Kingsway West #1 is the start of a new series written by Greg Pak and published by Dark Horse Comics. It opens up in 1861 in an area called the Golden City Dead Zone in Northern California. A discovery in 1848 of a substance called Red Gold transformed the area due to its extraordinary ability to power “extramundial” phenomena.  But the transformation was one of war and massacres over a long period of time as different factions fought for control over the substance. Kingsway Law, a former soldier in the army of the Queen of the Golden City, is one who has tried to break away from the cycle of violence. However, he’s hunted by others because of the bounty placed on his head for desertion. None of those hunting him can match his prowess but he is wounded badly during one encounter. He wakes up hours later in the care of Sonia, a Mexican soldier, who despite belonging to another army has decided to help him instead. The two of them eventually create a life together in the wild since that land doesn’t belong to the Chinese or Mexicans. But when a new vein of Red Gold is discovered years later, will their life together survive when new hunters arrive almost daily?

When the story jumped to 5 years after Kingsway and Sonia met it was understandable, and the assumption was that they were able to establish a successful life together even if they had to deal with the occasional hunter entering the wilds trying to collect a bounty. So when a mysterious woman entered the wilds looking for him it made sense that she wouldn’t have been able to identify him so easily after all this time. It didn’t make sense that not even one aspect of Kingsway and Sonia’s life together was shown considering that would be his sole motivation to get involved in the events that would unfold. Especially considering how easily his home was found. But the conflict between this woman and the Golden City Guard was still entertaining, and the action involving the red gold did more than pique my interest.

SUMMARY

Kingsway West #1 is an interesting start to the series by introducing an entertaining protagonist, story set up and the concept of Red Gold. The opening sequence with Kingsway sets the tone early with the character and the establishment of his life with Sonia is a great way to make the story more engaging. And the Red Gold not only makes the action better but the value of it creates an intriguing world dynamic that I hope is explored further in future issues. However, the way the story jumps around including the way it skips showing Kingsway’s life with Sonia, which is his motivation, prevents it from being as engrossing as the premise. But with the way this issue unfolds overall I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Release Date: 8/24/16
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Mirko Colak