The Mercenary : the black globe

Painted to evoke Santa in his red robe, Vicente Segrelles introduces his chief villain Claust discovering an ancient hidden weapon, aiming to restore his dominance after setbacks. The weapon, a laser beam encased in protective metal emitting a perpetual bright light, severs anything in its path. Living among monks grants the Mercenary access to ancient scrolls, leading to a potential solution against Claust’s weapon. Segrelles seamlessly integrates Egyptian iconography into the fantasy world, creating tension as the characters navigate deadly traps reminiscent of ancient Egyptian tombs. Segrelles delights in showcasing reverse-engineered technology with ancient aesthetics, adding complexity to the story. Despite initial ambiguity, the Mercenary’s mission proves pivotal in saving the planet, culminating in a simple yet satisfying resolution. Notably, this volume veers away from gratuitous nudity, focusing instead on character development, particularly Nan-Tay’s portrayal as a capable warrior. The series continues with The Voyage.