America’s Kingdom #1 Review

Written by: Brian Hawkins

Art by: Aris Gonzales

Publisher: Skinny Boy Studios

Alternate reality is an interesting concept to use when creating a piece of media. The creator can take something well known and change it completely with the end result of an entirely new and original story. However, creating an alternate reality isn’t a simple path to success or quality. Many have tried and failed to create an interesting alternate reality that truly captures the attention of its audience. Thankfully, Brian Hawkins does a pretty great job of creating a new and entertaining reality with America’s Kingdom #1.

Hawkins creates a story that focuses on a reality where America never became a Democracy. Apparently, General George Washington decided in 1776 that he would become a king and rule America as its monarch. From that moment on, Washington’s family became the rulers of a very different America. America’s Kingdom #1 is set during a modern era when Prince Geoffrey (a relative of George Washington) is preparing for his upcoming wedding and coronation. Geoffrey’s father has been killed, which leaves him in charge of the country. Unfortunately (?) for Geoffrey, a rebel group led by a man named Peerless Fortane has begun rising up to potentially overthrow the terrible monarchy. Geoffrey’s job is to survive and destroy the rebellion with the help of his royal knights, but is he actually the villain?

The main thing that I enjoyed about America’s Kingdom #1 was the very specific universe. In this modern day, the Prince Geoffrey’s father outlawed the use of guns so the royal knights rely on swords and other old-fashioned weaponry. In addition, the opening chase is between a rebel on a motorcycle and the royal knights on their horses. This small scene wasn’t explained, and I’m actually happy about that. It’s a pleasure to find the random little details that set America’s Kingdom apart from other comics.

America’s Kingdom #1 does a fantastic job setting up Hawkins’ universe while creating some sympathy for the rebels. Prince Geoffrey appears to be a terrible person, and America would no doubt be better off if he wasn’t on the throne. It seems that Hawkins took the worst aspects of the former Presidents and combined them into one horrible person when he was creating Prince Geoffrey. The following issues will be very interesting to follow, especially if they stay with Geoffrey’s viewpoint.