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Tom Taylor has been on a roll, and his new series, C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table #1, proves he’s a master storyteller, no matter the genre. While his work on titles like Dark Knights of Steel has been a favorite of mine, I was curious to see how he’d tackle a young adult comic. Turns out, he and the creative team, artist Daniele Di Nicuolo, colorist Rain Beredo, and letterer Wes Abbott, have created something truly special for a new generation.

This series feels like a classic coming-of-age adventure, similar to a shonen anime where destiny drops into your lap and suddenly you’re tasked with saving the world. From the very first page, the book grabs you. We open in Cornwall, England, with an ancient stone taking flight, its journey a mystery until it crashes into a Hollywood Hills hiking trail, narrowly missing the kids.

Taylor’s greatest strength here is his ability to build a compelling cast quickly. We’re introduced to Fel, a grounded and relatable character dealing with her parents’ recent divorce, and her “frenemy” Connor, who is cocky but charming. Their immediate dynamic, with maybe a hint of romantic tension, is both believable and engaging. The rest of the crew: Ash, Randall, Kelly, Kevin, and Hanan, are just as well-developed, with their own personalities and quirks. Taylor nails the preteen experience, from their conversations to the small-town feel of their lives.

Things kick into high gear when Fel and Connor go to investigate the crashed stone. Ignoring the sensible advice of their friend Kevin (who wisely points out you shouldn’t mess with alien rocks), they discover a giant sword embedded in it. In a beautiful, heroic scene brought to life by Di Nicuolo’s art and Beredo’s vibrant colors, Fel pulls the sword out, Excalibur-style. It’s gloriously huge, think Cloud or Guts or Absolute Wonder Woman. 

But the fun doesn’t stop there. More colorful weapons of different shapes and sizes fly out of the stone, seeking their new masters. As they land, letterer Wes Abbott’s sound effects perfectly capture the unique energy of each weapon. The best part? These aren’t just weapons; they’re sentient beings who talk and argue! They’re bonded to the spirits of legendary knights like Arthur Pendragon, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Gawain, and their bickering feels like that of a group of old friends. It’s a hilarious and fun twist on the classic King Arthur legend.

‘C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table’ #1 is an exciting and fresh take on a classic tale, perfect for a new generation of readers. It’s a promising start to what looks to be a fantastic new series.

Also, why does Kevin only get a stick? That’s messed up, Tom Taylor. You’d better have a good explanation for this!

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Tom Taylor has been on a roll, and his new series, C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table #1, proves he’s a master storyteller, no matter the genre. While his work on titles like Dark Knights of Steel has been a favorite of mine, I was curious to see how he’d tackle a young adult comic. Turns out, he and the creative team, artist Daniele Di Nicuolo, colorist Rain Beredo, and letterer Wes Abbott, have created something truly special for a new generation.

This series feels like a classic coming-of-age adventure, similar to a shonen anime where destiny drops into your lap and suddenly you’re tasked with saving the world. From the very first page, the book grabs you. We open in Cornwall, England, with an ancient stone taking flight, its journey a mystery until it crashes into a Hollywood Hills hiking trail, narrowly missing the kids.

Taylor’s greatest strength here is his ability to build a compelling cast quickly. We’re introduced to Fel, a grounded and relatable character dealing with her parents’ recent divorce, and her “frenemy” Connor, who is cocky but charming. Their immediate dynamic, with maybe a hint of romantic tension, is both believable and engaging. The rest of the crew: Ash, Randall, Kelly, Kevin, and Hanan, are just as well-developed, with their own personalities and quirks. Taylor nails the preteen experience, from their conversations to the small-town feel of their lives.

Things kick into high gear when Fel and Connor go to investigate the crashed stone. Ignoring the sensible advice of their friend Kevin (who wisely points out you shouldn’t mess with alien rocks), they discover a giant sword embedded in it. In a beautiful, heroic scene brought to life by Di Nicuolo’s art and Beredo’s vibrant colors, Fel pulls the sword out, Excalibur-style. It’s gloriously huge, think Cloud or Guts or Absolute Wonder Woman. 

But the fun doesn’t stop there. More colorful weapons of different shapes and sizes fly out of the stone, seeking their new masters. As they land, letterer Wes Abbott’s sound effects perfectly capture the unique energy of each weapon. The best part? These aren’t just weapons; they’re sentient beings who talk and argue! They’re bonded to the spirits of legendary knights like Arthur Pendragon, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Gawain, and their bickering feels like that of a group of old friends. It’s a hilarious and fun twist on the classic King Arthur legend.

‘C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table’ #1 is an exciting and fresh take on a classic tale, perfect for a new generation of readers. It’s a promising start to what looks to be a fantastic new series.

Also, why does Kevin only get a stick? That’s messed up, Tom Taylor. You’d better have a good explanation for this!