Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #11 opens up with Gilad asking Aric aka X-O Manowar to help him return to the afterlife by killing him. At first Aric is reluctant and asks Gilad how he was able to return when last Aric saw him was at his funeral. Gilad tells him that he decides when he returns to life, and that he needs Aric to kill him so he can make peace with someone on the other side. He tells Aric about how his son Kalam was taken from him as a baby and his entire village was destroyed. He never saw Kalam again but when he reached the afterlife he was surprised to see Kalam. However, Kalam was no longer a baby but a fully grown man with no recollection of his father. So the two had an estranged relationship in the afterlife. Since learning of the Dying One’s involvement in Kalam’s kidnapping, Gilad seeks to return to the afterlife to make amends. Aric chooses to help Gilad and also watch over his body while he’s dead so nothing happens to it this time. But is Gilad too late considering Kalam has already traveled through the woods?

After the entertaining opening sequence with Aric that also tied up the last story arc in a much better way, the dynamics in the afterlife became more engrossing. Gilad’s family hasn’t had any development since the first few issues and this one came through in that respect. I was surprised about Lena’s response to Gilad’s return and his feelings about Kalam journeying beyond the barrier. It made the characters more than just decorations and gave them substance. This even helped with Kalam’s portrayal in previous issues.

The remainder of the issue would focus on the build-up to the search for Kalam. There wasn’t any action here but it was still somewhat intense. And enemies introduced at the start of this series would make a return so hopefully they’ll be more interesting this time around. And I hope this isn’t just another great start to a story arc but it fizzles because the story isn’t further developed. However, this issue gave me a little confidence that this won’t be the case here.

SUMMARY

Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #11 is an entertaining start to the story arc due to the character development throughout. Gilad’s interactions with Aric and then his family give much-needed depth to the characters and made me feel more invested in the story line. Some of the unengaging enemies from the start of the series return but hopefully Kalam’s involvement this time will make them more interesting. I’m looking forward to next issue not just because this was a good start but so I feel at ease about it not fizzling out at the wrong time.

Release Date:9/14/16

Writer: Robert Venditti

Artist: Robert Gill