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Xena vol. 5 #1-6
Xena: Warrior Princess: Road Warrior
In a time of ancient gods, warlords and kings...a land in turmoil called out for a hero! She was XENA, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle! In this all-new series, writer VITA AYALA (Black Panther, Shuri, Wonder Woman, The Wilds) and artist OLYMPIA SWEETMAN throw Xena and her companion Gabrielle headfirst into a mysterious adventure. Can Xena discover the secrets of a village full of super-strong children, before jealous and petty GODS get involved?
128 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2020
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142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 29, 2020
This was actually very solid. I'm not the biggest Xena fan and still found this to be fun. Xena and Gabrielle get into it with Discord before they all gets banished and end up making a world tour of ancient civilizations. The art was OK at best though.
Received a review copy from Dynamite and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Dynamite and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
April 27, 2020
Xena: Warrior Princess – Road Warrior consists of the first five comics in the new 2019 Xena: Warrior Princess series by Dynamite Entertainment.
It’s wonderful to see Xena and Gabby kicking ass and taking names again, and as a full-fledged couple this time. Subtext is main text now and that’s how it should be in 2020. The artwork was a bit rough in places but overall it was entertaining.
f/f Xena and Gabrielle are an established couple
Themes: Discord and Strife, world tour, capybara, Baba Yaga, vampires, meddling Greek Gods, long-haired Gabby.
3.6 Stars
It’s wonderful to see Xena and Gabby kicking ass and taking names again, and as a full-fledged couple this time. Subtext is main text now and that’s how it should be in 2020. The artwork was a bit rough in places but overall it was entertaining.
f/f Xena and Gabrielle are an established couple
Themes: Discord and Strife, world tour, capybara, Baba Yaga, vampires, meddling Greek Gods, long-haired Gabby.
3.6 Stars
December 13, 2020
There is a risk in doing something unfamiliar and not entirely to one's taste twice in a row. That is what happened here. It's not just the artists weren't quite as aesthetically to my personal taste...it was that the illustrations were uneven in quality.
I'm still very, very impressed that the storytelling is so well mated to the ideas and images. I'm just not quite as blown away. Still, I remain open to the pleasures this visual storytelling medium has to offer a very textual person. That's quite a thing for an artform to be able to do.
I'm still very, very impressed that the storytelling is so well mated to the ideas and images. I'm just not quite as blown away. Still, I remain open to the pleasures this visual storytelling medium has to offer a very textual person. That's quite a thing for an artform to be able to do.
November 2, 2022
4 stars. Xena and Gabrielle are a couple and I made unintelligible noises every time they kissed. I’m not ashamed and teenage me feels like this is a long overdue victory thank you very much.
Anyway, I loved the art style of this. It was gorgeous and the plot was fun though it took a bit for it to find its footing. I really liked the character of Discord and how she interacted with Xena and Gabrielle. Her character shift happens kind of quickly but I wasn’t bothered by that. Their interactions were great. This needed to be proofread and some of the modern language was a bit corny but again Xena and Gabrielle are a couple so any type of problems be damned I still loved this. This was just what I wanted.
Anyway, I loved the art style of this. It was gorgeous and the plot was fun though it took a bit for it to find its footing. I really liked the character of Discord and how she interacted with Xena and Gabrielle. Her character shift happens kind of quickly but I wasn’t bothered by that. Their interactions were great. This needed to be proofread and some of the modern language was a bit corny but again Xena and Gabrielle are a couple so any type of problems be damned I still loved this. This was just what I wanted.
November 23, 2021
rep: sapphic mcs, sapphic side character
tw: blood, violence
kinda ridiculous but frankly i do like the idea of exploring (cough glossing over cough) other mythologies. and lbr it IS fun to see xena on-page kiss gabrielle and say she loves her
tw: blood, violence
kinda ridiculous but frankly i do like the idea of exploring (cough glossing over cough) other mythologies. and lbr it IS fun to see xena on-page kiss gabrielle and say she loves her
December 21, 2019
Freakin' delightful. Old-school in that Discord is there and it's a sheer early-days romp. Long-haired Gabs! New-school in that Xena and Gabrielle are an acknowledged, sincere couple. The best of both worlds? This was all Greek to me, and tons of fun.
March 6, 2020
Rep: queer main character in a sapphic relationship
A new Xena series that has her and Gabrielle getting caught up in Discord's schemes, and thus having to babysit the depowered goddess through various points in the world. When Xena and Gabrielle roll up to a village where there is a curse, and they are going to lose their children, they decide to help. Unfortunately for them, Discord is involved in the curse, and she tries to take her payment - when the other Olympians intervene, Discord is punished by the loss of her powers, and they all, Xena, Gabrielle and Discord are sent to the 'ends of the earth' which is somewhere in Central America. There they have to make another deal, and end up in Transylvania, then Russia, getting mixed up in the lore of Vlad the Impaler and Baba Yaga. Discord is a bratty tag-a-long for them, for the most part, but she is also quite helpful, especially in the vampire's castle. It is a long adventure for them to get back home, but it is quite enjoyable, and the story stands on its own without requiring you to be familiar with the original franchise. The artwork is okay; it didn't impress but it was nice enough. Overall, it is a fun read!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Dynamite Entertainment, via Edelweiss.
A new Xena series that has her and Gabrielle getting caught up in Discord's schemes, and thus having to babysit the depowered goddess through various points in the world. When Xena and Gabrielle roll up to a village where there is a curse, and they are going to lose their children, they decide to help. Unfortunately for them, Discord is involved in the curse, and she tries to take her payment - when the other Olympians intervene, Discord is punished by the loss of her powers, and they all, Xena, Gabrielle and Discord are sent to the 'ends of the earth' which is somewhere in Central America. There they have to make another deal, and end up in Transylvania, then Russia, getting mixed up in the lore of Vlad the Impaler and Baba Yaga. Discord is a bratty tag-a-long for them, for the most part, but she is also quite helpful, especially in the vampire's castle. It is a long adventure for them to get back home, but it is quite enjoyable, and the story stands on its own without requiring you to be familiar with the original franchise. The artwork is okay; it didn't impress but it was nice enough. Overall, it is a fun read!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Dynamite Entertainment, via Edelweiss.
October 20, 2021
Just when things were getting good, this so called vol 3 completely starts over. The story has little to do with the ongoing redemption arc from the first 2 volumes and instead goes on a road trip with a naughty god and we are treated to random very obvious, ’look we are gay’ moments between our now hooking up heros, this having had no build up in the previous volumes. Oh and top it all, my brand new trade paperback is literally falling to bits on my hands as the glue crumbles away.
Such a disappointment after the first two volumes were so good.
Such a disappointment after the first two volumes were so good.
August 8, 2021
Gosh, I miss Xena. It was nice to get to experience a new adventure. The story is a lot of fun. The mix of legends/cultures is just as wild and interesting as the tv series, and I had a GREAT time.
I couldn’t give it five stars though. The art is inconsistent and, other than the covers, just ok. I also caught an alarming number of typos for a graphic novel. Honestly, there are so few words in a graphic novel, there’s no excuse for missing those.
I couldn’t give it five stars though. The art is inconsistent and, other than the covers, just ok. I also caught an alarming number of typos for a graphic novel. Honestly, there are so few words in a graphic novel, there’s no excuse for missing those.
December 17, 2024
It’s gay and there’s a capybara in it, I don’t see what else you could possibly want.
November 6, 2022
I enjoyed the art and the female friendships developed in this story. I did think it leaned towards the vanilla side of the conflict, with almost no serious stakes or moral qualms. But it is a great re-entry into Xena’s world of gods and monsters, and it finally represents some of the love we always knew was there between Xena and Gabrielle.
March 3, 2020
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This new graphic novel is comprised of six comic-book-length stories, each having its own story but also a strong overall arc that carries through the entire series.I loved Xena the TV series and while it has been some time since I last watched an episode, I felt right at home from pretty much the beginning of the story. The writers definitely know the series well and while some elements felt like fan service, it doesn't go overboard with it. Even the one-liner puns that are pretty cringe worthy when written down are fun.
Story: Xena and Gabbie help a seemingly random village which turns out to be embroiled in a bigger conflict with the gods. Our heroines are stuck with a new companion, the goddess-made-mortal Discord (in the real pantheon she's called Eris). This is a plot that has been previously done (more than once) in the TV series and initially I was not looking forward to it. Thankfully she turns out to be a very interesting character and significantly less annoying than I would have thought. The new trio travel the wider world and encounter characters from other known tales and fables which again, for the most part, is surprisingly good.
I'm not the biggest fan of Xena plot lines where she turns out to be initial cause of this fable or that. I hated the biblical plot line from the TV series. Here it is managed better but I would still have rather read about a completely new story rather than a re-imagining of an old tale. The nice thing about a graphic novel is that our company can branch out into all kinds of lands since the storytellers are not limited by a TV budget. That is used well here.
The character of Discord also works, even if initially she seems to be a bit of a mix between Callisto and Faith (from Buffy). By midpoint in the story she has become a full character of her own. Her bondage outfit is a bit much for this day and age, but it goes with the style of the TV series. For the main duo, both behave as expected but I could have used more character interaction between them. Also, overall Gabriella does not do much beyond a single bard sequence which feels glued on.
Art is mostly just fine. It's good enough to carry the story forward but you wouldn't read this just to see the pretty pictures. In some frames Xena looks to be more teenager rather than a grown woman but it doesn't happen often enough to be really annoying.
Overall if you were a fan of the TV show, you'll enjoy this one. I read the whole thing at one sitting and was left hoping for more. Oh, and since it's now 2020 there's no longer any need for subtext and the authors can be candid about Xena's and Gabrielle's relationship which is lovely to see. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
February 23, 2020
This is cute, but not very substantial. The first two chapters felt exactly like watching an episode of Xena-- same level of corniness, same village-of-the-day plotline, same meddling Greek gods. Then, things take a weird turn when Zeus banishes Eris, the goddess of Discord, to the "ends of the Earth" (aka ancient Guatemala), and Xena and Gabrielle end up along for the ride. This leads to a series of chapters all set in different places and times throughout history--Guatemala (where they also pick up a capybara sidekick), the Russian taiga, Transylvania-- before finally making their way back to Greece.
My main issue with this story is the weak characterization. After the first two chapters, Xena and Gabrielle are completely flat, and Eris is a bit snarky but otherwise does nothing to denote her role as the goddess of chaos. The romp around the world is fun, but they're never in one place long enough to really be interesting.
The best thing about this comic is that it explicitly depicts Xena and Gabrielle's relationship as romantic in nature. About time!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
My main issue with this story is the weak characterization. After the first two chapters, Xena and Gabrielle are completely flat, and Eris is a bit snarky but otherwise does nothing to denote her role as the goddess of chaos. The romp around the world is fun, but they're never in one place long enough to really be interesting.
The best thing about this comic is that it explicitly depicts Xena and Gabrielle's relationship as romantic in nature. About time!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
February 17, 2021
RATING:2.5 STARS
2020; Dynamite Entertainment/Diamond Books
This is the same story from a previous volume I read...so here is my review from that one:
I remembering watching and loving Xena and Hercules (mid 90s to early 2000s). It came on mid afternoon on the weekends and it was something we all watched. When I saw this comic on Edelweiss, I had a feeling of nostalgia, and had to request it. After finishing it, I realized the reader had to have some familiarity with the show to understand some of it. The artist also changes mid-way in this collection, and Gabrielle becomes even more unrecognizable. While I was happy that the relationship between Gabby and Xena was more clear, it also felt unlike the characters in the show. I feel like I missed a bit of the story. Is there a prequel to this one? I don't think I would read any further of the volumes, but want to now rewatch the show!
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2020; Dynamite Entertainment/Diamond Books
This is the same story from a previous volume I read...so here is my review from that one:
I remembering watching and loving Xena and Hercules (mid 90s to early 2000s). It came on mid afternoon on the weekends and it was something we all watched. When I saw this comic on Edelweiss, I had a feeling of nostalgia, and had to request it. After finishing it, I realized the reader had to have some familiarity with the show to understand some of it. The artist also changes mid-way in this collection, and Gabrielle becomes even more unrecognizable. While I was happy that the relationship between Gabby and Xena was more clear, it also felt unlike the characters in the show. I feel like I missed a bit of the story. Is there a prequel to this one? I don't think I would read any further of the volumes, but want to now rewatch the show!
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
February 22, 2020
"What did you DO to my SOLDIERS?" No idea, cos the artwork is really quite crap at key times in this Xena drama. Our girlie heroes get thrown from one side of the world to another when they stumble into unholy pacts between gods and their worshippers, forcing all manner of non-deadly combat, all poorly drawn, and so many stages on this Road Trip Like No Other you get almost dizzy at times. Keeping your head on the level is a very unlikeable new character, with only the authors and herself fond of her constant yacking – and hypocrisy in finding the same trait in others. If you love the franchise, this is probably manna from heaven, but it really isn't all that wonderful from an outsider's point of view. Greek Gods talking like they're in 23 Jump Street don't help, either. Two and a half stars.
February 13, 2020
I had a lot of fun with this graphic novel. It brought back a lot of memories of the show for me. It did beat the show in some areas. Since graphic novels don't have the same constraints as a live acting TV show, the "special effects" were better. Also, this book broadened the scope of the story by visiting other cultures of the time. Going on the world tour and seeing Xena, Gabrielle, and Discord interacting with other cultures of the time was fascinating. I also liked that the subtext of the show was made explicit here: Xena and Gabrielle are in a serious, adult relationship as committed partners. It's about time that was openly acknowledged. All in all, I would say I am ready for Volume 2 whenever it comes out.
February 18, 2020
Gotta say there is a lot of things to say about this. Some good some bad, pretty much following the tales of epics. Xena is a good place to incorporate all of those elements. Unfortunately, there come how difficult it is to mix these together.
The first two chapters involving how much Discord can mess with people. But also how she gets outsmarted and how gods handle some things. But those pieces were literally all over the place. I didn't even notice when Discord's pet Capybara came in. The Baba Yaga meanwhile is a good way of looking at how gods and beliefs change with times. The ending meanwhile leaves a lot to desire. It's always good to see Xena's relationship with her girlfriend but there needs to be better consistency.
The first two chapters involving how much Discord can mess with people. But also how she gets outsmarted and how gods handle some things. But those pieces were literally all over the place. I didn't even notice when Discord's pet Capybara came in. The Baba Yaga meanwhile is a good way of looking at how gods and beliefs change with times. The ending meanwhile leaves a lot to desire. It's always good to see Xena's relationship with her girlfriend but there needs to be better consistency.
July 3, 2024
I really loved this. Xena and Gabrielle's adventures with Discord. It was like a missing episode, but with subtext as main text. But not in an overt male gaze kinda way. Rather it felt straight out of s3. The adventure was lots of fun, strong kids, other lands. It all worked really well, and at 6 issues felt like a really good length story. I just wish we could have more Xena by this writer. I bought the first issue back in 2020 then Covid happened and I forgot about it. But saw it on twitter again and went and bought the complete graphic novel and so glad I did. I wish all Xena comics were this good. And the David Mack covers are simply stunning!
March 3, 2020
They say you can't hear pictures but I can hear the theme song as I started reading this. I prefer the cover art to the inside art. This is a pretty standard Xena story, each issue can stand on its own but all the issues together have an overarching story. Definitely more queer than the TV show, love it. 4 stars for story, 3 stars for art.
ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2021
Props to the author for writing a decent Xena story, props to David Mack for a gorgeous cover, and props to Dynamite for finally letting these two be canon. An enjoyable, light-hearted romp through the Xena-verse. I wouldn't recommend the other Dynamite adaptations in this series (they ranged from poor to awful) but this one is worth picking up if you're a fan of the show.
December 7, 2023
Me ha guatado mucho. Vi algún capítulo de la serie cuando era pequeña pero casi no recuerdo nada, tengo ganas de verla por completo. M e gustó este comic lo interesante y divertida que es la dinámica de la parejita de Xena y Gabrielle añadiendo el sass de Eris que se une a la aventura por el mundo.
August 14, 2025
This is the coolest thing ever! I didn’t know these existed until a customer bought it from my store, Barnes & Noble. Luckily, we had two copies and I bought the second one! I have been a huge Xena fan since 1998! I read this so fast! I am now looking into the other graphic novels. The style of Book is a really great way of palette cleansing.
10/10 for Xena Fans!!!
10/10 for Xena Fans!!!
June 1, 2022
Un cómic ameno con acción, humor y amor como en la serie original; para mí lo más destacable y entretenido de este es la dinámica entre xena, gabrielle y discordia.
También hay una capibara muy mona.
También hay una capibara muy mona.
March 3, 2020
Review submitted to Diamond Bookshelf for potential publication.
August 15, 2020
Xena y Gabrielle 🥰🥰🥰🥰
November 1, 2020
This is entertaining. It’s in the vein of one of the more comedic episodes of the TV series. The capybara is awesome, and I really like David Mack’s covers.
June 7, 2021
Good fun! Nice to see Xena and Gabrielle being true to themselves. A fun little trip with Discord.
April 19, 2022
Sadly not a What-if-Mad-Max-but-Xena story, but suitably awesome nonetheless.
June 2, 2022
3.4 stars
Art 4 stars
Art 4 stars
January 6, 2023
Never knew how much I needed to see Discord and her familiar capybara just being besties 🥰
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews