Robin Hood. Ridley Scott (Director) Universal Pictures (2010)

A brilliant action film, with a solid story and superb acting from a stunning cast. Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) returns to England to deliver a crown to new king and a message from a dying man to his family. In Nottingham he encounters the man's wife (Cate Blanchett) and is persuaded to impersonate the dead man for a few days. He is drawn into the life at Nottingham as well as national concerns as French soldiers ravage the country in a prelude to an invasion. The ensuing struggle becomes one for freedom from English tyranny as well as French invaders. The story is very well structured and balanced, the set pieces are outstanding and the cast are outstanding.
This is not the classic Robin Hood story arc, it is concerned with how Robin Hood came to be. The story threads are crisp and clear, they weave together very nicely to deliver a strong narrative that firmly sets up Robin hood, the outlaw legend. The film is a joy to watch, the action set pieces are amazing The mixture of close up action and soaring views bring you right into the fighting and provide a understandable context. There is exactly the right balance struck between the necessary dirt to give the feel for the times and the romantic sense of the legend in the making. The story bears the political aspects easily and effectively, they are natural to the story of Robin Hood and are given their correct place here.
Russell Crowe is simply magnificent, he carries off the ferociously competent man of action with a understated macho assertiveness, allied to a subtle and engaging sense of the man looking for a home and his roots. Cate Blanchett is formidable as Lady Marion, married for a week before her husband leaves for 10 years never to return, she has the steely core and expressive charm required. There is a genuine screen chemistry between the two that feels like a meeting of equals that gives the romance real depth and strength.
A hero is defined as much by their enemies as by their actions and in Oscar Isaac's King John, Robin Hood has a suitably formidable and capable enemy. This is a silkily venomous performance, King John is a sincerely dangerous man. This film is a triumph, a joy to watch.

Outlaw. The Legend of Robin Hood.Tony Lee (Writer), Sam Hart (Artist), Arthur Fujita (Colours). Walker Books (2009)

A fresh and vivid version of the classic story that uses all the traditional elements and avoids any hint of cliche. Robin Of Loxley, Earl of Huntington returns to England from the Crusades upon hearing of the death of his father. He finds himself enmeshed in a plot created by the Sheriff of Nottingham and his henchman, Sir Guy of Gisburn. Arrested as an outlaw, Robin seeks refuge in Sherwood Forest where he swears to bring justice back to Nottingham. The fight between Robin Hood and his Merry Men against Guy of Gisburn, The Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John is delivered with great pacing, excellent action, a very solid plot and it bursts with the vital spirit of romantic adventure.
One of the great strengths and joy of this book lies in the vivid and lively cast that Tony Lee has created. Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck & Maid Marian step out from the countless previous versions and move through the story as credible, fresh characters who are actively involved in the action of the story. Guy of Gisburn is a wonderful villain, heartless and violent, cunning and ruthless he is a genuine threat. To oppose him requires honest courage, the Sheriff of Nottingham is a more sinister man, he understands that the true enemy is the hope Robin Hood inspires not just the man himself. Tony Lee has perfectly balanced the mystical and legendary and the physical and mundane aspects of Robin Hood and shows why this legend is an evergreen.
The art by Sam Hart is forceful, clear and an understated delight to read. His panels are uncluttered,the layouts varied and interesting, the details are carefully chosen to give depth to the figures who dominate. The body language of his cast and their facial expression brings the cast to energetic life.
The colouring by Arthur Fujita is a major part of the story, the tones shift and vary is a subtle and very effective way to reflect, emphasise and underscore. Both the art and the colouring are at the service of the story, the fine blending of three very strong elements make this a superb comic.

Frank Bellamy's Robin Hood. The Complete Adventures. Clifford Makins (Writer), Frank Bellamy (Art). Book Palace Books (2008)

This is a collection of the Robin Hood strips from the comic Swift and it has an unusual format, in addition to the speech balloons, there is narrative text below each panel. This was designed to make it easier for the intended audience of young readers. The story is a nice variant on the classic Robin Hood story, Robin is a the son of a Saxon lord, driven from his home by the Norman Robert the Wolf to live in Sherwood Forest. Robin Hood organises his men to live in the forest and to fight the Normans and protect the poor. He assembles his band of Merry Men and fights the Sheriff of Nottingham, is the enemy of the evil Prince John and a loyal subject of good King Richard the Lionheart. Maid Marion joins his band and after the death of King Richard they continue to rob the rich, protect the poor and make merry in Sherwood Forest. These are wonderful adventure comics, a strong story with beautiful art.

Frank Bellamy is the marquee name for the collection and it is easy to see why. The art is simply beautiful, strong and vibrant. It is filled with detail that never crowds the panels, they are balanced with precision, the background detail giving depth and strength to the foreground action. The figure work is breathtaking, Robin Hood has the dash of Errol Flynn without being a copy, the action is swift and powerful without ever being brutal or savage. The faces of the cast are a joy, they portray the emotions of the moment with clarity and force, there is real feeling in the cast.

The art stands on an excellent script by Clifford Makins, the writing is concise and swift, The episodes move quickly and effectively, the story is told in a very clear and uncluttered way. It is an unencumbered adventure story, driven by the joy of action and the thrill of danger, the knowledge that your friends can be relied upon to come to your rescue. It never reads as childish, its honest dedication make it a pleasure to read as an adult. Deeply old fashioned and still thrilling.