After the success of “Nottingham” vol. 1, Mad Cave’s medieval noir is returning for a second case, where Sheriff Blackthorne finds himself with an unlikely partner. “Nottingham: King’s Ransom” reunites writer David Hazan and artist Shane Connery Volk for a tale of kidnapping and treachery set during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. Luca Romano returns to provide colors, while Justin Birch will letter this time around.
“King’s Ransom” finds the monarch in question apprehended by the Holy Roman Emperor. Everard Blackthrone, better known as the Sheriff of Nottingham, is tasked with delivering the ransom and ensuring King Richard’s safe return (the alternative being death.) Things are complicated when Prince John and King Phillip of France take an interest in Richard remaining captive, forcing the Sheriff to work with his classic nemesis (and vol. 1 villain) Robin Hood. All of this, while Marian hatches her own plan to take back Nottingham.
“The response to ‘Nottingham’ vol. 1 has been incredibly gratifying, so we wanted to give our readers more of what they loved, more characters from the legends, and just plain more,” Hazan says of the project. “So we delved into the history to craft a story on a more epic scale that doesn’t forget what noir is all about, the clash between the haves and the have-nots.”
“The story is epic, so my art has had to evolve to realize the scope of David’s vision,” Volk adds. “It’s been exciting to be back in this world and with these characters. I’ve done some minor redesigns to the main cast as well as designing some brand new characters which is always so much fun!”
“Nottingham: King’s Ransom” #1 hits shelves on April 6, and is available for preorder from Mad Cave Studios. For every five issues of issue #6 ordered, retailers will receive one free issue of issue #1’s fourth printing (limit 1000).
