It’s been almost a quarter-century since A Clash of Kings was published, but the book is still going strong. The second novel in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series featured some of the most iconic moments in the saga, including the Battle of Blackwater Bay and the burning of Winterfell. While it’s been a while since the book originally hit shelves, and even since we got the 20th anniversary edition in 2018, this year we’ll be getting a slightly different take on Clash.
George R.R. Martin has revealed the cover for Volume 4 of the A Clash of Kings graphic novel series on his Twitter account. Check it out:
Check out the new cover for Clash of Kings Vol 4 featuring the gorgeous art work of Mel Rubi. Pre-order now. https://t.co/BMCftbKDFQ pic.twitter.com/D2FKLBkuXz
— George RR Martin (@GRRMspeaking) February 8, 2022
A Clash of Kings Vol. 4 graphic novel cover revealed
A Game of Thrones was adapted into comic format from 2011 to 2014, with four volumes penned by Daniel Abraham and illustrated by Tommy Patterson. Those graphic novels each consisted of six comic issues telling the entirety of A Game of Thrones, which is the first book in the series. There was a bit of a wait for A Clash of Kings to follow it up, but soon you’ll be able to add the final volume of the story to your collection.
The text of A Clash of Kings is being adapted by Landry Quinn Walker, with Mel Rubi providing the art. Here’s the official synopsis for Vol. 4 from Penguin Random House, Martin’s publisher:
"In the final volume of this gorgeous, full-color adaptation, simmering tensions finally reach their explosive conclusion. Dany leaves Qarth with her dragons while Theon finds himself the uneasy lord of Winterfell, though his treatment of Bran and Rickon causes their grief-stricken mother to take precipitous action which could change the course of the war.Beyond the Wall, Qhorin Halfhand’s band of scouts—Jon Snow included—prepares to face Mance Rayder’s army, while in King’s Landing one of the most iconic battles ever is about to unfold, pitting Tyrion’s wit against Stannis’s determination. For when kings clash, all the land pays the price."
A lot of good stuff in there. Who can forget Tyrion mustering the beleaguered soldiers of King’s Landing to go out and attack Stannis’ invading army? While the show did a great job with that, in the books Tyrion actually goes out onto a bridge of floundering ships in Blackwater Bay itself, fighting across their decks until he’s attacked by Kingsguard knight Ser Mandon Moore, who slices Tyrion’s face nearly in half.
Jon Snow also gets a lot more warging in during his mission north of the Wall with Qhorin Halfhand, so even if you watched the show, there will be some interesting new stuff to enjoy here.
A Clash of Kings Vol. 4 is slated for release on October 4, 2022.
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