Nemesis The Warlock: The Insinerator & Traffic Wars
Bryan was unhappy when he saw my changes in the published version of the Prog, and made a special point of phoning me.
I’m blown away by Nemesis the Warlock: the Definitive Edition. My compliments to the publishers, Rebellion, and especially their designer Gemma Sheldrake for the truly inspired front and back covers.
Such a Definitive Edition requires a Definitive Commentary, a companion piece for when you’re looking at the beautiful art by art-creator Kevin O’Neill and the other talented artists that followed him. So it’s time for The Secret History of Nemesis the Warlock, an episode by episode revelation of what really went on behind the scenes.
Episode 2: The Insinerator
Torquemada returns and is sentenced to die at the stake – an insinerator with a magicoal effect, designed by Bryan with the same dark humour that Kevin would have employed. I was pleased to see in the procession penitents Brother Gogol and a male catoblepas named Sir Evric, still awaiting their final punishment and fate.
I like the idea that their crimes were so bad, so heinous, that the Terminators needed to take their time and give it every consideration before deciding on their punishment. This undoubtedly was inspired by a childhood incident where I drew some crude effigy that was seen as so evil, so vile, I wasn’t beaten but instead sent to church to pray for forgiveness. With the threat of some final punishment later, after it had been given full consideration. More on that in my post Nemesis the Warlock: Eps 11-12 The Catoblepas & The Pillory of Pain
Meanwhile, Nemesis, with a decidedly 80s cool look, is married and murders Magna –all in one scene! Such is the frenetic pacing of the strip. And, at the end – the return of Satanus! I was aware of how Satanus had been a big hit in my Cursed Earth story for Judge Dredd, so I saw him as an ongoing villain and also the perfect ‘pet’ for Thoth.
Episodes 3 and 4: Traffic Wars
Torquemada is in an endless groundhog day, burning at the stake over and over again for all eternity, beautifully rendered by Bryan. It was good to see Satanus devouring a Mega-City Judge. He particularly enjoyed his meal because the Judge reminded him of his old enemy Judge Dredd.
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