Head Lopper, Vol. 2: Head Lopper and the Crimson Tower

Head Lopper (Collected Editions) #2

by Andrew MacLean

In a quiet region of the world, an ancient evil stirs. The CRIMSON TOWER is awake! Blood has not wet its face for an age, but the tower runs red once more. Warriors from distant lands are drawn to its gate with revenge, or glory, in their hearts. Many will enter, few will return.

The HEAD LOPPER and the living head of Agatha Blue Witch, with old friends and new, battle for their lives in HEAD LOPPER and THE CRIMSON TOWER.

Collecting HEAD LOPPER 5 through 8.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Comic Book, Horror

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2018

About the author

Massachusetts based comic artist, Andrew R. MacLean is the creator of the SNIP SNIP, Head Lopper, and Daruma. His work can also be found in Department O, Colonial Souls, Meatspace, Outlaw Territories, Bad Karma, and others.

Reviews

[Jack Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as vol. 1. But I still did a lol or three.

[Zedsdead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight up dungeon crawl. Head Lopper and his companions accept a warriors' invitation to enter a mysterious tower controlled by an evil lich lord. They negotiate traps, monsters, and puzzles in a quest to collect four shiny crystal MacGuffins, take down the big bad boss, and win loot and acclaim.

Head Lopper and the Crimson Tower
An Adventure for Character Levels 10 to 14

Eh. HL2 promises some straightforward monstery head-lopping and delivers exactly that. No more, no less. It's mildly fun and not particularly challenging.

I'm surprised to see I gave v1 4 stars, it sits solidly at 3 in my memory. I don't think I'm ever going to be a fan of MacLean's hard-to-parse, Hellboyish art.

[Harley Gesford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straying away from its Nordic/Viking/Medieval roots from Volume 1 and settling into its own voice, Volume 2 of Head Lopper was a quicker paced romp.
Still loving the Genndy Tartakovsky/Mike Mignola vibes and it’s playing with the Swords and Sorcery vibes.
All in all, I’m having a blast. Love it.

[Angie Pinchbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit more serious than the first volume, but it was also more cohesive. It was a fun read with great art and a wonderful storyline. Can't wait for vol 3!

[RG · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
This was great but I felt like it was more of the same as vol 1

[Des Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Head Lopper is one of the greats. This series is so incredibly imaginative, thoughtfully illustrated, and well written. Andrew MacLean has become one of my favorite cartoonists, and Norgal one of my favorite heroes. The focused nature of the quarterly format is perfect for the series, resulting in big, complete graphic novels. The Crimson Tower was an excellent setting, the Fonga a whimsical addition to the known races, and each weighty loss resonates emotionally with an invested reader.

This book's an absolute ride. It's impossible to put down, and echos the highest highs of Hellboy. You have to read it.

[The Lion's Share · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, just like the first. Probably my favourite series in the past couple of years.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second volume in the Head Lopper series by Andrew MacLean, the Crimson Tower continues the series where the first volume left off. Head Lopper travels with his companions - a talking witches head, a warrior woman from a tribal village, and her protegee. They travel to to the Crimson Tower, seeking a relative of one of the companions. However, inside they find a twisted villain who pits warriors against each other for sport, and then utilizes the defeated to create monsters and fighters for his own protection and amusement.

This is a fun series. It has a stylish, cartoon-like illustration style, and a tone both dark and humorous. I continue to enjoy my time reading these graphic novels, and look forward to the next installment.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh, I'm such a huge fan of these books. I mentioned it in my review of the first volume, but MacLean's sense of pacing is just perfect. Panel to panel, scene to scene, and chapter to chapter, the story just moves with an enchanting rhythm. His art, as usual, is good, and his characters are alternately menacing, loveable, intimidating, and humorous.

Though the narrative in Volume 2 isn't as layered or compelling as Volume 1, the combat sequences are really interesting and the final battle in particular has some super cool moments. Rarely do I read something and set the book down to immediately text my friends about what happened, but that happened with this book.

I'm looking forward to reading the next two published volumes and will definitely be returning to this series in the future. I'd recommend it to my friend Matt and highly recommend it to my friend Tom.

[Adam Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Head Lopper is one of the most fun, vibrant comic series currently in production. With some unique character designs, and just the right touch of humor, this reimagining of Conan, if he had to adventure with the sarcastic severed head of a cursed witch, is glorious.

This second volume introduces new characters as Nargal and Agatha join a group of would-be heroes as they rey and conquer The Crimson Tower.

Sounds vague and fantasy-like, doesn't it! But Maclean's art and Jordie Bellaire's colors help lift this from a Very Solid Comic to a Must Read.

I recommend it for anyone who wants to enjoy a fun fantasy adventure series, people who wish The Groo Adventurer was smarter and funnier but less political, people looking for something slightly off the beaten path in graphic novels.

[Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing a review after my 2nd read of this, and after already reading volume 3.
This is definitely the best of the three volumes this far, though volume one is a close second.
Loved the journey through the tower and the main villain's design was great.
Toward the end of this volume you can see MacLean begin to employ a hatching technique that features heavily in volume 3. It is used more conservatively here, and only towards the end. It became very prominent in volume 3, much to my displeasure. I just find it takes away from his otherwise very clean and elegant line work.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story of Norgal, the Head Lopper, his disembodied witch head Agatha, and the exploration into the Crimson Tower. This tale is a romp, as good as volume one and just as violent, bloody and funny. Agatha provides moments of side splitting laughter for the use of her arcane power. The new friends Norgal takes into this most dangerous of trials and the revelations, loses and tragedies makes this a worthy read. So much fun this one!

[ComicNerdSam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't think it was possible, but this completely blows the first book away. MacLean becomes much more confident in his art. He's added heavy shadows that abstract the forms even further and add a brutal intensity to the story, yet his action and storytelling remain just as clear as the previous volume. The ending of this book is the best, a very haunting look into how Norgal deals with his emotions. Love this, definitely one of the best action comics ever.

[Justin Labelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun.
The little arrows now and then to guide the sequencing in the story is a playful touch.
The action is jam packed.
The line work stellar.
The characters always three dimensional.
This is a fun comic that doesn’t take anything too seriously.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t quite as epic as the first but enjoyed it so much. So pleased to see the story continue. Love the illustration and humour.

[Zack! Empire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy it as much as the first but it's still pretty cool. The art is a big part of why I like it. I just love those flat colors.
I'll be picking up future volumes of this series.

[Jullian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Julian Berrio Quintero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acompañamos el grupo a una torre roja, teñida de sangre, donde les espera Ulrich el tres (?) veces maldito.

[Tommy Fritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

keeps getting better 🍝

[Andy Cantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heads were lopped, lives were lost. Entertainment was had!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Agatha.

[Colby Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible imaginative art, simple cool straight forward plot, dungeon crawling at its best

[Public Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Norgal! Another great Head Lopper story. Really cool bad guys. Great trippy sequences inside a tower. Epic battles. Cute little critters. Fantastic art. Lots of fun.

[Drew Canole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as solid as the first one, the artwork is a bit sloppier, more lore than I need. Still its a fun story overall.

[Rumi Bossche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool fantasy comic, with a really nice Cartoon network kinda style. A big plus for me is that the Artist, Andrew Maclean does artwork and story, i always like that. its a really nice and easy fun read.

[Matt Graupman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In “The Empire Strikes Back”-style, “Head Lopper And The Crimson Tower,” Andrew MacLean’s sequel to the first volume in the saga of behemoth warrior Norgal, is a darker, more complex, more serious beast. Creatures are fought, blood is spilled, and - true to the book’s evocative title - many heads are separated from shoulders. But it seems as though, in his attempts to make the Head Lopper a bit grittier, MacLean lost a little bit of the playfulness that made the first volume so much fun. I liked this book, just not quite as much as the previous one.

“Head Lopper And The Crimson Tower” finds epically-bearded killing machine Norgal and his lethal compatriots at the titular citadel, a proving ground for warriors of every tribe. In order to become master of the Crimson Tower, thereby righting the evils that have plagued the land, Norgal and his mates must collect a series of gems and then battle a zombie king. MacLean’s world-building is - of course - spot-on, as each character has a rich backstory and his locales are pretty breath-taking; he has an excellent eye for design, page layout, and color usage. I really like his “Hellboy”-esque style but, if I had to single out an element for criticism, it would be that his action scenes sometimes get a bit muddy, making it difficult to figure out exactly what’s happening. Still, it’s a pulse-pounding book, gory and engrossing.

With simple but bloody art, regal dialogue, and some of the best settings in comics, Andrew MacLean’s “Head Lopper” series continues to be a one-of-a-kind experience. For us non-fantasy fans, though, I hope his next volume eases back on the hard-fantasy qualities a bit and injects some more humor and fun into the mix.

[RubiGiráldez RubiGiráldez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sí que respecto al apabullante primer volumen de las aventuras de Norgal El Cortacabezas y la testa parlante de la bruja Agatha, este La Torre Carmesí se siente un pasito más seguro. El hecho de focalizar un solo gran tropo de historia de corte fantástico en esa peligrosa fortificación que despliega una serie de desafíos de "superar niveles" de mazmorras para la macabra diversión y planes de una especie de monarca brujo cadavérico. Parece limitar tanto el personaje protagonista como el conjunto. Pero no resta a seguir destacando el buen hacer de Andrew Maclean no dejándose llevar tan solo por el engorile de la acción bárbara a espadazos o rayos mágicos de Agatha. Sin quedarse atrás, es cierto que Norgal necesita compartir escena con personajes de apoyo que plasman unas mejores bases argumentales desde una perspectiva más cercana y humana que el tosco Norgal cuesta demostrar. Por ahí tenemos a un héroe improbable de un pueblo de seres chiquitos que suelen mandar guerreros (sacrificios) a adentrarse en la torre carmesí para obtener una prometida pero no vista fortuna y gloria. La aguerrida compañera que surgió en medio del volumen previo también tomará más iniciativa y mostrará su trágico trasfondo a lo largo de estas pruebas y peligros. De forma breve pero agradecida, los personajes lograrán trasmitir grandes emociones y enseñanzas por encima de la más relevante de estas fantásticas pero amenazantes tierras, que te azuza a tratar de no dejarte llevar por el miedo y esgrimirlo con el arma que más tengas a mano para sobrevivir con orgullo o fenecer con el honor del guerrero.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something special about Head Lopper. After I finished the first volume I felt like it was a contained story, well written and imagined. But I felt like it wasn't going to be able to replicate that same magic in a second, let alone third, volume. I was spectacularly wrong. But before I tell you a little bit of why that is so, I want to take a moment to specifically call out the colorist, Jordie Bellaire, for their work in infusing such viscerally vibrant colors into these images that I don't think I will ever forget. Andrew Maclean set out to create his own protagonist and his world, clearly inspired by Mike Mingola's art and narrative style, and has not only succeeded in doing so but has also taken a step beyond homage and entered into a space all his own. Head Lopper has become an equal to HELLBOY and anyone who knows me knows that statement is written with great adoration and respect for Mignola as Hellboy is my #1 of all-time favorite series.

Now, Head Lopper & The Crimson Tower (Vol. 2), was a drenched in blood sequel. You fall, hard, in love with many of these new characters and when they are in danger or when they are cut down, it hurts. But you keep reading and soaking it up just the same. Still, even by Head Lopper's standards, this is a brutal tale of sacrifice, family, and tradition. It's epic, heart-wrenching, and visceral, but much like the first volume, there is humor in there too. I found myself going back and re-reading whole segments just because I didn't want to move passed the art just yet. The story and the mythos behind this world Maclean has created has expanded so much more than I originally thought would be possible. I cannot wait to pick up my copy of Volume 3 and walk in the bloody path of Norgal and Agatha the blue Witch once again but for now I need a break and time for the events of Volume 2 to settle in, much like our long bearded hero. There is a lot of death in this book and one in particular that stabbed deep into my gut and hasn't quite loosened from me just yet.

[Snail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first Head Lopper as an ebook from the library during the pandemic. (Thank you, library!) It’s still pandemic-life, but now — seven months later! — I was able to go into the library and get a physical copy. I’m grateful for the access to ebooks, and also thrilled; it’s such a treat to be able to hold books in my hands again! Head Lopper is a fun one to see in person, too. I love the shapes Andrew Maclean uses, and Bellaire’s colors and use of black are top-notch. I wonder whether Maclean or Bellaire dictate where the black sections of the art will be, or if it’s a team effort?

The cover illustration by Tony Sandoval really caught my eye. What a great contrast in styles! (I’ve always loved Sandoval’s art, but haven’t been able to stick with it long enough to finish any of his stories (yet).)

[Travis Duke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.9 stars. Slightly less enjoyable than vol.1 but I still liked it. Head Lopper is straight up sword and board fantasy (love it) with some unique characters and artwork. The story is very straightforward, the crimson tower is a dungeon that Norgal and friends have to get through. Agatha the witch still steal alot of the limelight and thats OK with me but I love Norgal.

The beginning of the book is rough...I didnt immediately like Bik and his tribe, but as the story goes on they develop nicely. The art work is where I lose some stars, some panels are imaginative and some are straight up unreadable. Its a weird feeling to like and dislike the art.

Anyways I still like Head Lopper mainly because I am fantasy fan.