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Rumble
Rumble, Vol. 4: Soul Without Pity
Much to Bobby and Timah's horror, Rathraq the scarecrow warrior god has just crossed over from champion of the weak to bloodthirsty savage. Meanwhile the newly formed Human Liberation Front decides to start its own war on the Esu monsters lurking in the city -- with shocking results! A new direction for Rumble by writer John Arcudi (Hellboy and the BPRD, Dead Inside) and new artist, rising superstar David Rubin (Black Hammer, Beowulf). Collects RUMBLE #1-5
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2018
About the author
John Arcudi
939 books103 followersJohn Arcudi has made a name for himself by scripting comics that manage to combine long-running subplots with impeccable characterization and action sequences, making for some of the most exciting and consistently good comics out today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 4, 2018
After a break Rumble returns but sadly not in big style. With different illustrator this series has lost piece of it's soul. While illustrations aren't bad they don't really fit well with the story. Writing itself feel different. Overall while still enjoyable this doesn't feel like the series I came to love in previous 3 volumes.
October 15, 2020
It's stories like these that remind me how important art is to a comic book. The new illustrator is nowhere near as good or fitting as the last, far too comedic and lighthearted - and it gives me second thoughts about the story as well: is it in truth no worse than before, is the new artwork so unfitting as to better expose its flaws, or did the writing also suffer for some unrelated reason between the hiatus? Hard to say.
Still a good read, just nowhere near as good as before.
Still a good read, just nowhere near as good as before.
September 25, 2018
Rumble is a fun little series. I don't take it very seriously and I have a good time. This volume is weaker than the last three. Part of that is a change in art, because I didn't realize how much the style influenced my reading of the comic.
The new art isn't bad by any means, it is a different style though. One I would call more cartoonish. But it grew on me and I was suited to it by the end of the volume.
Now Ratpack has gone a little over the edge after losing his body. And he's doing some reflection on his new found friends.
Bobby and Timah are together now. A bit sudden but a welcome addition. It gets really out there and when it does I enjoy it, because weirdness can be awesome. And the story elements are a bit overdone? As in you've seen them everywhere before. But I see lots of love put into the comic and that make me happy and worth reading, because it kept me entertained throughout.
3 stars.
The new art isn't bad by any means, it is a different style though. One I would call more cartoonish. But it grew on me and I was suited to it by the end of the volume.
Now Ratpack has gone a little over the edge after losing his body. And he's doing some reflection on his new found friends.
Bobby and Timah are together now. A bit sudden but a welcome addition. It gets really out there and when it does I enjoy it, because weirdness can be awesome. And the story elements are a bit overdone? As in you've seen them everywhere before. But I see lots of love put into the comic and that make me happy and worth reading, because it kept me entertained throughout.
3 stars.
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December 27, 2020James Harren's art was a lot of what I enjoyed in the first three volumes of Rumble, but thanks to the both financially and sonically pleasing presence of Rumble in a Humble Bundle, now I finally get to see how successor David Rubin compares. And he's not bad - definite traces of James Stokoe on the fantasy flashbacks, a little Paul Pope in the shabby modern streets. There is a little more cartoonishness, though, which can sometimes be at odds with events; it's not a series without humour, but it is a series where I don't recall any character yet saying 'Yoinks!', and sometimes the ones Rubin draws look like they're about to.
Still, in terms of timing, the 2020s are ideal for returning to Rumble. The protagonist is Rathraq, who once had mythic adventures but is now reduced to a ghost "stuck in a husk of straw and rags". "And now, today, I grate and grind at the walls of this stark, mean vale - only to stay another day. To no noble end." Who could have guessed how relatable that was going to end up?
The one false note comes in the subplot where, as always has to happen eventually in a modern fantasy series, people beyond the core cast eventually notice the undead god battling monsters in their midst, and form a vigilante group to tackle them. [SPOILER] This is defused when a shapeshifting demon impersonates the group's red-capped leader and makes it seem that he's turning the movement into a vehicle for his own petty vengeance. At which his followers leave in disgust, when surely the last few years should show this as his surefire route to power and success, the increasingly bemused demon repeatedly trying yet failing to alienate the human followers with ever more nasty and stupid pronouncements.
Still, in terms of timing, the 2020s are ideal for returning to Rumble. The protagonist is Rathraq, who once had mythic adventures but is now reduced to a ghost "stuck in a husk of straw and rags". "And now, today, I grate and grind at the walls of this stark, mean vale - only to stay another day. To no noble end." Who could have guessed how relatable that was going to end up?
The one false note comes in the subplot where, as always has to happen eventually in a modern fantasy series, people beyond the core cast eventually notice the undead god battling monsters in their midst, and form a vigilante group to tackle them. [SPOILER] This is defused when a shapeshifting demon impersonates the group's red-capped leader and makes it seem that he's turning the movement into a vehicle for his own petty vengeance. At which his followers leave in disgust, when surely the last few years should show this as his surefire route to power and success, the increasingly bemused demon repeatedly trying yet failing to alienate the human followers with ever more nasty and stupid pronouncements.
June 30, 2018
Disappointing. The new artist (new to me, but a mix of Jamie Hewlett and John Kricfalusi - which doesn't work half so well as it sounds like it should) brings a new tone which doesn't sit right, and Arcudi seems to be spinning wheels, plate spinning the plot and introducing retreads of old plots.
(Read as single issues.)
(Read as single issues.)
September 10, 2018
I'm so very disappointed.
They changed artists, and the new guy's style simply doesn't have the impact that the last artist had. This was a series I looked forward to because the art made such a big impression on me, so...
:(
I mean, don't get me wrong. The new guy is okay. His pencils in particular are pretty spectacular - but his colored work, and so the finished pages, don't hit me the same way the old artist's work did. The tone of his work underlines the goofy aspects of the plot instead of creating a nice contrast between dead-serious, gorgeous art and silly-ass plot when the plot is silly; instead, there was contrast between the serious parts of the plot and the silly-ass art. Not quite what I was hoping for.
James Harren, please come back!
They changed artists, and the new guy's style simply doesn't have the impact that the last artist had. This was a series I looked forward to because the art made such a big impression on me, so...
:(
I mean, don't get me wrong. The new guy is okay. His pencils in particular are pretty spectacular - but his colored work, and so the finished pages, don't hit me the same way the old artist's work did. The tone of his work underlines the goofy aspects of the plot instead of creating a nice contrast between dead-serious, gorgeous art and silly-ass plot when the plot is silly; instead, there was contrast between the serious parts of the plot and the silly-ass art. Not quite what I was hoping for.
James Harren, please come back!
December 1, 2018
Arcudi and Rubín bring back Rathraq as avenging spirit who lacks some of the compassion of he had priorly. Furthermore, the human liberation front starts to battle to the Esu, and new spirits show up. Rathraq's backstory is also "fleshed-out" a bit more than in prior volumes. Rubín's art is in the spirit of James Harren, but feels slightly more cartoony in his human figures while he follows Harren for the Esu. Rubín really shines in the fantasy flashbacks. Arcudi seems a little directionless here: Rathraq's pitilessness is an interesting development but it isn't entirely maintained and does seem to have been completely thought out and the pacing feels rushed.
November 4, 2018
While this is definitely gearing up to be another epic story, it starts little slow. I love what Arcudi is doing with Rathraq though. And his supporting cast.
The art continues to be crazy and wonderful, and though the artist changed, very consistent.
The art continues to be crazy and wonderful, and though the artist changed, very consistent.
May 10, 2024
Un poco más movidito que el anterior y el cambio de dibujante, por mucho que me guste Rubín, prefiero al anterior.
July 2, 2018
So what’s scarier than a crazed skeletal ancient god-being hunting down monsters in the midst of a bit of an existential crisis?
A heavily armed, under educated guy who looks like he owns more than one maga hat attempting to hunt down monsters.
*shudder*
I enjoy how friendship is such a strong theme in this arc, and not just between the heroes of the story. There is also strong bonds between the esu. Makes for interesting dynamics
Btw, Rathraq, I’ve missed you
A heavily armed, under educated guy who looks like he owns more than one maga hat attempting to hunt down monsters.
*shudder*
I enjoy how friendship is such a strong theme in this arc, and not just between the heroes of the story. There is also strong bonds between the esu. Makes for interesting dynamics
Btw, Rathraq, I’ve missed you
February 26, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Interesting start to a new story arc in the world of Rumble! There was a lot of set up in this volume, but I will definitely keep reading to see where it goes.
Interesting start to a new story arc in the world of Rumble! There was a lot of set up in this volume, but I will definitely keep reading to see where it goes.
May 30, 2020
Cuarto tomo de la saga. En algunos momentos la historia se desvía por derroteros poco interesantes que aportan poco al mundo ya la trama. La introducción del Frente e Liberación Humana a cargo de un sucedáneo de la Asociación del Rifle o las desabridas escenas de pareja entre Bobb y Timah son un claro ejemplo de ello.
Al final lo que salva al tomo es la introducción de Otis como gatekeeper de las profundidades y el desarrollo del personaje de Cogan el brujo como elemento central de la trama por el poder que ostenta de intercambiar corazones, cuerpos y almas de los personajes que habitan este mundo. Hay también unas interesantes referencias al pasado que nos permiten entender un poco más acerca de la mitología que gobierna este universo donde los dioses Ayatal, Zyerai y Mol son los dueños y señores del panteón; y se abre también un nuevo arco de personaje con la historia de la vieja amistad entre Rathrak y Borogald que sin duda va a dar mucho de sí a juzgar por el contenido que emerge en la última viñeta del tomo.
Sobre el cambio del arte y las diferencias entre el arte de Harren y Rubin hay opiniones para todos los gustos. Admito que cuesta mucho acostumbrarse porque al fin y al cabo Harren había creado su propio mundo y era espectacular. Rubin tenía una tarea titánica por delante. Logra sacar con nota las escenas de acción que posiblemente superan al original, mantiene la calidad con las criaturas y los monstruos y definitivamente encalla con la recreación de los personajes humanos, que pierden irremediablemente grandes dosis de expresividad y carisma por las diferencias de trazo entre uno y otro autor. Dicho esto, dudo que otro autor aparte de Rubin hubiera podido dar continuidad a la saga, por lo que puestos a cambiar de ilustrador no tengo duda en que Arcudi acertó ofreciéndole a Rubin el papel.
Al final lo que salva al tomo es la introducción de Otis como gatekeeper de las profundidades y el desarrollo del personaje de Cogan el brujo como elemento central de la trama por el poder que ostenta de intercambiar corazones, cuerpos y almas de los personajes que habitan este mundo. Hay también unas interesantes referencias al pasado que nos permiten entender un poco más acerca de la mitología que gobierna este universo donde los dioses Ayatal, Zyerai y Mol son los dueños y señores del panteón; y se abre también un nuevo arco de personaje con la historia de la vieja amistad entre Rathrak y Borogald que sin duda va a dar mucho de sí a juzgar por el contenido que emerge en la última viñeta del tomo.
Sobre el cambio del arte y las diferencias entre el arte de Harren y Rubin hay opiniones para todos los gustos. Admito que cuesta mucho acostumbrarse porque al fin y al cabo Harren había creado su propio mundo y era espectacular. Rubin tenía una tarea titánica por delante. Logra sacar con nota las escenas de acción que posiblemente superan al original, mantiene la calidad con las criaturas y los monstruos y definitivamente encalla con la recreación de los personajes humanos, que pierden irremediablemente grandes dosis de expresividad y carisma por las diferencias de trazo entre uno y otro autor. Dicho esto, dudo que otro autor aparte de Rubin hubiera podido dar continuidad a la saga, por lo que puestos a cambiar de ilustrador no tengo duda en que Arcudi acertó ofreciéndole a Rubin el papel.
April 20, 2021
Un cambio de dibujante en una serie comiquera que ya contaba con una marcada y propia identidad visual es bastante arriesgado. Pero a mi parecer, la decisión de Arcudi de acudir a los lápices de nuestro David Rubín no es una decisión tomada a la ligera. Rubín se integra a la perfección a la serie, demostrando su gran talento a la hora de mostrarnos un mundo tan particular como el de Rumble con sus monstruos y dioses espantapájaros. Además, con él, parece que el uso del humor funciona mejor. Pues sabe mostrar expresiones faciales y respingos totalmente cómicos.
Es verdad que quizás se integre al equipo en un momento bastante clave para la historia. En este tomo tenemos esa primera parte con Rathraq corrupto y caído en desgracia que hubiese gustado que se explorase más y mejor. Al igual que esa sub trama de la patrulla humana contra los monstruos que queda en un simple chiste y en el detonante que soluciona todo este episodio oscuro para Rathraq. Por suerte contamos con las escenas del pasado de Rathraq que animan bastante el conjunto.
Con ganas de encarar la recta final de Rumble.
Es verdad que quizás se integre al equipo en un momento bastante clave para la historia. En este tomo tenemos esa primera parte con Rathraq corrupto y caído en desgracia que hubiese gustado que se explorase más y mejor. Al igual que esa sub trama de la patrulla humana contra los monstruos que queda en un simple chiste y en el detonante que soluciona todo este episodio oscuro para Rathraq. Por suerte contamos con las escenas del pasado de Rathraq que animan bastante el conjunto.
Con ganas de encarar la recta final de Rumble.
May 19, 2024
It’s always a bummer when an artists leaves a series, even more so when their art was the main draw. But I cannot think of a more seemless transition between artists as the switch between James Harren and Dave Rubin. Harren is definitely missed, but Rubin is doing some of his best work here, and Dave Stewart, as always, is helping ease any growing pains. That said, this is also a “less eventful” arc. It’s solid, and there’s some necessary build up happening here.
May 10, 2022
It’s rare that a new artist on a comic series lives up to who they’re replacing, but Rubín has hit it out of the park. Helps that I wasn’t really into Harren’s art by the end of volume 3 (which is surprising given how much I love Ultramega).
Arcudi’s story isn’t really getting much better but it’s okay. I’ll probably stick through this series until Rubín leaves, he’s doing a great job with it
Arcudi’s story isn’t really getting much better but it’s okay. I’ll probably stick through this series until Rubín leaves, he’s doing a great job with it
August 18, 2022
The change in art was jarring for me, but I've heard it isn't as noticeable to others. This book felt sort of like a reset to me, which makes sense with the new art and the way the previous volume seemed to conclude a big arc. I didn't think the characters, particularly Rathraq, fit well with their previous stances/words/actions.
I love Del.
I love Del.
October 11, 2018
the switch to a different artist is cohesive but I felt like the story did not advance at all
December 31, 2018
Continuing on with the series, and it has lost its edge. I wish more of these were planned for finite runs.
April 3, 2019
Not much happens in the way of plot, but there is character development. The art feels different, busier.
May 28, 2019
Monsters do battle.
The storyline lost me, but this book was oddly interesting.
Reading time around one hour.
The storyline lost me, but this book was oddly interesting.
Reading time around one hour.
June 20, 2019
New arc! Not quite sure how I feel about it, but I'm definitely in for the ride.
August 1, 2019
a fun read. a scarecrow against an army of monsters. what's not to love
March 26, 2020
Unfortunately, no longer feeling this after the change in art. Don’t think I’ll continue with the series. Bummer.
August 16, 2021
Story is meh, I can barely stomach the new artist style.
October 21, 2021
They changed the fcking comic book artist to David Rubín. Sigh
February 15, 2022
Rubín’s art is a slightly different vibe for the book but I think it’s perfect for this arc. Really digging this series.
March 13, 2022
ah i see.... this series is headed towards nuclear meltdown. i did have some hope though..haha
August 2, 2022
change of artists really hurt this series
August 8, 2023
The story had gotten slightly worse, but the artwork is what really brings this down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews