Elementals #3
Published and © by Comico, 1984
Title: “Birds of Prey”
Synopsis: The battle between the Elementals and Destroyers rages on as the villainous Saker courts more demonic power.
Writer: Bill Willingham
Penciler: Willingham
Inker: Rick Rankin
Review: The Elementals comes into its own with this strong third issue, as writer/artist Bill Willingham seamlessly melds epic fantasy and superhero tropes into something quite fresh. His approach to violence – actions have real consequences in this book – grounds the series and ups the sense of stakes. On the art side, Willingham is already a skilled storyteller, one who is getting better each issue. There is an occasional awkward panel or pose, but such quirks result from an obvious willingness to experiment and grow. From page design to rendering to use of silhouettes, this is lovely stuff.
Grade: A
Second opinion: “A decidedly different superhero team.” – R.A. Jones, Amazing Heroes #63, Jan. 15, 1985 … “(Issue #3) continued to show the graphically realistic consequences of violence – which is a trademark of the book and the cause of some controversy.” – R.A. Jones, Amazing Heroes #85, Dec. 15, 1985 … “Willingham’s story is dragging, and his fine Golden-inspired art isn’t helped by Rich Rankin’s inking. Grade: C+” – Gene Kehoe, It’s a Fanzine #29, June 1985
Cool factor: With Elementals, Grendel and Mage, Comico is positioning itself as one of the stronger publishers of the early direct market.
Character quotable: “Do you think you’re in a damn comic book?! This is a war, darling! … And in war, people tend to die.” – Morningstar, playing for keeps
A word from the creator: “Violence, which is an inherent part of this comic book, when it appears, will be handled in a more responsible manner. When we show violence we will also show the results of that violence. – Bill Willingham, discussing the dangers of unrealistic, “A-Team”-style violence, from the editorial in this issue
Editor’s note: This review was written Sept. 8, 2025.
