A Clash of Kings #5: When the Imp and Spider were cool

George R.R. Martin’s A Clash of Kings #5
Writers: George R.R. Martin, Landry Walker
Artist: Mel Rubi
Cover: Mike Miller
FC | 32 pages | Fantasy/Adventure | $3.99 | Mature

George R.R. Martin’s A Clash of Kings #5 is a great reminder that Tyrion and Varys were once intelligent and compelling characters.

Spoilers ahead.

Sweet Shae

It might be hard to remember this, given how they were reduced to pale shadows of themselves when the “Game of Thrones” TV series ran out of book material.

So it’s a real pleasure to read this series from Dynamite Entertainment that depicts the Imp and the Spider in all their deliciously wicked and cunning glory.

Of course, it’s also a bit jarring to see the characters looking different from the TV counterparts that we watched and obsessed over all these years as “Game of Thrones” fans.

But you’ll quickly get over it thanks to the excellent prose of George R.R. Martin and Landry Walker, and the wonderful art of Mel Rubi.

One thing I’m really happy about with this visit to the past is seeing Shae again.

We are quickly reminded, however, that Tyrion could also be a bastard to Shae.

Shae: By your stupid father. You’re old enough to keep all the whores you want. Does he take you for a beardless boy? What could he do, spank you?

Tyrion: (slaps Shae) Damn you. Damn you. Never mock me. Not you.

The Spider’s story

One of the most enjoyable things about the second season of “Game of Thrones”, which adapted A Clash of Kings, were the conversations between Tyrion and Varys.

The two of them were always aware of each other’s intelligence. Even when they had different agendas, they respected each other.

It’s a treat to once again see them interacting in this manner, as they discuss the war against Stannis and the decisions Tyrion must make as the Hand.

In this issue, Varys also finally tells Tyrion the chilling story of how he became a eunuch. Which also explains why Varys hates magic and all those who practice it.

Oh, and Jon Snow is also in this issue. He still knows nothing.

(Editor’s note: This review is based on an advanced review copy provided by Diamond Entertainment. George R.R. Martin’s A Clash of Kings #5 shipped on July 22.)