Dedicated readers of the television show and ongoing comics series will recall Eli - the peaceful leader of a new religion who resurrected Xena and Gabrielle after they were crucified and left to die. Eli and his followers earned the eternal gratitude of Xena and Gabrielle with their selfless act. Now Eli is dead, and his followers are wasting away in the dungeons below the Roman Coliseum, awaiting a terrible death of blood sport and sacrifice. Xena and Gabrielle are prepared to use any means necessary to free the peaceful group, but the followers of Eli will condone no blood to be shed in exchange for their lives. Can Xena take on Rome without a sword, and if she does, will her loyal friends be spared the violent and insane death the Circus Maximum has planned for them?
"This is a particularly good arc in the Xena story, since it shows how she's changed in the last few years, and what her priorities are now that she's been crucified, gone to Hell, and come back," said series editor, Dave Land. "She's more concerned with doing what's right, so it's even more difficult for her - and intriguing for readers! - when she tries to put down the sword and handle things without resorting to violence. Of course, this is a Xena story, so eventually the sword comes back..."
Xena: Warrior Princess - Blood and Shadows is a 96-page trade paperback, collecting issues #7-10 of the ongoing series written by John Wagner and Ian Edginton, and featuring art by Davidé Fabbri and Mike Deodato. Look for this full-color trade for the retail price of $11.95 starting January 17.