Barbaric Vol. 2: Axe to Grind

Barbaric (collected editions) #2

by Michael Moreci, Nathan C. Gooden (Artist), Robert Wilson IV (Artist)

As one of Entertainment Weekly ’s “10 Best Comics of 2021,” Barbaric – featuring Owen the Barbarian and his bloodthirsty companion Axe – returns in a whirlwind of blood, humor, and mayhem  with an evil demigod, vampires, and rampaging monsters!  

Hailed as one of the best comics of 2021 by Entertainment Weekly, Thrillist , Screen Rant , and more, bestselling BARBARIC returns with its second explosive volume!

When a foe from Owen's past returns, he embarks on a bloody mission to succeed where he once failed and kill a malevolent demigod. Which suits Axe just fine, considering he hasn't gotten drunk on god blood yet! Meanwhile, Owen's former barbarian comrade, now a timid vampire, gets cold feet about a life of violence. But in the world of BARBARIC, where orcs, giant spiders, and devil bats roam the land, and doing good is full of gore, is there any other way?

For fans of BRZRKR!, The Witcher, Conan the Barbarian , Red Sonja , Heathen, Rat Queens, and Dungeons and Dragons !

Collects the second three-issue miniseries ( Axe to Grind ) and the special one-shot standalone ( Harvest Blades )!

It’s just … BARBARIC!

From writer Michael Moreci ( Wasted Space, The Plot , and Revealer ) and artist Nathan C. Gooden ( Brandon Sanderson's Dark One, The RUSH, The Masquerade )!

PRAISE FOR BARBARIC

‘One of the “10 Best Comics of 2021…” Barbaric took only three issues to establish itself as a first-rate comic.’ - Entertainment Weekly

‘One of the “Best Comics of 2021…” It's a funny, gory, weird comic with stunning art in muted colors.’ – Thrillist

‘One of the “Best Comic Books and Graphic Novels of 2021…” the “excellent…violent, expletive-filled fantasy epic Barbaric never holds back… It’s bloody spectacular.”’ - Screen Rant

"... fantastic!" - Alex Segura (Award-winning and bestselling author of Secret Identity )

"Man o man! It is a glorious time to be reading comics. Barbaric ... delivers on the action, the violence & the funny! ... a meaty read. Bravo!" --- George G. Gustines (Writer - The New York Times)

"Don't miss this book!"
Scott Snyder (Writer - American Vampire, Batman, Justice League (DC Comics); Wytches (Image))

“ Barbaric is excellent. Beautifully drawn and brilliantly written, it’s epic, action-packed, and utterly hilarious.”
Nicholas Eames (Author - Kings of the Wyld )

“ Barbaric is a riotous, hearty stew of wit and gore… Long may Owen and Axe trod their bloodstained path, bringing us along for the adventure.”
Jonathan French (Author - The Grey Bastards)

"This comic is absolutely badass. A sentient wise-cracking morally correct axe that punishes the wicked. And its human. SO. DAMNED. GOOD."
John Hornor Jacobs (Author - This Dark Earth, Infernal Machines, A Lush and Seething Hell)

"This book is seriously great. Do not miss out!"
Darick Robertson (Artist, Co-Creator of The BOYS , Co-Exec Producer)

"From the legitimate belly laugh ...to the air-punching violence throughout to the eyebrow-raising final page, this is a perfect example of exactly why I read comics. To be entertained. " - Big Comic Page

" Barbaric looks set to be, without a doubt, one of the finest titles Vault has published, an achievement enhanced by the fact most of Vault’s line is top tier stuff." - Pipedream Comics

" Barbaric ... really does have that it factor that makes me very excited to read more. There’s tons of bloody action, humor, smart ideas, and some heart. This is without question the best debut I've read this year." - Panel Patter

BARBARIC is the best new comic of 2021 and a must-read for all fans of fantasy and action comics." - Kaboooooom

"A visually stunning, incredibly funny, action-packed bloody tale." - Comic Book Yeti

"A raucous and rambunctious read." - The Fanboy Factor

"This book is a wild ride that you just have to experience for yourself. It has all the potential to be one of the best Vault books ever, which is a hard seat to take with so many amazing books." - Wandering Nerd Girl

"This is a highly entertaining book with some absolutely spectacular writing, witty dialogue and fantastic interior artwork." - Reading With A Flight Ring

Genres: Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2023

About the author

Michael Moreci is a bestselling comics author and novelist. His original works include the space adventure novels Black Star Renegades and We Are Mayhem, as well as the comic series Wasted Space, The Plot, Hexagon, Curse, Archangel 8, and more. The Plot appeared on numerous best of 2019 lists, and Wasted Space has been hailed as one of the best comics of the past decade. Moreci's comic trilogy Roche Limit was called one of the best sci-fi comics of all-time by Paste Magazine, and Black Star Renegades was an Audie Award finalist for best sci-fi of 2018.

Moreci has also written for Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and the DC universe--including the YA graphic novel The Lost Carnival: A Dick Grayson Story. He's also adapted Eoin Colfer's bestselling Artemis Fowl series into graphic novels.

He lives outside Chicago with his family.

Reviews

[Shaun Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbaric Book II Axe to Grind collects issues 1-3 of the Vault Comics series written by Michael Moreci with art by Nathan Gooden and Robert Wilson IV.

Owen, Axe, and Soren return and are joined by Steel, Owen’s former friend, barbarian, and current Vampire, on a mission to defeat the evil Gladius, and evil goblin who is raising an army.

The plot is pretty standard fantasy fair but this series is just so fun, especially the banter between Owen and Axe. The art is also super bloody and over the top which adds to the humor of the book. This book ends on a pretty big cliffhanger so thankfully it isn’t too long of a wait between the next volume.

[Jason Waltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbaric II continues a fun story with fun storytelling. Axe is by far the star of the show. Owen is a good barbarian, Soren is a cool sorceress, and Steel finally grew some balls. Good story too, lots of blood and mayhem, an interesting mix of a little sciencey sorcery, blood magic, vampirism, drunkenness and debauchery. The art from Gooden is excellent and blends with the story well. the art of the second story does not. after a great cover, the rest feels/looks juvenile. still sticks well with the story though, but if all the art was like this I would not grant 5 stars. I did enjoy the second story quite a bit as well, a good backstory tale.

[James DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful follow-up to one of the funniest comics ever created.

This basically has Owen and his crazy ass Axe and two friend join him on an adventure to exact revenge on a old nemesis who really fucked over Owen in the pass. This is as bloody, fun, and exciting as the first, with plenty of laugh out loud moments. Owen and the Axe are the highlight but I also really like the entire crew here. I can't wait for book 3!

[Alberto Martín de Hijas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pues un poco lo mismo que el anterior. Espada y brujería bastante desmadrada y con un punto de humor.

[Matty Dub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing exceptional or even original here but all the pieces work and the result is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s like a favorite b-movie given comic form. It’s much less a Conan clone than the previous volume, still 100% sword and sorcery as a genre but Owen and Axe are fully defined characters in their own right by now, it was still perfect as a Conan clone though, it just rocks so hard. I’m keeping my sub going for the third arc!

[Greg (adds 2 TBR list daily) Hersom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for S&S fans

If you're into sword-and-sorcery tales and dark humor, then Barbaric is a comic you should be reading.
This series is so much fun, and it checks all the boxes.

[Shawn Ingle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better than the first volume with more character development and backstory.

[Kelly Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one had more action and plot. was hoping for more vampires and cant wait to get axe's backstory.

[Zedsdead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen the (ex) barbarian, Soren the witch, and Steel the vampire warrior face down a vampire lord, a kraken, and an enemy from long ago. Cliffhanger!

Always fun. Axe makes a great comic sidekick when it gets blotto on vampire giant blood or stuck in a spine.
"Axe, what are you doing, let go."
"I campf! I'b shtuck!"

Barbaric is a good joke, but after two volumes it is starting to feel repetitive and one-note. The kind of series I'm glad to have started but won't miss if I don't finish it.

[Lucille · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5
Aventure de dark fantasy très fun !

[Brian Rosenberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barbaric, Vol. 2, Axe to Grind
Vault Comics

Intro is barbaric Owen and his crew – Axe the axe, Steel the Vampire, and Soren the Witch, battling Giant Vampires. Giant Vampires… That’s new.
Owen’s crew set sail to stop Gladius, the Orc Warlord. Owen & Steel share a history with Gladius. Enter a Kraken (not the Rum brand). Steel proves useless in the battle.
With the ship captain dead & ship abandoned, the surviving crew make their way to shore where they are confronted by a Gladius’ Welcoming Party. So long Welcoming Party.
Steel recounts his history with Owen and Gladius to Soren. The old crew was composed of Owen, Wizard, Steel, and their leader Deadheart. They believed Gladius dead but he was saved by his Witch, Doxon. After the battle, the survivors go their separate ways.
Back to the present, more Orcs arrive. Steel stays behind to battle the Orcs, allowing Soren, Owen, and Axe to confront Gladius. In route, they defeat a giant tree thing.
Final battle. Gladius exiles Owen to somewhere. Maybe Hell? Steel arrives. Soren now welds Axe. Gladius and Doxon survive.
Next is a flashback with the old crew. They are prisoners of the mad cleric Kizal but not for long. Kizal is defeated, a tale Owen recounts to a group of youngsters.
A new crew enlists Owen and Axe’s aid. Enter giant spider. Enter betrayal. Enter giant bat.

Best quotes:
Owen - “For now, keep killing.”
“I hate Vampires. I hate Giants. I hate Everything.”
“Keep Cutting.”
“Time for a drink.”
La’Kandra - “You handle a sword like an adolescent boy touching his first breast.”

I really like the design of the Mushroom-helmed Wizard.
Fun barbarian comic not titled Conan.
Nice covers.
Looking forward to the next volume.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbaric Vol. 2: Axe to Grind by Michael Moreci is about Owen, the protagonist from the first volume, facing an enemy from his past. Owen learns that a malicious demigod, Gladius, has returned. He had tried killing Gladius before but Gladius managed to escape before Owen could finish him off. Owen’s bloodthirsty weapon, Axe doesn’t mind that Owen is following his own plan of vengeance because he wants to try god blood. As Owen tries to track down Gladius, he is joined by Soren and his barbarian comrade, Steel, who is now a timid vampire who prefers to avoid violence.

The graphic novel was the second book in the series. It follows the same artwork style and storyline from the previous novel. I thought it was a quick and entertaining read. I liked learning more about Owen’s past and seeing him bond more with Soren. Like the previous graphic novel, it has humor sprinkled throughout. The graphic novel does contain one short story at the end which shows an interaction between Owen and Axe in the past. It isn't directly related to the story but I thought it was a fun inclusion for those who want more Owen’s and Axe’s adventures. I am excited to read the third part of the series to see what happens next!

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read all but issue #3 of Axe to Grind as individual digital comics before losing track of this series. This collection got me caught up quickly. Love the art and Axe. Through Steel, we get alot of PTSD and survivors guilt exploration. I like how it's done even if I'm not the biggest fan of his character. Owen Owen's himself into yet another questionable fate which sets up some interesting story to come.

Soren, though, really takes the lead here. When she isn't being the best weapon they have, she's an unpaid therapist for the guys that listens in ways Owen never will. I'm sure she isn't done saving our Barbarians, but she is a fitting wielder for Axe and I look forward to the next arc which will hopefully give her more of a starring role for a bit.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a good ol' barbarians, sorcerers, and demons bashing each other about tale. Love Owen and Soren. The story is pretty tropey but ok. You buy it for the artwork which is fantastic! Until the one shot at the end of the book that is soooo very bad. Fantasy art is not Robert Wilson IV's forte. Owen looks like a reject from a metal band. The rest of the cast look like poorly costumed cosplayers. The action sequences are...terrible. Can't comment on the one shot story because the art was such a turn off I quit reading after four pages. Four stars demoted to three for including the one shot in this otherwise enjoyable collection.

[Mee Too · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are fun but definitely not 4✨ worth😂

The story line is thin, the language overly vulgar, bordering on plain dumb, with just enough verbal nuggets to show you that the writer could do better but is too lazy to do so. Arts pretty good, although the blood is so overly done it makes the pages look like an orange blob. I feel like this could be good but its gonna fall apart in the next volume. Maybe the writer or artist has like a dependency problem and they’ll find some random last minute replacements and the art and story will be all different and nonsensical.

My favorite 😂

3.5⭐️👍🏽

[Colin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided to give it another chance. No strong feelings, just no strong feelings - meh. The battles seems half hearted with little investment into the adversaries. They slaughter mountains of orcs at no cost or seemingly risk to themselves. Apparently, many of our heroes simply cannot die. The artwork is great, some of the dialogue is entertaining, but I failed to get invested with the simple story, the lack of back story for our main hero and caring for characters that don't really struggle, or doubt, or have to try too hard since they can't die.

[Thom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received access to read this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Volume 2 meanders a little compared to the first but, all told, the flashback one-shot wasn't too bad. It was a good point to have a break in the main storyline. Shifting art styles helped keep the mental framing that we were in another time, but I prefer the usual more detailed style with its higher contrast.

[jlreadstoperpetuity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously this series couldn't get any better!! The return of the bloodthirsty, sassy Axe is what I have been waiting for! If you are a fan of The Witcher, I feel like Owen, Geralt and the Axe can get along just fine. Two brooding Alpha's with a sassy weapon to boot would be a treat to read.

This one took a much more interesting turn than the first one in the series. More refined plot and the art work is awesome.. as usual 🌟

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most original fantasy series, but it may be the most fun one. Owen and his talking cursed axe are hilarious. This one expands the world as an old friend partners with Owen and Soren as an old foe of Owen's returns. Owen remains a dumbass who powers through his problems by killing everyone in sight. Volume 3 will build off this one too. I dig the art too. There's also a flashback one shot that isn't quite as good.

[Nicole Mosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbaric delivers it’s title and has quickly become one of my favorite comic books out right now. The art is gorgeous, the story is great, gory, and the characters develop with every issue. A badass three issues that are a blood-soaked romp in fantasyland.

[Trevor ComicFan · Rating 4 out of 5]

85

Not as good as volume one, but offered more mystery and intrigue into Owen’s past. The one shot was funnier than the main three issue story, but the artist was not as good, so take what you can get.

[Andres Pasten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mantiene el buen nivel del volumen anterior. Recomendable lectura de fantasia.

[Niche · Rating 4 out of 5]

More violence and some story

The story's turned into something like a cross between Hellboy ad Conan the Barbarian with some comedic banter thrown in.

[Natalie Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual arc 2 was weak and confusing compared to how much fun arc 1 was. Harvest Blades at the end felt much more like what I initially enjoyed.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The trio make it to their nemesis. It doesn't go well. I like the interactions between the barbarian and his axe.

[Peter Melancon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is great, Conan meets Evil Dead, meets Dungeons and Dragons.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, frankly, I was bored. We got a little backstory. One character is dealing with some trauma. Ok. But mostly, it's slash, maul, and repeat.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Metal AF and fun AF.