The 7th Sword #1

Screenwriter John Raffo teams up with artist Nelson Blake II to deliver an intriguing first issue of the new IDW seven-issue mini-series The 7th Sword. Set in the far future on the colony world of Helios, we're introduced to former United Nations soldier turned samurai Daniel Cray who, as the comic opens, is working as a guard on a Methane shipment through the desert by Mechanoids (robotic warriors with skull heads).

Loosing the shipment, Cray makes his way across the wasteland with the convoy's only other survivor to awake in the mythical city of ZenZion. Distrustful of outsiders (espically those who worked as soldiers for Earth), and believing Cray to be a spy from the city's enemy in a greedy warlord named Kavanaugh, the city puts the warrior on trial which Kavanaugh's real soliders led by the bizarre Superfecta Five interrupt.

Part fantasy, part sci-fi, part western, with swordplay, killer robots and monsters and a reluctant hero all thrown in, The 7th Sword #1 is a strong opening to the series. I'm curious to see more of Cray and his journey. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]