Assassin’s Creed Templars #1
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The good
Interesting setup to examine the meaning of being a Templar and the complexities among its members
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The bad
Black Cross is relegated to sprouting dogma and this issue doesn't delve into his character
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The ugly
- Total score
Assassin’s Creed Templars #1 is a new ongoing series written by Fred Van Lente and published by Titan Comics. This issue opens up in London in 1927 at an exclusive club where two gentlemen are having a conversation while listening to a Harlem jazz band. One of the gentlemen, Thaddeus, states to the other, Whitwell, that he was expected 3 days ago. Whitwell apparently owes Thaddeus a large sum of money but is unable to pay. Whitwell begs for more time so he can pay but even though Thaddeus agrees to more time, his demand increases and he not only wants Whitwell to pay more money but also be able to have sex with his wife. It’s not Thaddeus that Whitwell is afraid of but the fact that Thaddeus is a Templar. Before he can make anymore demands Thaddeus is handed a card from a random woman and when he sees the black cross on the card he flees the scene immediately. However, he doesn’t get far when he’s attacked by the Black Cross, who states that Thaddeus has betrayed the Templar order by abusing his power and seeking personal gain at the expense of the bigger goal. Who is this mysterious Black Cross?
The way the first sequence played out this issue was interesting for many reasons, including how the Black Cross behaved in a way similar to the Assassins. However, he was doing the bidding of the Templar order, and apparently Thaddeus’s behavior was too repulsive even for them. But this was also interesting because of the exchange between the Black Cross and Thaddeus about being loyal to the Templars and the potential of Black Cross being naïve in terms of serving the order loyally. It made it clear that there was at least some division among the ranks, and an opportunity for this series to delve deeper into what it means to be a Templar.
The issue slowed down after this in terms of action and the rest of it would focus on Thaddeus’s son, Darius. Initially I believed it was just to explore the impact of the Black Cross on Templars and their families but Darius would be given a mission to complete in order to fully join the Templar Order. I was slightly disappointed by this because I wanted to see more about the Black Cross but when Darius first arrived in Shanghai I felt the climate was perfect for exploration into the machinations of the Templar Order. However, Darius was handling things so clumsily that it took me out of the immersive experience I wanted. It wasn’t that I wanted Darius to be the perfect executioner on his first mission but he seemed to lack even common sense. Especially since the focus was on a delivery. Thankfully the ending created an exciting start for next issue and I can’t wait for that.
SUMMARY
Assassin’s Creed Templars #1 is a decent start to the series introducing an intriguing character in the Black Cross and creating an interesting setup that could explorer the dynamics in the Templar Order. The opening sequence is great in setting the stage, and it’s easy to become engrossed in it. However, the rest of the issue is somewhat hit and miss because Darius is not the most compelling protagonist and most of it is dedicated to him. Shanghai in 1927 is an interesting setting full of potential. And since it’s not long until the Black Cross makes another appearance I’m really looking forward to next issue and seeing more of the world of the Templars.
Release Date: 3/23/16
Writer: Fred Van Lente
Artist: Dennis Calero
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