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Xena vol. 4 (issues) #1-5
Xena: Penance
The path to redemption is never easy, and the journey of a warrior princess seeking to wash the blood of innocents from her hands is no exception. Xena travels to Athens, to plead for redemption in the temple of Eleos. But some things can never be forgiven and the shadows of past sins are long. Will Xena find redemption or betrayal waiting for her in the temple of the gods?
The power, the passion, the danger... her courage would change the world. Xena: Warrior Princess.
Collect issues 1-5
The power, the passion, the danger... her courage would change the world. Xena: Warrior Princess.
Collect issues 1-5
124 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2019
8 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Finch
101 books60 followersMarried to international, best-selling comic artist David Finch and mother to three boys, Meredith has been steeped in the world of comics since meeting Finch in November 2005.
Having written for both Zenescope and DC Comics, Meredith begins her first foray into creator-owned comics in 2017. Titled ROSE, this fantasy series combines her love of mythology with modern issues, and is sure to be a hit with her many fans.
Having written for both Zenescope and DC Comics, Meredith begins her first foray into creator-owned comics in 2017. Titled ROSE, this fantasy series combines her love of mythology with modern issues, and is sure to be a hit with her many fans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 17, 2018
For whatever reason, Dynamite has rebooted Xena for this series. Dynamite almost seems to take a perverse joy in making it difficult for readers to follow the continuity of their characters. That being said, this is how Xena and Gabrielle met. Finch does a very good job of making Gabrielle funny and entertaining as the comic foil of the book. The artwork is very good. I'm sure this is something fans of Xena will enjoy.
Received a review copy from Dynamite and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own on in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Dynamite and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own on in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
August 17, 2018
The 3 stars are b/c is Xena. I'm a Xena fan from the times of the tv series. Gorgeous, kickass female warrior, angsty and silly, making many mistakes, and getting up on her feet again and again.
This comic is a reboot of the story, with some changes in the first encounter with Gabrielle. Gabrielle is on her way to Athens when some assailants intercept her and that's when Xena intervenes. Gabrielle's expression then makes me think that she already knew that this would happen and it is certainly very strange and she confuses me thinking that it was another moment when she was certain that someone would help her, because for a single peasant woman venturing for the first time away from home. It is a very strange security in itself. The girl was always a pacifist after all. The background of Xena story attempting to change her life is been the best of the story.
The villain is well done.
I have some issues with the clothing, like both of them using some sort of short leggings and Xena in high heels(?), and Gabrielle in an outfit she displays much later in the series with the quarterstaff and showing her midriff. Probably just silly things for other people. And Xena and Gabrielle appear in the first pages too pretty.
Oh, and Gabrielle was a little more shy but always eager to give her opinions ... thought the balance is narrow. Old fans are very annoying in that respect ;P
Overall an O.K. read.
+Digital arc gently provided by Netgalley and publishers. The thoughts are all mine+
This comic is a reboot of the story, with some changes in the first encounter with Gabrielle. Gabrielle is on her way to Athens when some assailants intercept her and that's when Xena intervenes. Gabrielle's expression then makes me think that she already knew that this would happen and it is certainly very strange and she confuses me thinking that it was another moment when she was certain that someone would help her, because for a single peasant woman venturing for the first time away from home. It is a very strange security in itself. The girl was always a pacifist after all. The background of Xena story attempting to change her life is been the best of the story.
The villain is well done.
I have some issues with the clothing, like both of them using some sort of short leggings and Xena in high heels(?), and Gabrielle in an outfit she displays much later in the series with the quarterstaff and showing her midriff. Probably just silly things for other people. And Xena and Gabrielle appear in the first pages too pretty.
Oh, and Gabrielle was a little more shy but always eager to give her opinions ... thought the balance is narrow. Old fans are very annoying in that respect ;P
Overall an O.K. read.
+Digital arc gently provided by Netgalley and publishers. The thoughts are all mine+
August 7, 2018
I’m one of those who thoroughly enjoyed watching the tv series some years ago so jumped at the chance to read this comic . It takes readers back to the beginning when Zena met Gabrielle and I have to admit that the characters are written exactly as I remember them. Even more impressive is the way Zena literally jumps onto the page in all her fierce glory.
The Zena we meet here is lost in many ways and yet one thing that remains true are her fighting skills and this woman can run rings round others. Gabrielle whilst essentially a good person is always going to be slightly annoying but I think that contrast is why so many have always loved Zena. I thought the illustrations really helped bring the story to life in glorious colour with a storyboard that was very easy to follow. I’m not someone who traditionally reads comic books but this whiled away an hour very pleasurably and left me actually wanting to read more about Zena and Gabrielles adventures.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
The Zena we meet here is lost in many ways and yet one thing that remains true are her fighting skills and this woman can run rings round others. Gabrielle whilst essentially a good person is always going to be slightly annoying but I think that contrast is why so many have always loved Zena. I thought the illustrations really helped bring the story to life in glorious colour with a storyboard that was very easy to follow. I’m not someone who traditionally reads comic books but this whiled away an hour very pleasurably and left me actually wanting to read more about Zena and Gabrielles adventures.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
August 30, 2019
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. The art is dynamic and portrays the world of Xena well, and the facial expressions are drawn well. On the downside, there are some questionable armor choices. Also, I always imagined Xena as a series that focuses on empowering women, so I felt there was a bit too much cheesecake art in this series. Perhaps the artist is not focusing on the right target audience?
February 6, 2021
XENA: PENANCE war eine Überraschung. Ich habe die TV=Show nie gesehen und habe diesem Paperback nur eine Chance gegeben, weil ich die Zeichnungen und die Kolorierung sehr ansprechend fand.
Beim Lesen stellte sich heraus, dass PENANCE glücklicherweise auch der Auftakt zu einem Reboot der Serie ist, so dass der Einstieg einfach war.
Xena, die geplündert und für Geld gemordet hat, will nach Athen reisen, um im Tempel der Göttin Eleos um Vergebung zu bitten und künftig ein besseres Leben zu führen. Unterwegs lernt sie die schlagfertige Gabrielle kennen. Die beiden passen scheinbar so gar nicht zusammen, aber bald wird aus der "Bardin", die nur ein Klotz am Bein der Kriegerin zu sein scheint, eine Gefährtin.
Bevor Xena ihr Leben ändern kann, wird sie allerdings mit ihrer Vergangenheit konfrontiert: Callisto, deren Familie einst Opfer von Xenas Raubzügen war, fordert sie zum Kampf heraus.
Die Handlung ist nicht übermäßig komplex, aber gerade dass sie sich nicht so überstürzt entwickelt und sich Zeit lässt, hat mir das Comic sympathisch gemacht. Hinzu kommt, dass die Heldinnen sympathisch sind und Gabrielle für eine gute Portion Humor sorgt.
Die Artwork, die sehr schön koloriert ist, hat mir ebenfalls gut gefallen.
Beim Lesen stellte sich heraus, dass PENANCE glücklicherweise auch der Auftakt zu einem Reboot der Serie ist, so dass der Einstieg einfach war.
Xena, die geplündert und für Geld gemordet hat, will nach Athen reisen, um im Tempel der Göttin Eleos um Vergebung zu bitten und künftig ein besseres Leben zu führen. Unterwegs lernt sie die schlagfertige Gabrielle kennen. Die beiden passen scheinbar so gar nicht zusammen, aber bald wird aus der "Bardin", die nur ein Klotz am Bein der Kriegerin zu sein scheint, eine Gefährtin.
Bevor Xena ihr Leben ändern kann, wird sie allerdings mit ihrer Vergangenheit konfrontiert: Callisto, deren Familie einst Opfer von Xenas Raubzügen war, fordert sie zum Kampf heraus.
Die Handlung ist nicht übermäßig komplex, aber gerade dass sie sich nicht so überstürzt entwickelt und sich Zeit lässt, hat mir das Comic sympathisch gemacht. Hinzu kommt, dass die Heldinnen sympathisch sind und Gabrielle für eine gute Portion Humor sorgt.
Die Artwork, die sehr schön koloriert ist, hat mir ebenfalls gut gefallen.
August 30, 2018
So, that was a nice stroll down memory lane. Really enjoyed the Hercules/Xena shows back in the day and this graphic novel adaptation is slight rehash of how Xena & Gabrielle first meet. Overall I enjoyed it - both art-wise and dialogue-wise! A good addition to any Xena fan's collection.
First finished: 30th August 2018
Source: Netgalley eArc, thanks guys!
First finished: 30th August 2018
Source: Netgalley eArc, thanks guys!
March 24, 2019
The plot and dialogue are acceptable, albeit uninspired, but I take issue with the art. Why in the hell is Xena wearing four inch stiletto boots?
August 17, 2018
This is a fair adaptation of the Xena universe. I didn't particularly enjoy it, but it doesn't have big flaws. It just an average book. Nothing bad, nothing great. Average in every aspect! I would recommend only if you are a very big fan of the character.
August 4, 2018
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
Xena!!! I saw this on Netgalley and before I knew it I had already downloaded it. I absolutely loved watching her show when I was a little kid--so little I probably didn't even know what I was watching besides a kick-ass woman being a badass :)
Anyhow, onto the review of this comic. I really liked it. We meet Xena, understand her current motivations. I love how she is looking for redemption and even in this first volume has come to change slightly, for the better-- finding ways to forgive herself. She might never fully, but I think the more she helps people, the better she will feel. Her partner (OMG I literally just finished reading this, why can't I remember her name) is pretty darn awesome too.
My only eye rolling moments were from the outfits all the women worn. *sigh* Oh well.
Xena!!! I saw this on Netgalley and before I knew it I had already downloaded it. I absolutely loved watching her show when I was a little kid--so little I probably didn't even know what I was watching besides a kick-ass woman being a badass :)
Anyhow, onto the review of this comic. I really liked it. We meet Xena, understand her current motivations. I love how she is looking for redemption and even in this first volume has come to change slightly, for the better-- finding ways to forgive herself. She might never fully, but I think the more she helps people, the better she will feel. Her partner (OMG I literally just finished reading this, why can't I remember her name) is pretty darn awesome too.
My only eye rolling moments were from the outfits all the women worn. *sigh* Oh well.
August 8, 2018
I Got A Kick Out of This
I'm more of a Red Sonya guy, but I was curious to see what Meredith Finch, (from the "Rose" series), had done with the Xena character. This ended up being very sly and entertaining.
The setup is that Xena is on her way to Athens to do penance for her warrior past and to seek redemption from the Goddess Eleos. Along the way to Athens Xena rescues Gabrielle from some brigands and Gabrielle ends up tagging along as Xena's sidekick. As you might imagine, Xena is not well received in Athens, and she runs into people with grievances who don't really care about Xena's attempts to turn over a new leaf. That's about it for plot, although there are some twists and turns in there.
The question is how do we feel about this Xena, what's the deal with Gabrielle, and how do we like the storytelling.
As to Xena, she is the kick butt heroine we all remember, and her attempts to become a "good guy" make her more interesting than just the usual comics heroine. She's smart and "sadder but wiser" and I was impressed by the effort that went into making her a conflicted, decent character.
As to Gabrielle, I know she annoys some people, but she isn't Jar Jar annoying. She can be silly and dopey, but she also has a bit of spine and she's smarter than she pretends to be. So, we get an odd sword and sorcery version of the high school queen bee type who turns out to be a decent sort, and I thought that was an entertaining addition to the Xena world. Both she and Xena do well in terms of banter and deadpan throwaway lines.
As to the storytelling, it's straightforward, fast paced, and perfectly clear, which is how I like my stories. There's nothing deep or complex going on, but this is early Xena, and how much subtext can one expect?
The drawing is effective, crisp and clear. Colors are good, inking is good, and the characters are consistently expressive. There's nothing groundbreaking, but the quality of the work and vision is consistently high.
So, as I say, I got a kick out of this and found it very entertaining. A nice effort. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I'm more of a Red Sonya guy, but I was curious to see what Meredith Finch, (from the "Rose" series), had done with the Xena character. This ended up being very sly and entertaining.
The setup is that Xena is on her way to Athens to do penance for her warrior past and to seek redemption from the Goddess Eleos. Along the way to Athens Xena rescues Gabrielle from some brigands and Gabrielle ends up tagging along as Xena's sidekick. As you might imagine, Xena is not well received in Athens, and she runs into people with grievances who don't really care about Xena's attempts to turn over a new leaf. That's about it for plot, although there are some twists and turns in there.
The question is how do we feel about this Xena, what's the deal with Gabrielle, and how do we like the storytelling.
As to Xena, she is the kick butt heroine we all remember, and her attempts to become a "good guy" make her more interesting than just the usual comics heroine. She's smart and "sadder but wiser" and I was impressed by the effort that went into making her a conflicted, decent character.
As to Gabrielle, I know she annoys some people, but she isn't Jar Jar annoying. She can be silly and dopey, but she also has a bit of spine and she's smarter than she pretends to be. So, we get an odd sword and sorcery version of the high school queen bee type who turns out to be a decent sort, and I thought that was an entertaining addition to the Xena world. Both she and Xena do well in terms of banter and deadpan throwaway lines.
As to the storytelling, it's straightforward, fast paced, and perfectly clear, which is how I like my stories. There's nothing deep or complex going on, but this is early Xena, and how much subtext can one expect?
The drawing is effective, crisp and clear. Colors are good, inking is good, and the characters are consistently expressive. There's nothing groundbreaking, but the quality of the work and vision is consistently high.
So, as I say, I got a kick out of this and found it very entertaining. A nice effort. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
August 11, 2018
Xena, is an ideal character for a comic strip and this re-visiting of some classic stories about the Warrior Princess is a must for fans of strong female action.
In Penance we meet a Xena still having night terrors about her more violent past leading a gang cut-throat thieves and savage mercenaries.
We are introduced to Gabrielle, Xena’s very own conscience who favours peace and reconciliation before death and destruction. So their adventures begin with Xena’s past constantly presenting them with new dangers and life-threatening situations.
The drawing is good and the illustrations capture the spirit of the TV series from which I know Xena best.
However, perhaps Xena looks too much like Lucy Lawless for me but the interactions seemed quite authentic and true to the period and back stories given to these two principle characters who carry the story with ease. I love the action sequences and supporting humour that lift some of the more tense episodes.
Great re-introduction to Xena and I feel the decision to tell her stories in these format is a ideal partnership, few characters are better suited to being capture within a graphic novel and I would read additional comics as they are released.
In Penance we meet a Xena still having night terrors about her more violent past leading a gang cut-throat thieves and savage mercenaries.
We are introduced to Gabrielle, Xena’s very own conscience who favours peace and reconciliation before death and destruction. So their adventures begin with Xena’s past constantly presenting them with new dangers and life-threatening situations.
The drawing is good and the illustrations capture the spirit of the TV series from which I know Xena best.
However, perhaps Xena looks too much like Lucy Lawless for me but the interactions seemed quite authentic and true to the period and back stories given to these two principle characters who carry the story with ease. I love the action sequences and supporting humour that lift some of the more tense episodes.
Great re-introduction to Xena and I feel the decision to tell her stories in these format is a ideal partnership, few characters are better suited to being capture within a graphic novel and I would read additional comics as they are released.
August 9, 2018
Fans of the show will love this. A fun stroll down memory lane of Xena and Gabrielle meeting and beginning their adventures.
September 26, 2018
Thanks to net galley.com, author Meredith Finch and Diamond Book Distributors for the advance PDF copy for my honest review.
I used too watch the Xena Warrior Princess show, after I came home from work in the wee hours of the morning and liked the description for Xena: Penance. Figured why not give it a try.
Always liked the characters of Xena and Gabrielle, Finch brings them both to life and really liked the graphics in this one. Liked the storyline in this one, definitely will keep reading future Xena release by the author and publisher.
I used too watch the Xena Warrior Princess show, after I came home from work in the wee hours of the morning and liked the description for Xena: Penance. Figured why not give it a try.
Always liked the characters of Xena and Gabrielle, Finch brings them both to life and really liked the graphics in this one. Liked the storyline in this one, definitely will keep reading future Xena release by the author and publisher.
September 17, 2018
Aside from Wonder Woman, I grew up looking up to Xena as one of the strongest and most confident heroines back in the day. I never really understood the show when I chanced upon it during the 90s but she always portrayed someone who can fight burly bad men who gets in her way.
So looking at this new light into Xena's story it is quite entertaining. I love the art, I love the characters, but the story is something that would make me want to keep an eye out for the next issues.
So looking at this new light into Xena's story it is quite entertaining. I love the art, I love the characters, but the story is something that would make me want to keep an eye out for the next issues.
August 15, 2018
Book received from NetGalley
Review to Come
Review to Come
October 21, 2018
Yay, it exists?
Boo, it's pretty bad.
Boo, it's pretty bad.
April 11, 2020
Art is great, I love the backgrounds. The dialogue is cheesy in places, but that's part of Xena's charm! I enjoyed this walk down memory lane for sure!
August 22, 2018
A trip down memory lane... Excellent artwork, exciting storyline. Little less silly wordpuns than the original television series, but true to it's spirit.
I received a copy through Netgalley.
I received a copy through Netgalley.
October 19, 2021
This is my second time reading and I think I enjoyed it even more this time. Such a fun story and the characters read exactly like the way they talked in the show.
August 15, 2018
Great comic! Lovely trip down memory lane in which the reader gets to reconnect with the best Warrior Princess of them all, Xena, and her ever so chatty and perky sidekick, Gabrielle.
The stories were short, but entertaining and stayed true to the spirit of the original tv-series, which I loved. I would have hated it if the author had tampered too much with these fan-favorite characters. Xena and Gabrielle especially were wonderfully drawn and their "voices" were spot on as well! I swear I could almost hear Lucy Lawless and Reneé O'Connor bickering in my ear while I was reading.
Gabrielle is a wonderful character. She's resourceful, maybe a tad too impulsive, doesn't know when to shut up and has a really big heart. She makes the perfect companion for a strong-willed, aloof and tortured heroine like Xena, who is so desperately looking for ways to make amends for her violent past.
I was just a teensy little bit disappointed by the way Callisto was depicted, because I remember her as being really pretty and charismatic in the series, even while being evil and hell-bent on revenge, and that is not entirely how she appears here.
The stories were short, but entertaining and stayed true to the spirit of the original tv-series, which I loved. I would have hated it if the author had tampered too much with these fan-favorite characters. Xena and Gabrielle especially were wonderfully drawn and their "voices" were spot on as well! I swear I could almost hear Lucy Lawless and Reneé O'Connor bickering in my ear while I was reading.
Gabrielle is a wonderful character. She's resourceful, maybe a tad too impulsive, doesn't know when to shut up and has a really big heart. She makes the perfect companion for a strong-willed, aloof and tortured heroine like Xena, who is so desperately looking for ways to make amends for her violent past.
I was just a teensy little bit disappointed by the way Callisto was depicted, because I remember her as being really pretty and charismatic in the series, even while being evil and hell-bent on revenge, and that is not entirely how she appears here.
November 6, 2022
Xena: Penance is a different beast from Xena: Warrior Princess: Road Warrior. It felt more like the TV series, a bit less vanilla and more morally gray. You can’t blame the Callisto’s need for revenge, as Xena herself admits she is responsible for her losing her family, but the morale of the story is revenge only leads to your own undoing. Which I disagree, revenge seems perfectly acceptable in this scenario but I get it. Xena meets Gabrielle in this volume, which seems to be a reboot of sorts. Gabrielle just won’t shut up the entire issue, but coming from her it is endearing, and she was basically my favorite in this volume. She is clever, and finds creative solutions to her and Xena’s problems. My one qualm with the art is this: why in the heavens does Xena and Callisto need heels?? Stilettos in fact! It is highly unnecessary, Xena is as tall as can be and I can’t see how heels would help in her MUDDY quest (other than just for the “look”). It just bothered me every time I saw either character kick someone (and if you know Xena, you know she loooves to kick).
I will be continuing with the series, and quite frankly this comic volume just made me nostalgic for the TV show. I wonder which streaming service carries it…
I will be continuing with the series, and quite frankly this comic volume just made me nostalgic for the TV show. I wonder which streaming service carries it…
August 26, 2018
Another ARC I received from Edelweiss+.
Xena, the Warrior Princess, has left her life of war and violence behind. She has dismissed her army, and seeks forgiveness for the destruction and death she caused in the path. She comes across a villager in need, Gabrielle, being attacked by a former member of her own army. The ex-warrior, Jax, makes it clear that he has not forgiven Xena for dropping the army.
Gabrielle joins Xena on her journey, determined to 'help'. However, she turns out to be far more trouble than she's worth, especially when someone wants to show Xena how it feels to lose someone.
Yet again, this novel is led by some fanatastically strong women. Their relationship with one another is comical yet sweet, and I could see Xena beginning to care for Gabrielle throughout the stories.
The writing was great, and the art was classic and clear. I am intrigued about Xena's past, and would definitely be interested in more of this series. 4 stars.
Xena, the Warrior Princess, has left her life of war and violence behind. She has dismissed her army, and seeks forgiveness for the destruction and death she caused in the path. She comes across a villager in need, Gabrielle, being attacked by a former member of her own army. The ex-warrior, Jax, makes it clear that he has not forgiven Xena for dropping the army.
Gabrielle joins Xena on her journey, determined to 'help'. However, she turns out to be far more trouble than she's worth, especially when someone wants to show Xena how it feels to lose someone.
Yet again, this novel is led by some fanatastically strong women. Their relationship with one another is comical yet sweet, and I could see Xena beginning to care for Gabrielle throughout the stories.
The writing was great, and the art was classic and clear. I am intrigued about Xena's past, and would definitely be interested in more of this series. 4 stars.
August 8, 2018
Ooooh, Xena. Love her. She was my hero growing so when I got the chance to read this I jumped at the opportunity to give it a go.
The art is really good. I loved how Xena and especially her costume seemed to be very influenced by Wonderwoman. It makes sense and I loved the art. It was done well. The characters have similar looks to the original show, but I was happy that the artist decided to put her own spin on the characters.
The story begins at the beginning with Xena on the road where she meets Gabrielle. She saves Gabrielle from some bandits and allows her to join her. It was good to start. It has been so long I cannot remember how the show started but I think it was similar.
I honestly wished we didn't have to deal with Gabrielle. She is so annoying. Or, I wish, had her show up later. I would've liked some character building with Xena without Gabrielle running amok and getting in trouble.
Overall, this was good. I enjoyed the art and this interpretation. I wouldn't mind some more! I'll give this 3 stars.
The art is really good. I loved how Xena and especially her costume seemed to be very influenced by Wonderwoman. It makes sense and I loved the art. It was done well. The characters have similar looks to the original show, but I was happy that the artist decided to put her own spin on the characters.
The story begins at the beginning with Xena on the road where she meets Gabrielle. She saves Gabrielle from some bandits and allows her to join her. It was good to start. It has been so long I cannot remember how the show started but I think it was similar.
I honestly wished we didn't have to deal with Gabrielle. She is so annoying. Or, I wish, had her show up later. I would've liked some character building with Xena without Gabrielle running amok and getting in trouble.
Overall, this was good. I enjoyed the art and this interpretation. I wouldn't mind some more! I'll give this 3 stars.
September 22, 2023
3.5/5
This Review was first posted on It’s All Anthony. For more reviews, check out the blog here.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I always had a little knowledge of who Xena was. I never have read anything or seen anything that has involved Xena before. I’m not sure what drawn me to pick up this graphic novel, but I have to assume to see what Xena was all about.
Reading the graphic novel was pretty much interesting, but I didn’t really find anything exciting for me. It was pretty cool and kept up with the story and action, but maybe I didn’t have enough knowledge of Xena and the world to be kept interested in the story being told.
However, if there is someone who is a big fan of Xena, I would have no doubt that this graphic novel would be good and way more interesting to them.
This Review was first posted on It’s All Anthony. For more reviews, check out the blog here.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I always had a little knowledge of who Xena was. I never have read anything or seen anything that has involved Xena before. I’m not sure what drawn me to pick up this graphic novel, but I have to assume to see what Xena was all about.
Reading the graphic novel was pretty much interesting, but I didn’t really find anything exciting for me. It was pretty cool and kept up with the story and action, but maybe I didn’t have enough knowledge of Xena and the world to be kept interested in the story being told.
However, if there is someone who is a big fan of Xena, I would have no doubt that this graphic novel would be good and way more interesting to them.
December 7, 2022
A thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy. As a thank you I would like to provide an honest review of this graphic novel. As a fan of the original series, I was excited to find this series of comics to be released within the Xenaverse. Meredith Finch stayed true to the story of Xena and used a lot of elements found within the first season in these issues. I liked that the story was rebooted and made new again. Along with illustrations by Vicente Cifuentes made the Warrior Princess and the battling bard new for an all-new generation to find them and look up to them as those within my generation had done. I look forward to the next issues of this series and shall recommend it to fans of Xena and Hercules as well as those into Wonder Woman and more. I give the issues four out of five stars.
November 9, 2018
This was a nice intro to Xena, the artwork was your classic comic style, it was very enjoyable and the colors were beautiful. I liked the story well enough but it didn't really seem to go anywhere. I loved Xena but her and every other female in this comic's clothes were very skimpy. I liked the comic but it wasn't super great. I rated this 3 stars.
FTC DISCLAIMER: I received this book in exchange for an honest review
FTC DISCLAIMER: I received this book in exchange for an honest review
July 1, 2020
Xena is a fierce warrior and a wonderful character! I really loved the series.... But I really HATE Gabrielle! And that is why I only give this book two stars. Gabrielle is just the antithesis of Xena: the most obnoxious, annoying and stupid character I've found.
Please, next time, put Gabrielle to sleep forever. Have mercy on your readers!
Please, next time, put Gabrielle to sleep forever. Have mercy on your readers!
November 18, 2018
Liked the art and the story of Xena and Gabriella first meeting.
August 30, 2018
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!*
Xena is back! Reader beware, I'm viewing this book through nostalgia/fan-tinted glasses but regardless, Xena: Penance is one enjoyable read.
The story jumps right into the Xena epic with our favorite Warrior Princess meeting our favorite aspiring bard, Gabrielle. Despite a small bit of clunky, expository dialogue, we're introduced to our badass heroes on the road to Athens. Gabrielle, a young woman from a small town is out in search of adventure and inspiration for her songs, while Xena, Warrior Princess, continues her journey to atone for a lifetime of violence. At first begrudgingly tolerated to tag along, Gabrielle proves she may be just the partner Xena needs to see the way forward and leave her past behind.
Though just the beginning, Xena: Penance gives us our fabulous girl-power duo just as we remember them -and then some. One thing I've always loved about Xena and Gabrielle's dynamic is the mirror-like balance of their perspectives: Gabrielle has lived a peaceful, quiet life and seeks adventure, while Xena is trading her life of legendary infamy for peace and repentance. As a partnership, they help each other see that which they were previously blind to or ignorant of, for instance Gabrielle showing Xena that it's possible to win a fight without striking a blow (proving that sometimes, the pen - or the bard - is mightier than the sword...sorry I had to). I'm looking forward to their future graphic adventures!
(Though if they could just have their old, functional, kick-ass boots instead of heels that would be great k thx)
Xena is back! Reader beware, I'm viewing this book through nostalgia/fan-tinted glasses but regardless, Xena: Penance is one enjoyable read.
The story jumps right into the Xena epic with our favorite Warrior Princess meeting our favorite aspiring bard, Gabrielle. Despite a small bit of clunky, expository dialogue, we're introduced to our badass heroes on the road to Athens. Gabrielle, a young woman from a small town is out in search of adventure and inspiration for her songs, while Xena, Warrior Princess, continues her journey to atone for a lifetime of violence. At first begrudgingly tolerated to tag along, Gabrielle proves she may be just the partner Xena needs to see the way forward and leave her past behind.
Though just the beginning, Xena: Penance gives us our fabulous girl-power duo just as we remember them -and then some. One thing I've always loved about Xena and Gabrielle's dynamic is the mirror-like balance of their perspectives: Gabrielle has lived a peaceful, quiet life and seeks adventure, while Xena is trading her life of legendary infamy for peace and repentance. As a partnership, they help each other see that which they were previously blind to or ignorant of, for instance Gabrielle showing Xena that it's possible to win a fight without striking a blow (proving that sometimes, the pen - or the bard - is mightier than the sword...sorry I had to). I'm looking forward to their future graphic adventures!
(Though if they could just have their old, functional, kick-ass boots instead of heels that would be great k thx)
August 26, 2024
This is a strange one - it's a pseudo-reboot, set way back at the beginning of Xena and Gabrielle's adventures, but it doesn't really change very much, just retells similar things like the pair's first meeting and their first fight with Callisto in different ways. The characters themselves are mostly the same, as are their backstories, so it's a weird thing to do.
It also feels like Finch doesn't really know how to make Gabrielle speak other than to blabber on about nothing or repeat the same kind of phrases over and over. I did like the appearance of Xena's 'I have many skills' which has been sorely lacking in the last few Xena books I've read, and the nerve pinch shows up too which is neat.
I also enjoyed the art a lot - I always think of Vincente Cifuentes as an inker first and foremost but his pencils are clean and clear most of the time, and consistent too.
Odd, and I'm not entirely sure why. Probably okay for those who've never seen the TV show before, but then...why would you be reading this in the first place?
It also feels like Finch doesn't really know how to make Gabrielle speak other than to blabber on about nothing or repeat the same kind of phrases over and over. I did like the appearance of Xena's 'I have many skills' which has been sorely lacking in the last few Xena books I've read, and the nerve pinch shows up too which is neat.
I also enjoyed the art a lot - I always think of Vincente Cifuentes as an inker first and foremost but his pencils are clean and clear most of the time, and consistent too.
Odd, and I'm not entirely sure why. Probably okay for those who've never seen the TV show before, but then...why would you be reading this in the first place?
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