Monte Cook's Ptolus - City by the Spire 6 of 6

Issue 6
Written by Monte Cook

This issue picks up right where five left off with the Iron Mage and Sheva Callister trying to figure out what to do now. Apparently, the Hound was killed in the battle and the Iron Mage shows his gratitude to Sheva for helping him with Kervis. It is around this time that Sheva notices her hungersword is missing, taken by Gattara Vladaam back to her father as a birthday present. The Iron Mage offers Sheva his assistance in retrieving the blade. Before long, the infiltrate the Vladaam mansion and face off against the siblings Gattara, Aliaster and Godfred. While Sheva duels with Godfred, the Iron Mage makes little work of Aliaster and Gattara. Ultimately, the Iron Mage holds them at bay and threatens that if they ever go against Sheva again, he will personally see them at an end.

The Iron Mage then transports himself and Sheva to his home, which is halfway across the world. He takes the Book of Whispering Souls from Sheva to study while Sheva wanders his compound. Eventually, he summons her and she is finally reunited with Parnell, he ghost friend. It turns out that Aliaster had used a spell that had trapped Parnell's soul, so he remembers nothing since trying to escape the Vladaam compound in issue one. With his debt seemingly paid, the Iron Mage transports Sheva and Parnell back to Ptolus. In the Dark Sanctuary, Lilith is fuming over the failed attempt by the Hound. One of her major demons (or is she his worker?) finds the resolution favorable, since now they know the Iron Mage can be subdued. If it had not been for Sheva, he would be gone. They make plans to make sure she isn't around when they try to "take the city" so Sheva and the Iron Mage can team up again.

At the Ptolus tavern, Sheva reunites with a healthy Brusselt and Daersidian, who then proceed to liven up their adventures for Parnell. They leave the tavern later and are stopped by Lord Dorant Khatru, the main reason they were in Ptolus. He wanted to know if, after two weeks, Sheva had gotten the Brooch of Khatru from House Vladaam. She in fact had and hands it over to him in return for a scroll. Sheva tells Parnell that Kervis Killraven had the Brooch and that their reward was a map to a temple that apparently held the secrets of bringing a ghost back to life. The series ends with Sheva asking Parnell "Ready for another adventure?"

Well, apparently Caanan White wasn't around for this issue either, but it didn't show as much as with issue four's changes. I am still a bit unsure about how I feel about the final issue. I think I was expecting more of big climactic ending. I was thinking perhaps Lilith and her demons would play a part, but I guess they were just a lead into what would possibly come in any further series, though I don't think there will be any (at least not with Marvel). I also had pegged Parnell as being in on this, but that was not the case. I was also hoping for an appearance by the Vladaam patriarch, but that didn't happen either. The highest point of the issue was again the great artwork, though it did venture a bit into the cartoon-ish look. Overall, I think I would give the series a 6 / 10. For this issue, though, I would give:

Score: 3 / 5

Monte Cook's Ptolus - City by the Spire 5 of 6

Issue 5
February 2007
Written by Monte Cook

The Iron Mage is a legendary figure in the realm of Ptolus, an enigmatic character who works for his own interests and sides with whomever he likes. This concerns Sheva Callister, who has temporarily allied herself with him as she continues her unwinding quest to recover a brooch and to extract revenge on the mysterious figure who set her up and killed her ghostly partner. But is the Iron Mage truly on her side. or does he have some hidden agenda?

The issue beings with the Iron Mage still asking for the book from Sheva (man, does he look different) while the Hound runs amok in the compound below. The Iron Mage states that he believes the Hound is there for the book. He explains to Sheva that the Book of Whispering Souls, which she hopes can help her ghost friend Parnell, is actually also a Hound that has been trapped into book form. They watch as Kervis Killraven charges at the creature on horseback. The Iron Mage joins her after warning Sheva he will be back for the book. Not wishing to give it over, Sheva begins to sneak away and instead finds Gattara Vladaam doing the same. Sheva confronts her and states she knows the Vladaam's wish for her hungersword. Because she does not want his help, Killraven leaves the Hound to the Iron Mage and returns inside where she encounters a dazed Sheva who had been fighting Gattara. With ease, Killraven is able to subdue Sheva and take the Book. She then contemplates killing the Iron Mage while he is distracted fighting the Hound.

Acting on this impulse, Killraven knocks the Iron Mage down and gloats a bit before going for the killing blow. Sheva, however, steps in and strikes at Killraven long enough for Iron Mage to recover some senses. He uses a spell and Killraven and her stallion disappear. While the two contemplate what to do, the Hound seems to slink off, as does Gattara. She doesn't leave empty-handed, though, since she was able to swipe Sheva's hungersword when Killraven had Sheva winded. The issue ends with Gattara gloating over the sword.

Curious. Apparenly, Caanan White returned for the issue and one can easily tell from the first page that a different artist was working on this title. The Iron Mage looked NOTHING like he did in the previous issue (say, perhaps an hour before hand) and neither did Killraven. Sheva and Gattara stayed the same. Now, I could care less about Killraven, but when the Iron Mage was introduced, I really liked his look and demeanor. It seemed like both of those were thrown out for the fifth issue. The change was jarring to say the least. As for the rest of the issue, a couple of other small things. The Hound, who seemed unabashedly evil and headstrong (which I figured) became a puppy when Killraven apparently knocked out Iron Mage. It also made no moves to take back the book while Iron Mage and Sheva contemplated what to do with it at the end. Another quick drastic change I found not good. Finally, Gattara made off with the hungersword way too easily. I think the most interesting part of the issue was when Iron Mage revealed that the Book of Whispering Souls was actually another Hound bound to the book. Otherwise, art withstanding, I found the issue below average. A steady decline in the book is frightening and I can only hope the finally issue will go out with a bang and not a whimper.

Score: 2 / 5

Monte Cook's Ptolus - City by the Spire 4 of 6

Issue 4
January 2007
Written by Monte Cook

Sheva Callister, a retired treasure hunter who’s come back for one last job, is painfully aware of this as she stumbles into the underground tomb of Narros, the Lich King, a powerful undead creature who does not appreciate her intrusion. But if she and her companions can escape, they’ll only be plunged into more excitement and deception as various nobles from the city above use her in a pawn in a strange game of their own. That is, of course, unless the legendary “Iron Mage” appears and lends her a hand…

This issue begins in the Necropolis where the enigmatic Lilith (introduced in issue 1) is shown conversing with one of her demons about the Hound who entered into Ptolus (during issue 2). She begins to wonder if Killraven is the Hounds prey. Back in the Crypt of Narros beneath Ptolus, Sheva, Brusselt and Daersidian are meeting Narros face-to-face. Despite Brusselts honest plea that they are just passing through, Narros turns his necomatic ways on them and summons four skeleton snakes. Narros tries to use spells against Daersidian, the elf battlemage, but he is able to counter his spells, much to Narros' suprise. Before he could try any further actions, Sheva cleaves one of the skeleton snakes onto him. Brusselt is hurt bad in the impact and Daersidian uses a spell to take them both to the surface while Sheva continues on.

Not soon after, Sheva meets the Iron Mage, the most powerful mage in the world. The Iron Mage is in the sewers tracking the Hound and knows nothing of the apparent meeting between Gattara Vladaam and Kevris Killraven. The Iron Mage suggest that the book Kevris may have could be the Book of Whispering Souls. He leaves before the conversation can go further and Sheva continues on to her destination. Making her way through the cellar, she infiltrates Killraven's meeting place and overhears her and Gattara talking about obtaining Sheva's hungersword. Sheva goes through the place and ultimately finds the Book. However, as she tries to leave, The Iron Mage shows up and demands she hand the book over in the final scene.

I was kind of interested to see that Canaan White's name wasn't in this issue, unlike previous ones. The artwork was instead handled by Luis Lara, but it was almost unnoticeable in the difference. In fact, it was way better than the second half of the previous issue that I didn't enjoy. I liked the action scene with Narros and thought the skeleton snakes were really cool looking. Also, the Iron Mage seems like a very cool character and I look forward to seeing what he has to deal with the Hound. I don't think he is threatening Sheva at the end, but securing the books since it holds incredible necromatic spells. I am still looking forward to the final two issues of this series.

Score: 4 / 5

Monte Cook's Ptolus - City by the Spire 3 of 6

Issue 3
December 2006
Written by Monte Cook

Sheva Callister is still mourning the disappearance of her dead partner, Parnell, but she won’t that stop her from getting revenge on Kevris Killraven, who is apparently behind the wild goose chase she has been sent on throughout the mysterious city of Ptolus. The best way to get back at him is to intrude on a private meeting on the site of an old church, and Sheva has no problem wading through the catacombs below to do so.

This issue begins in the Temple Asche, where the high priest Mand Scheben is using healing to bring Sheva back from the brink of death after being shot up by the Shuul at the end of the previous issue. After a brief respite, Mand converses with Sheva about an arcane spellbook which had come to the city recently. It might be from this book that Allister had used a spell that did something to Pallen. It turns out the book is currently in the possession of Kevris Killraven, who Sheva is beginning to think orchestrated everything along with House Vladaam . Before Sheva leaves, though, Mand tells her of a very unusual presence currently in the city (most likely the hellhound that entered in the previous issue). Sheva, Daersidian, and Brusselt decided to crash the meeting between Killraven and Gatara Vladaam by coming from underneath them through the sewers.

While navigating the sewers, the three encounter first a crypt worm, then the crypt of Narros, a wizard. Sheva sets off a magical trap by accident, but the group regroups, only to face off against some skeletons while waiting for Brusselt to open a locked door. After he does so, they are now in a expansive room with a bridge where more undead skeletons await them. The dispatch with these as well, after a close call on Brusselt's part, and continue on only to be confronted by the skeleton of Narros himself. He demands their lives for defiling his resting place as the issue ends.

This was a very good action packed issue, but about halfway through it seemed to me like the art work quality began to slip a little and not be as detailed. However, this is made up for in the good narrative and action sequences. I am finding myself really enjoying the comic relief of Brusselt, more than I thought I would. The beginning of the issue, we start to see the culmination of where the story is headed with an alliance between Killraven and House Vladaam. At halfway through the series, I am very pleased that I was able read it.

Score: 3 / 5

Monte Cook's Ptolus - City by the Spire 2 of 6

Issue 2
Written by Monte Cook

Sheva Callister knows she’s on a wild goose chase - but she’s in too deep now, and her ghostly partner is destroyed in a surprising skirmish. With the help of a couple of hired swords, Sheva continues her journeys through Ptolus, the city by the spire, hoping to uncover who - or what - is behind her trouble. But danger lurks at the end of this chapter, and Sheva may not live to see the end of the story!

The issue begins with a flashback of three years ago, showing Sheva and Pallen taking on the dragon to get the Crown of Ki-Lias. The flashback ends after Pallen is incinerated. Back in the present, Sheva is still facing off against Godfred Vladaam as Allister Vladaam, his brother, looks on. They are demanding her hungersword, which Sheva had revealed in the first issue that it was something their father, Itistrul, wanted. Using an old magical device, she is able to escape through the window only to be surrounded by werewolves such as those she encountered on the way in. She explains what she had done to their companions and that they should know she has a hungersword. They back off as she gets away. Elsewhere, a hellhound enters the city, most likely in search of Sheva.

The following day, Sheva begins to investigate who might be behind the trap at House Vladaam. She believes Lord Dorant of Khatru believed the Brooch of Khatru really was there, but to play safe, she tries to get answers from Norvan, a waiter/butler of House Khatru. He tells her that the information on the Brooch came from Havander, a mage working for the Sorn, a mercenary sorcerer group. Deciding she needs back up, Sheva calls upon old friends Daersidian Ringsire and Brusselt Airmol who agree without any questions. Another one page flashback shows Sheva conferring with a Gaen priest about bringing Pallen back, but since he was holding the Crown when incinerated, he is stuck between worlds. She then vows to get a necromancers help.

The three go to find the sorcerer, but encounter the Shuul guarding the place. The Shuul are an organization bent on bringing science and technology back to the forefront of the world. After invisibly scouting the building, Brusselt says there are many Shuul and some mages inside. The three agree that the direct approach would be best. Another quick flashback before the battle shows Pallen and Sheva talking for the first time thanks to ghostweed. He is grateful for her being his friend and doing this. Sheva confronts Havander after a bloody entrance to his hideout and questions him where he got his information. It turns out it came from Kevis Killraven, one of two major players in the criminal underworld of Ptolus. With their guard down, they didn't realize that additional Shuul were in the complex. They come bursting through the door, guns blazing, and gun down Sheva. The issue ends with a panel of her shot to hell looking dead.

Wow, I am glad that I went out of my way to find this second issue. As with the first, the art is amazing and really adds a lot of atmosphere to the comic. Monte Cooks world just gets more and more complex. Certainly, technology in medieval settings isn't something new, it was fun to see the Shuul look kind of Matrix-y. I also like the added friends of the elf and halfling. They are very neutral characters, enjoying killing but not being evil about it. I am getting a suspicion that Pallen has had a hand in what is happening. This may be payback for what Sheva had done by not helping him. I am very pleased with this comic and where it is headed.

Score: 4 / 5

Monte Cook's Ptolus - City by the Spire 1 of 6

Issue 1
Written by Monte Cook

Sheva Callister is a former adventurer and treasure hunter who is supposed to be retired after the death of her partner, Parnell. But a noble from the mysterious city of Ptolus meets her with a special task - he’ll give her something she desperately wants if she’ll retrieve a special brooch for him. Sheva takes the job, against her better judgment, and soon finds herself in a complex web of deception as some of Ptolus’s most infamous residents attempt to kill her and take her hungersword!

I only saw the project being advertised and decided to try and pick up some issues before it heads to TPB. I found each issue except for #2, so I got the first one to see if I like it enough to hunt down the second one. The issue begins with a narrator, identifying herself as Sheva Callister, the protagonist of the story, telling how she used to a be a popular sellsword. However, she no longer works for money, but an old "friend" request her help and that worries her. She meets the house leader of Khatru, Lord Dorant, who wants to use her as a thief. She agrees and that night tells her former partner, and now ghost, Parnell that Dorant wants her to break into House Vladaam. It turns out a diviner has pointed the finger at that house for having stolen the Brooch of Khatru. Elsewhere, a woman known as Lilith is contacted by demon messengers about a hound and she speaks of a prophecy.

Later, Sheeva and Pallen begin their infiltration of Vladaam only to encounter werewolves as they enter. Using her hungersword to dispatch the beasts, Sheva and Pallen enter the estate to find it is a trap. Waiting inside are Godfred and Allister Vladaam. Godfred begins to fight Sheva while Allister muses about alerting the guards to help Godfred after he took care of Pallen through the necromantic arts. Sheva comes to the realization that they knew it was going to be her and that she would have a hungersword, which Iristul Vladaam has been looking for. The issue ends with her vowing to find whoever set her on this path.

Well, I was hoping for a good comic here and I believe I found it. One of the first things that caught my attention in Previews was the art style and I was not disappointed. It was very beautiful and matched this medieval setting quite well. While certainly a primer to the full six-part series, I was hoping for a bit more background, especially on the mysterious Lilith and Iristul and why he wants the hungersword. I am sure, though, that this will come to be in the second issue though. I really like the character of Sheva. I have always appreciated a strong female character, be it Buffy, Faith, Thursday Next, Goldmoon, Laurana, ect. and I think Sheva is a good addition to these. I guess I am going to have to go searching local comic shops for the second issue and the rest of the series. This is one I want to see to the conclusion. I would give this a perfect 5 if not for some nagging questions I wanted.

Score: 4 / 5