Britannia comes to an end firing on all cylinders Read Full Review

Like any of the other stories Valiant has created for us recently, Britannia became another must read as one you don't want to underestimate for the things unknown. You hold tight to the unexpected, the unpredictability, and the fun in a journey where the destination is only as good as the obstacles that get you there. The way Britannia ends it seems like they have plans for this story to see another volume, and to that I would say bring on the next big case for Antonius the Detectioner. Read Full Review

Britanniawas quite unlike anything I expected going in, and I bloody loved every page. Another home run from one of the best comic book publishers around. Read Full Review

Britannia (as a stand-alone story) has been excellent. Taking the detective archetype and setting it in the past has been an intriguing exercise. Yet, the draw for me was the idea of The Wyrd. Female/Earth magic is not something that a lot of comics use, with one exception: Valiant, of course, have the Geomancer. Still, I think they may have found something here that they can develop into something a little bit different. I have a hunch there is more to Britannia than they are telling us. The conclusion, for one, does leave the door open for more chapters set in this time. Plus, is it me or does the Vestal Virgin Priestess Rubia look exactly like the Druid Priestess Bodmall? Perhaps the biggest hint is that this week Valiant's CEO tweeted photos of Roman/Gladiator armour with the phrase underneath reading: ‘upcoming project.' All that aside, whether it comes to something or nothing, Britannia has been an excellent four part distraction. I want more. Read Full Review

Valiant's best mini-series of 2016. Read Full Review

This series has a great deal to overcome. With four issues, a writer is limited to the amount of story they have. Economy has to be the name of the game. Britannia proves this wrong. Precious pages are used to give the reader historical context to elements in the story and bolsters the overall story. Small tidbits of information are doled out over three issues, yet the final issues gives us a giant deluge of truths all at once. In many respects, Britannia is uneven, and it should not work; however, Britannia does work, and it works very well. Read Full Review

Britannia is a complex, multi-layered story. On the surface we have a horrific murder mystery. Antonius' struggle to know precisely who is doing the murders. But interwoven and supporting this are elements that examine the nature of reality and a subtle but relevant story of loss and redemption. Readers who don't mind a bit of grappling to understand a story should find it a compelling and worthwhile read. Recommended. Read Full Review

Britannia #4 opens with Antonius Alexander defending himself against Bodmall as she has been transformed into a demonic Creature (Last Issue). As he is nearly overcome he receives a vision from Rubria, Chief Vestal Virgin. The vision insists that he survive, find the codex within himself and use it to heal and protect. The codex manages to calm Bodmall and she transforms back to normal.

Upon transformation Bodmall lets Antonius know that she senses the Sister Wyrd (Rubria) on him and lets him know that the spell has been broken. As they are talking Antonius's loyal slave, Bran interrupts them. When turns back to the address Bodmall, she is gone. 

Bran lets Antonius know that a heavy fog is coming and seems to be worrying everyone in Britannia. Antonius considers the circumstances and his experiences to this point and makes the connection that the fog is actually a sign that the creature that has been attacking the village is approaching.

With this new insight, Antonius and Bran to once again confront Perfect Gabinus. When they arrive to the Roman camp they encounter Gabinus as he is sacrificing a rabbit to appease the approaching demon, Orkus.

Antonius accuses Gabinus off sacrificing Brits and using the druid, Eryn to summon Orkus. The accusations infuriate the Perfect and he lunges at Antonius but is easily deflected.

The commotion causes other soldiers to show up but they are also dispatched by Bran and The Detectionor. 

While the battle is raging Bodmall appeals to an Elder Sister to assist Antonius. At first, the request is denied but the old woman relents when Bodmall tells her that he is protected by a Sister Wyrd.

With his men defeated, Gabinus attacks but is unable to match Antonius's blade and is also killed. With the Perfects death, Orkus reveals that he was in possession of Gabinus's body and then threatens to take Antonius as well. 

Bran suggests they hide but Antonius reaffirms that he has to find Eryn and confront him in order to protect Bodmall. 

As Antonius and Bran approach the village they see it in flames. Eryn, the Druid approaches them from behind and attacks Antonius with magic. The magics darken the area and separates the two men. The Detectionor manages to follow the Druid's voice and throws his blade connecting and ending Eryn's life. 

Antonius then collects Bran an tells him to leave and take care of his son for him. He then leaves to finally confront Orkus. 

Antonius eventually runs into Orkus. The demon immediately attempts to drive him by making him see visions of himself committing suicide. The detectioner manages to call upon the codex again and draw the Eternal Flame. His blade finds his mark and he is able to strike down the beast. 

The scene flashes forward to Rubria & Nero in Rome. Antonius approaches to their surprise and reports that the minor disturbance in Britannia has been dealt with. 

Nero leaves satisfied with the result and Antonius reveals to Rubria that after he defeated Orkus, Bodmall approached and saved him with healing magic. Rubria and Antonius part ways and Antonius leaves to see his son and try to muster up the courage to reveal to the child that he is his father. 

Rumination

Britannia #4 is an extremely satisfying conclusion to this mini-series. Antonius close's this case and all of the threads left throughout the series are tied up cleanly. It's surprising how neatly Peter Milligan is able to weave this narrative. It's the perfect blend of action, humor and exciting reveals. 

The art direction is great and it's to see the shift in tone once the book goes back to Rome. Nero shows up and is completely insane but in short doses, it's not too off-putting and I sort of missed the guy. This is one of the better conclusion to a series I've read in a while. The only knock to the comic is that It works as a concluding issue but on its own, the story is so layered I doubt anyone would be able to follow the plot. The comic would still be a fun read but having the other issues along with this one make the overall story so much better. 

This series is everything great about the comics medium and I can't wait to pick up the next arc later this year. 
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