The Mercenary : the fortress

We encountered Claust in The Formula, an alchemist seeking a bodyguard, feared by the Monks of the Crater. They strategize to infiltrate his fortress housing a vast arms cache, which he exploits to intimidate neighboring states. The monks believe they’ve found a weakness in his defenses, seeking someone brave enough to exploit it. The odds favor the Mercenary slightly, as the monks possess a form of cannon. Though the Mercenary may soar and dwellings may be ornate, the setting resembles Earth’s middle ages, reflected in attire and decor. Vicente Segrelles excels in portraying the impact of armor and scale, with Claust’s fortress looming large over ordinary dwellings. Segrelles typically eschews lettered sound effects, creating a serene atmosphere, fitting for scenes like dragon flights but less so in quieter moments like a foundry. His depiction of the Mercenary in the final panel bears resemblance to Dave Gibbons, prompting speculation. Despite static panels, Segrelles delivers breathtaking art, such as a wooden boat sailing into the night and fog, each panel a meticulously crafted painting, minimizing the need for movement in the story.