Croisade #1

The opening volume of Dutaux and Xavier's Croisade sets a striking tone: a bloodied Crusader knight, cross emblazoned on his surcoat and sword in hand, kneels against a scorched, fiery sky — battered but unbroken. Behind him, an intricate circular symbol looms like a portent, suggesting ancient mysteries woven into the heat and dust of the Holy Land. Published by Le Lombard in 2007, Simoun Dia is a compelling introduction to what promises to be a richly atmospheric series.