’d get something like Lake of Fire, a delightfully entertaining mishmash of action movie clichés. Sure, there’s not much novel or groundbreaking happening here, but that’s okay—a well-executed reheat is sometimes just the thing. Think of this as cold pizza for breakfast.
August 1, 2019
This could have been titled Knights vs. Aliens. A spaceship crashes in 13th century France. Villagers are attacked by these animalistic flea / dog aliens. Knights show up and battle them. There's not a ton of plot here but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. Matt Smith provides art reminiscent of Jeff Smith of Bone fame. I dug it.
Received an advance copy from Image and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Received an advance copy from Image and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2022
TEMPLARIOS CONTRA ALIENS! Es el Año de Nuestro Señor 1220 y los engranajes de la Cruzada albigense no se detienen. Cuando una nave espacial alienígena infestada por una horda de criaturas sedientas de sangre se estrella en las remotas montañas de los Pirineos franceses, un pequeño grupo de cruzados y una hereje cátara son todo lo que se interpone entre el Reino de Dios y el Infierno en la Tierra.
July 15, 2018
Lake of Fire is more concept than story, which is this: what if aliens invaded France in the Middle Ages.
Now, it's an intriguing concept and balance of sword-slashing knights and gory space monsters. Kind of a sci-fi "Beowulf." But "Beowulf" has Beowulf, the hero, and Grendel, the monster. Lake of Fire has a sprawling cast of underdeveloped characters...the proud young knight, his kind and faithful friend, the washed-up cynic hero looking for redemption, the marginalized but brilliant heroine, the vile and contradictory friar everyone hates. They all have potential, with more development, but that never happens. They're sketched out and never take on more depth. Which sucks.
Grendel is portrayed as a hyper-violent, black gnashing mass of teeth and claws, the epitome of evil and bloodlust, the embodiment of pain and death, with the suggestion that perhaps he gains power from death and fear itself. I don't get that from these Tremors meets Aliens monsters at all. They have no purpose but as mere plot device: seek and destroy. Not even the most basic sci-fi horror explanation of "world destruction" or "hive-mind domination" is given for these creatures. They just bite and kill. Once you've seen them there's no longer any fear or suspense. You just wait for the blood.
It's historical fiction. It's sci-fi horror slasher. But it's also partly (and hurriedly) satirical of the crusades and Christianity. The knights are sent on a "fool's errand" to fight for god, kingdom, and achieve their knighthood. Turns out they have something real to fight, but it's a horrific situation. Does this mean they're fundamentally wrong and faithless heretics? That they're the real evil according to "god's plan"? That the "heretic" heroine who is supposed to burn at the stake survives and is actually their savior? Could be. It could also mean that some very bad and violent things happen to our eager and newly introduced characters just for shock value.
At its core, I wanted more from Lake of Fire. There are deep metaphors of metaphysical hell and suffering, of dark personal demons and destroyed faith, but the story fails to scratch below the surface of the physical burning lake. The story is self-limiting as a goodies versus baddies, humans versus aliens blockbuster. It has potential, but instead is drawn toward an event horizon of a narrative singularity, wanting to be more but reduced by its own limitations. Oh well. It was bloody, at least.
If there's any consolation it's the artwork. Fantastic design, colors and lettering by Nathan Fairbairn himself, with clean semi-realistic illustrations by Matt Smith. It's dark and bloody, but don't expect any great depth from the story.
November 20, 2019
Solid art, but the characters were shallow and the plot did not live up to early promise.
December 31, 2016
Reading the individual issues, the major complaint I have about this series is that it's too short. It's sad that a series with such great storytelling and heartfelt scenes has to end after only five issues. But what powerful issues those are. From the start, Nathan Fairbairn took time to develop his characters and his plot. Characters like Sir Raymond and Hugh are likeable because they have some surprises up their sleeves and they wield real emotional power. Admittedly, Bernadette, the sole female character, is not as well-developed, though she is clearly a strong character. And the monk, the only villain that is human, is one-dimensional and what happens with him is predictable.
But that's not to say the emotional weight of the conclusion is lessened any. There's plenty to enjoy, from the scenes of humor to the wonder of the unknown, and the horror of said unknown. That the series is about an alien race that crashes into France during the Middle Ages seems silly, but Fairbairn plays it straight. The alien creatures are fearsome and frightening and the reaction to them feels right. That many questions won't be answered is only natural enough, but I don't want to say anymore for risk of spoiling anything.
The artwork by Matt Smith is quite good, enhanced by Fairbairn's coloring. Fairbairn sometimes opts to tint whole panels in reds or another color, but in most scenes his coloring is vibrant and helps bring the story to life. Smith opts for a realistic approach, perhaps to add to the credibility of the plot, as realistic as hand-drawn characters and actions can be, at least. There is a strong attention to detail, with a focus on character expression and on the gruesome when terror rears its ugly head.
The length is unfortunate. I wanted more. I wish Fairbairn could have spent more time in this world, but he doesn't rush his story much. It might be tough to justify the high price tag ($16.99 on Amazon for pre-order) at only 5 issues. Those who read it will be in for a treat, though.
But that's not to say the emotional weight of the conclusion is lessened any. There's plenty to enjoy, from the scenes of humor to the wonder of the unknown, and the horror of said unknown. That the series is about an alien race that crashes into France during the Middle Ages seems silly, but Fairbairn plays it straight. The alien creatures are fearsome and frightening and the reaction to them feels right. That many questions won't be answered is only natural enough, but I don't want to say anymore for risk of spoiling anything.
The artwork by Matt Smith is quite good, enhanced by Fairbairn's coloring. Fairbairn sometimes opts to tint whole panels in reds or another color, but in most scenes his coloring is vibrant and helps bring the story to life. Smith opts for a realistic approach, perhaps to add to the credibility of the plot, as realistic as hand-drawn characters and actions can be, at least. There is a strong attention to detail, with a focus on character expression and on the gruesome when terror rears its ugly head.
The length is unfortunate. I wanted more. I wish Fairbairn could have spent more time in this world, but he doesn't rush his story much. It might be tough to justify the high price tag ($16.99 on Amazon for pre-order) at only 5 issues. Those who read it will be in for a treat, though.
February 2, 2017
This book takes place completely in France during the Albigensian Crusade. You won't walk away from the book knowing anything about this Crusade and very little about the Cathars. No explanation of the psychology of siege and massacre to put the massacre at Beziers in historical perspective. Cursing is all modern instead of proper language of the time (God's Wounds!).
I subscribed to the single issues. The art work is solid and there is some decent character development. I do wish this story was an issue or two longer and addressed the history a bit better.
For anyone interested in reading about the Crusades in general I recommend checking out sociologist Rodney Stark's book: God's Battalions - The Case for the Crusades.
I subscribed to the single issues. The art work is solid and there is some decent character development. I do wish this story was an issue or two longer and addressed the history a bit better.
For anyone interested in reading about the Crusades in general I recommend checking out sociologist Rodney Stark's book: God's Battalions - The Case for the Crusades.
Read
February 18, 2017Pretty much the same set-up as Attack the Block, except that here the thugs start from the even less forgiveable position of participants in the Albigensian Crusade, and instead of a mugged nurse their female victim-turned-ally is a Cathar. Which makes it sound like I didn't enjoy this, but it works surprisingly well. Yes, the characters largely talk and think like moderns, but there's a basic grasp of history here which avoids the serious sort of jarringly dumb anachronism you often find in far more high profile historical dramas. The art is simple but evocative, the aliens are nicely horrible, the plot and characters solid. If I have a complaint it's the unduly gentle treatment of that monster de Montfort (the fact he got a university named after him within my memory remains far more shaming than any Victorian relic of Rhodes).
(Edelweiss ARC)
(Edelweiss ARC)
June 30, 2017
One long flight from Phoenix to Toronto, one new series under my belt.
The writing and art are excellent, and the parallelism between jihadism and crusading is a clear and present reminder that we haven't overcome these tendencies in the past 800 years.
One thing irritated me, though: the extraterrestrial threats are so clearly inspired by Alien Xenomorphs, so was this a spec script for an Alien comic later repurposed or what? I'd be OK with that, but I'd like it clarified.
The writing and art are excellent, and the parallelism between jihadism and crusading is a clear and present reminder that we haven't overcome these tendencies in the past 800 years.
One thing irritated me, though: the extraterrestrial threats are so clearly inspired by Alien Xenomorphs, so was this a spec script for an Alien comic later repurposed or what? I'd be OK with that, but I'd like it clarified.
December 13, 2020
(4,3 of 5 - remember movie Cowboys & Aliens? Here you have templars and aliens and it's so much better)
I got this to my read list thanks to the topic (I like templars/knights) and the art. And I must say it delivered. It's a great adventure, grim, thrilling and with all the hope when you get some medieval knight in front of ferocious aliens. The story is fun (not funny), very adventurous and I was enjoying it the whole time. Characters are quite a stereotypical archetypes but working good in the sake of the story.
The art is awesome, I like this rich colours, thick and sharp ink style, it's dynamic and it works well both for action and static scenes.
This comic is a nice surprise, very enjoyable adventurous reading.
I got this to my read list thanks to the topic (I like templars/knights) and the art. And I must say it delivered. It's a great adventure, grim, thrilling and with all the hope when you get some medieval knight in front of ferocious aliens. The story is fun (not funny), very adventurous and I was enjoying it the whole time. Characters are quite a stereotypical archetypes but working good in the sake of the story.
The art is awesome, I like this rich colours, thick and sharp ink style, it's dynamic and it works well both for action and static scenes.
This comic is a nice surprise, very enjoyable adventurous reading.
January 16, 2018
The "worst" thing I have to say about this comic it's too short! A collection of all FIVE volume of Lake Of Fire in one volume is mix of historical fiction and sci fi. Set during the Crusade the book has band of Crusaders and Cathar heretic joining forces to fight bug alien that crash landed in France. Prepare to cry also. The art work is also good.
April 14, 2020
I picked this graphic novel up at Half Price Book because it was in the Clearance section and it looked interesting. I’m glad I did! This is a fun, engaging read about crusaders in 12th century France who meet... aliens?!?
I enjoyed the way religion was handled in this novel. The Crusades are a *touchy* subject (to say the least), bit the authors did a good job of discussing both sides and making the characters sympathetic. Of course, not all the characters are well developed; which brings me to my main complaint: THIS ENTIRE GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES IS FIVE ISSUES. There’s not a whole lot of plot (not like Saga) but there were a lot of characters and potential for much more character development and world building. *Spoiler* Characters’ deaths could have been more impactful, relationships could have been more fully established, and beginnings of stories could have been completed .
The art was pretty good, by the way. Art is by Matt Smith. No, not that one.
I enjoyed the way religion was handled in this novel. The Crusades are a *touchy* subject (to say the least), bit the authors did a good job of discussing both sides and making the characters sympathetic. Of course, not all the characters are well developed; which brings me to my main complaint: THIS ENTIRE GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES IS FIVE ISSUES. There’s not a whole lot of plot (not like Saga) but there were a lot of characters and potential for much more character development and world building. *Spoiler* Characters’ deaths could have been more impactful, relationships could have been more fully established, and beginnings of stories could have been completed .
The art was pretty good, by the way. Art is by Matt Smith. No, not that one.
July 7, 2017
More of this, please!
December 6, 2023
Nie miałam pojęcia, że mieszka we mnie 12-letni chłopiec, który bardzo potrzebuje komiksu o krzyżowcach walczących z kosmitami. Mieszka i potrzebował. Te 4 gwiazdki są od niego 😅
October 15, 2025
matko szalone to było…
trochę nie wiem co o tym myśleć, ale z pewnością wciągnęła mnie
trochę nie wiem co o tym myśleć, ale z pewnością wciągnęła mnie
July 15, 2018
The artwork was fun, but the characters are underdeveloped and the story doesn't really go anywhere. It takes a fun idea (aliens invading during a crusade back in the 1200s), then does absolutely nothing with it. Even the aliens are boring, being nothing more than a violent, gory, plot device. We're given no explanation about how they got on earth, or why they do what they do; they simply show up and kill things. One star for the story, and one extra star because the artwork was decent.
July 4, 2020
Lake of Fire is an fast-paced action-horror graphic novel that's perfect for fans of swords and monster action. Set in France during the Crusades, a group of holy warriors must defend a small town from a swarm of hungry alien creatures that have crash landed in the mountains a short distance away. The art by Matt Smith fits the story perfectly and Nathan Fairbairn crafts a solid pulp tale populated with characters you care about. Great stuff.
April 12, 2024
Solid art from Matt Smith per usual, but depth was lacking.
September 3, 2018
Not being familiar with Fairbairn's body of work, I picked up this title based solely on the premise: aliens + Crusaders + a good dash of religiosity.
I went in with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised.
My main complaint (which is really more of a compliment) is that Fairbairn created such rich and interesting characters that I wanted more of them.
Even though there isn't any internal dialog or lengthy speeches, the personality of each character is solidly portrayed. And almost each one is allowed a moment of growth or reflection which changes them.
I wish that Lake of Fire had been the first volume in a series. The ending is rather abrupt (but appropriate).
But if you enjoy historical fiction and sci-fi, this might just be the book for you.
I went in with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised.
My main complaint (which is really more of a compliment) is that Fairbairn created such rich and interesting characters that I wanted more of them.
Even though there isn't any internal dialog or lengthy speeches, the personality of each character is solidly portrayed. And almost each one is allowed a moment of growth or reflection which changes them.
I wish that Lake of Fire had been the first volume in a series. The ending is rather abrupt (but appropriate).
But if you enjoy historical fiction and sci-fi, this might just be the book for you.
July 4, 2021
Completely unnecessary and opportunistic purchase that I would never have made had it not been agreeably cheap. It's unashamedly trope-tastic and yet it makes it through to the end without collapsing in on itself. The story begins with some humour and manages to inject enough humanity into each character so that when the action ramps up and the aliens start attacking, we are invested enough to care. There is nothing terribly memorable here, but it's serviceable, b-movie sword vs. monster antics. Surprisingly fun despite quite a downbeat ending.
August 16, 2021
This one was an all around great action story!
Lake of fire is set in 1220 but unlike other stories about knights, aliens have crashed on earth and what unfolds is a bloody, action packed adventure that I really enjoyed.
There was actually quite a lot of character development and I really liked the way the action was drawn, very easy to follow what was going on. The story was quite simple but that meant I could just have fun reading it. Overall I really liked the concept of this story and I definitly think it’s worth checking out!
Lake of fire is set in 1220 but unlike other stories about knights, aliens have crashed on earth and what unfolds is a bloody, action packed adventure that I really enjoyed.
There was actually quite a lot of character development and I really liked the way the action was drawn, very easy to follow what was going on. The story was quite simple but that meant I could just have fun reading it. Overall I really liked the concept of this story and I definitly think it’s worth checking out!
July 21, 2019
Bardzo, bardzo przeciętna historia. Można przeczytać, ale niczym mnie nie poruszyła. Postacie albo zbyt żywiołowe, albo mdłe.
December 16, 2019
2.5/5
Outlander con cruzados en vez de vikingos. Dibujo chachi pero historia normalita sin más.
Outlander con cruzados en vez de vikingos. Dibujo chachi pero historia normalita sin más.
December 28, 2020
Alot more enjoyable than I was expecting. Kinda like Cowboys vs Aliens but with Knights. I really enjoyed Matt Smiths artwork
January 11, 2021
The Crusades plus sci-fi! I love it! Great story, great art, great aliens. Thank you Nathan and Matt!
April 23, 2023
Excellent work from all involved.
Fairbairn delivers a hearty serving of sci-fi/historical adventure with action, gore, religious zealotry and good ol' fashioned heroism and all wrapped up in Matt Smith's outstanding art.
I only dropped a star because I wanted a more satisfying resolution and I could've used a few more pages during some of the action scenes. (So I'm just being greedy, really)
Truly inspiring material.
Fairbairn delivers a hearty serving of sci-fi/historical adventure with action, gore, religious zealotry and good ol' fashioned heroism and all wrapped up in Matt Smith's outstanding art.
I only dropped a star because I wanted a more satisfying resolution and I could've used a few more pages during some of the action scenes. (So I'm just being greedy, really)
Truly inspiring material.
May 26, 2024
Help, why did they all just died+ I hoped for more Hugh and Theo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2017
Not a fan of the artwork, the dialogue was quite boring, and the plot did not intrigue. Sadly, I will not continue reading this graphic novel nor the series.
August 31, 2025
Interesting comic that unfortunately leaves you wanting a bit more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews