Stan Sakai’s creation Usagi Yojimbo has always been a favorite but I’ve never been able to read the story from the very beginning and Book 1: The Ronin gives readers a chance to see where it all began by reprinting some of the character’s earliest appearances before he got his own long running series. At over 140 pages Sakai puts together a very good collection for new and old readers to enjoy.
Usagi is a ronin, or wandering samurai without a master, who travels the country side town to town helping out wherever he can for whatever little money he can make. The thing about the world of Sakai and Usagi, in particular, is that Usagi is a rabbit and the world that he inhabits is filled with all manner of animals and creatures right out of a Walt Disney film (just with more violence). Don’t let the “cute” animals fool you. These characters are as ruthless and cunning as in any other adult comic book but because of the world in which they inhabit Sakai doesn’t skimp on the humor either (in fact, the humor is at times more effective than the violence).
Usagi encounters goblins, helps a prince ascend to the throne before getting killed, becomes a bounty hunter, and is accused of being a horse thief, to name a few. There is no trouble too big for him to wander into. The most enduring quality about Sakai’s character is that he gives up many qualities of a normal life in order to maintain honor and a since of morality that slowly disappears from his world. He is of a dying breed (made even more apparent in the superior stories “Lone Rabbit & Child” and its sequel “The Confession” and the more personal “Homecoming” and “Village of Fear”). Some of Usagi’s funniest stories are his misadventures with the bounty hunter Gennosuke (in “Bounty Hunter” & “Bounty Hunter II”) and when he is accused of a horse thief in “Horse Thief.”
Readers will enjoy going on the long adventure with Usagi especially if they are fans of the Japanese manga and film series Lone Wolf & Cub or Zatoichi (which are both heavy influences on this character).
CITY GARDEN - "The Old Woman & The Park"
On the set of the short film "A Gift"
Showing posts with label graphic novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graphic novel. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Graphic Novel Review: 28 DAYS LATER: VOL. 2 – “BEND IN THE ROAD”
BOOM! Studios continues its successful run of the 28 Days Later comic book series with this latest graphic novel 28 Days Later: Vol. 2 “Bend in the Road’ which collects the issues 5-8 of the continuing misadventures of Selena, from the original film, and her new companions as they re-enter the quarantined London after the Rage Virus has turned most of the populace into blood thirsty killers.
The last volume ended with Selena and her companion’s boat being blown up by government officials when they got too close to making land. This volume actually begins with a flashback issue that explains how Selena met up with her main companions (at least the ones that don’t die in the explosion) Jimmy and Derrick (who was blinded due to the explosion), two news men with an eye on breaking one of the most controversial stories going down. They’ve gone into some of the most treacherous territories all over the world and think that there is nothing new with what is going on in London, too bad for them.
By the time we catch back up with the present Selena, Jimmy, and Derrick have fallen on desperate times as Derrick needs medicine and Jimmy is willing to do anything to save him. Despite Selena’s better judgment they continue on their journey but soon encounter survivors who have been hiding out. In order to get the medical supplies they need Selena and Jimmy leave Derrick with these survivors in order to venture into the populated and infested city. The city is not what they expected especially when they were told by the government that the infestation has been “taken care of.” They encounter a city overrun with the infected. They have to hide from the infected, get the medical supplies they need, and hope they can make it back to save Derrick, but there is more than just these minor things they have to worry about as the survivors have plans for Selena and Jimmy that may spell the end for Derrick.
Michael Alan Nelson out does himself on these issues as he writes a suspense filled story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and not knowing what will happen to our characters next. The first volume had a larger amount of characters to contend with but with only three main characters (now left alive) Nelson spends more time getting into their heads and allowing readers to get a better idea of who the characters are. Artwork is provided by Marek Oleksicki (for issue #5) and Declan Shalvey (issues #6-8) who contribute greatly to the atmosphere of the story and homage to the original film. Fans of the film will greatly appreciate the lengths by which BOOM! Studios and their people have gone to craft a worthy successor to the popular film franchise.
The last volume ended with Selena and her companion’s boat being blown up by government officials when they got too close to making land. This volume actually begins with a flashback issue that explains how Selena met up with her main companions (at least the ones that don’t die in the explosion) Jimmy and Derrick (who was blinded due to the explosion), two news men with an eye on breaking one of the most controversial stories going down. They’ve gone into some of the most treacherous territories all over the world and think that there is nothing new with what is going on in London, too bad for them.
By the time we catch back up with the present Selena, Jimmy, and Derrick have fallen on desperate times as Derrick needs medicine and Jimmy is willing to do anything to save him. Despite Selena’s better judgment they continue on their journey but soon encounter survivors who have been hiding out. In order to get the medical supplies they need Selena and Jimmy leave Derrick with these survivors in order to venture into the populated and infested city. The city is not what they expected especially when they were told by the government that the infestation has been “taken care of.” They encounter a city overrun with the infected. They have to hide from the infected, get the medical supplies they need, and hope they can make it back to save Derrick, but there is more than just these minor things they have to worry about as the survivors have plans for Selena and Jimmy that may spell the end for Derrick.
Michael Alan Nelson out does himself on these issues as he writes a suspense filled story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and not knowing what will happen to our characters next. The first volume had a larger amount of characters to contend with but with only three main characters (now left alive) Nelson spends more time getting into their heads and allowing readers to get a better idea of who the characters are. Artwork is provided by Marek Oleksicki (for issue #5) and Declan Shalvey (issues #6-8) who contribute greatly to the atmosphere of the story and homage to the original film. Fans of the film will greatly appreciate the lengths by which BOOM! Studios and their people have gone to craft a worthy successor to the popular film franchise.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Graphic Novel Review: ZOMBIEWORLD: CHAMPION OF THE WORMS
The zombie genre has become its own cottage industry when it comes to the comic industry so it was with great apprehension that I picked up ZOMBIEWORLD Vol. 1: CHAMPION OF THE WORMS but I did because of the talent behind the book. I’ve always been a Mike Mignola fan so I was curious on how he would approach the material and even though I am not familiar with the art of Pat McEown it was very similar to Mignola’s own.
The story does not waste time getting straight into the story as Major Damson and his group of paranormal specialists has been consulted by a museum with a new Hyperborean relic which has been causing the museum several superstitious problems. Damson believes that the museum has unwilling set into motion the resurrection of Azzul Gotha, one of the most dreaded necromancers of the Hyperborean people, who was entombed alive in a sarcophagus. Azzul Gotha wants to bring about the end of the world and appease his Worm Gods. Now Damson and his team must find the resurrected Azzul Gotha and stop him before he can raise the dead and bring about the end of the world.
Like many of Mignola’s stories this is very fast paced but unlike the successful Hellboy books this story lacks the depth and characters of those books. This story falls flat partly because the characters never become fully developed and the story lacks any real creativity or originality. There is nothing new here that hasn’t been seen or done before. Damson’s team all seem unique and interesting but very little time is spent on any of them and they come off as being very flat and at times dull.
Being a huge fan of the zombie genre I wish I could say some good things about the title but I’ll reserve that for the next Hellboy story.
The story does not waste time getting straight into the story as Major Damson and his group of paranormal specialists has been consulted by a museum with a new Hyperborean relic which has been causing the museum several superstitious problems. Damson believes that the museum has unwilling set into motion the resurrection of Azzul Gotha, one of the most dreaded necromancers of the Hyperborean people, who was entombed alive in a sarcophagus. Azzul Gotha wants to bring about the end of the world and appease his Worm Gods. Now Damson and his team must find the resurrected Azzul Gotha and stop him before he can raise the dead and bring about the end of the world.
Like many of Mignola’s stories this is very fast paced but unlike the successful Hellboy books this story lacks the depth and characters of those books. This story falls flat partly because the characters never become fully developed and the story lacks any real creativity or originality. There is nothing new here that hasn’t been seen or done before. Damson’s team all seem unique and interesting but very little time is spent on any of them and they come off as being very flat and at times dull.
Being a huge fan of the zombie genre I wish I could say some good things about the title but I’ll reserve that for the next Hellboy story.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Graphic Novel Review: PINOCCHIO, VAMPIRE SLAYER
Whoever thought that Carlo Collodi’s original story of PINOCCHIO could be so much fun? Collodi’s original story is much darker than Walt Disney’s watered down version hence why Van Jensen & Dusty Higgins’ original graphic novel PINOCCHIO, VAMPIRE SLAYER. Unlike the Disney version the events in this story take place directly after the events in Collodi’s story.
Pinocchio does not become a real boy at the end of the Collodi story and in Higgin’s (who created the story) and Jensen’s story soon after returning to Nasolungo where his father Geppeto is killed by a race of vampires who have arisen in the town. Now, Pinocchio declares it his duty to rid the town of the plague of undead. To aid him are his two companions Master Cherry, a carpenter, and the Blue Fairy and his wooden nose which he uses to dispatch each of the vampires he comes into contact with (when he lies his nose grows and then he breaks it off and uses it as a stake to kill the vampires).
Jensen & Higgins craft a compelling story that’s both funny and romantic (since Pinocchio falls in love) and suspenseful and terrifying. No one is safe in this world and Higgins’ artwork proves this. His dark black & white artwork uses rich blacks in which the vampires hide before striking from the darkness to kill their next victim. Pinocchio is seen in such the same darkness as he is a character who is surrounded by death and is on a mission of vengeance to avenge his father’s death.
Although the story rings of influences from Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, this story is darker because as Pinocchio continues on his journey he also is slowly learning about his true origins and purpose in the world. He did, in fact, come from a piece of magical talking wood. This adds another dimension to the story that by graphic novel’s end will have you wondering when the next adventure will begin. This is a great graphic novel not for just fans of vampires but fans of Collodi’s original vision as it is a great to see where the character has grown.
Pinocchio does not become a real boy at the end of the Collodi story and in Higgin’s (who created the story) and Jensen’s story soon after returning to Nasolungo where his father Geppeto is killed by a race of vampires who have arisen in the town. Now, Pinocchio declares it his duty to rid the town of the plague of undead. To aid him are his two companions Master Cherry, a carpenter, and the Blue Fairy and his wooden nose which he uses to dispatch each of the vampires he comes into contact with (when he lies his nose grows and then he breaks it off and uses it as a stake to kill the vampires).
Jensen & Higgins craft a compelling story that’s both funny and romantic (since Pinocchio falls in love) and suspenseful and terrifying. No one is safe in this world and Higgins’ artwork proves this. His dark black & white artwork uses rich blacks in which the vampires hide before striking from the darkness to kill their next victim. Pinocchio is seen in such the same darkness as he is a character who is surrounded by death and is on a mission of vengeance to avenge his father’s death.
Although the story rings of influences from Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, this story is darker because as Pinocchio continues on his journey he also is slowly learning about his true origins and purpose in the world. He did, in fact, come from a piece of magical talking wood. This adds another dimension to the story that by graphic novel’s end will have you wondering when the next adventure will begin. This is a great graphic novel not for just fans of vampires but fans of Collodi’s original vision as it is a great to see where the character has grown.
Graphic Novel Review: WHITEOUT (Vol. 2) – MELT
With the theatrical adaptation of the original WHITEOUT graphic novel comes renewed interest in creators Greg Rucka & Steve Lieber’s (writer and illustrator, respectfully) work and the second adventure of U.S. Marshall Carrie Stetko in the cold death of Antarctica. It this second series Carrie is enjoying a little R&R when she is called back into service to investigate a tragedy at a Russian research facility. Antarctica is a cold place and it is up to Carrie to use her experience to discover what happened before an International incident occurs.
It doesn’t take long before Carrie discovers that the Russian research facility is really an underground depot that houses illegal weapons and nuclear warheads which have been stolen by a group of professional assassins. Now Carrie has to form an unwilling alliance with a Russian official in order to stop the assassins from escaping the Antarctic and sailing the nukes on the black market. Carrie is racing against time and the harsh weather that the Antarctic brings with it and either the assassins or the weather may be the death of her.
Rucka & Lieber craft another compelling story of one of the most interesting U.S. Marshall’s in comic book history. Like the first story, Rucka crafts a story in which Antarctica is the true character and all the other people in the story are just animals finding a way a way to survive in one of the harshest places on the planet. Another great aspect of the story is all the history that Rucka puts in the story that creates not only the place in which the story takes place but the mood and atmosphere which helps ground the story in reality. Lieber’s artwork accentuates this and together the two craft a story that’s just as compelling as the original graphic novel.
Even though the film WHITEOUT was a sparse version of the original graphic novel it allowed these stories to find a wider audience and that’s a great thing.
It doesn’t take long before Carrie discovers that the Russian research facility is really an underground depot that houses illegal weapons and nuclear warheads which have been stolen by a group of professional assassins. Now Carrie has to form an unwilling alliance with a Russian official in order to stop the assassins from escaping the Antarctic and sailing the nukes on the black market. Carrie is racing against time and the harsh weather that the Antarctic brings with it and either the assassins or the weather may be the death of her.
Rucka & Lieber craft another compelling story of one of the most interesting U.S. Marshall’s in comic book history. Like the first story, Rucka crafts a story in which Antarctica is the true character and all the other people in the story are just animals finding a way a way to survive in one of the harshest places on the planet. Another great aspect of the story is all the history that Rucka puts in the story that creates not only the place in which the story takes place but the mood and atmosphere which helps ground the story in reality. Lieber’s artwork accentuates this and together the two craft a story that’s just as compelling as the original graphic novel.
Even though the film WHITEOUT was a sparse version of the original graphic novel it allowed these stories to find a wider audience and that’s a great thing.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
WATCHMEN - An Epic in the Making!
Before viewing the epic comic book adaptation of Watchmen viewing must be aware of a few things before they can truly enjoy this film. First, is that director Zack Snyder has tried his best to present as faithful an adaptation to the material as he so well did with his last film 300, second - that this film was made for the fans of the graphic novel, three – that there are a lot of parallel stories and themes in the film (thus the almost 3 hour running time), and four – that this film is definitely not for children. If you understand these few things then you’re in for one of the best films of 2009.
Everyone who watches this film will compare it to last year’s mega-blockbuster The Dark Knight, but you must remember that The Dark Knight and the Batman franchise has over 35 years of stories to pull from not to mention all the television series, theatrical serials, and theatrical films, so, there is not a whole lot of originality when it comes to the Batman franchise. Instead, those films rely on the way they are presented and the assurance that all audiences no matter how great and wide know of the character in one form or another, whereas with Watchmen, it’s more of a cult and underground thing that’s been raped and pillaged over the years by other storytellers (just look at The Incredibles which is a watered-down version of this story made for children and families). Watchmen takes place in an alternate universe (i.e. V For Vendetta) that looks as if it is on the brink of World War III (which in the story it is). Needless to say, Watchmen is a film that many audiences just won’t be able to enjoy.
This is perfectly fine as it isn’t made for all audiences. I’m sure Snyder wants as many people to see his movie as possible but lets be honest, most audiences just aren’t going to want to think to enjoy the movie, which this film makes you do. The original 12 issue series by writer Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons was a complex history of an entire alternate world in which the murder of a former super hero sparks what can only be described as the events leading up to a possible World War III. There are multiple characters with multiple stories and flashbacks after flashbacks after flashbacks that left many readers needing to read the series several times just to be able to digest everything that the story had to offer. The film, with its running time of almost 3 hours, had a lot of ground to cover and Snyder does an excellent job of adapting the series to film and like his previous film 300 many of the images are lifted completely from the comic book itself.
I could go into details about the story but suffice it to say that no amount of words here will be able to give the film true justice. The film works on so many levels because of the dedication of not only Snyder but his cast and staff as well who try so hard to be faithful not only to the comic but to the vision of Moore and Gibbons’ creation. More then this alone is one reason why this film is such a vastly different animal then The Dark Knight.
The film has garnered lukewarm reviews but I see this film on par with that of the equally misunderstood sci-fi classic Blade Runner. That film was a box office disaster that could only be truly appreciated upon multiple viewings and I believe that with Watchmen the same thing can be said. Truth be known, I never finished reading the graphic novel and have thus gone back to it after having seen the film and I enjoy both equally well.
Everyone who watches this film will compare it to last year’s mega-blockbuster The Dark Knight, but you must remember that The Dark Knight and the Batman franchise has over 35 years of stories to pull from not to mention all the television series, theatrical serials, and theatrical films, so, there is not a whole lot of originality when it comes to the Batman franchise. Instead, those films rely on the way they are presented and the assurance that all audiences no matter how great and wide know of the character in one form or another, whereas with Watchmen, it’s more of a cult and underground thing that’s been raped and pillaged over the years by other storytellers (just look at The Incredibles which is a watered-down version of this story made for children and families). Watchmen takes place in an alternate universe (i.e. V For Vendetta) that looks as if it is on the brink of World War III (which in the story it is). Needless to say, Watchmen is a film that many audiences just won’t be able to enjoy.
This is perfectly fine as it isn’t made for all audiences. I’m sure Snyder wants as many people to see his movie as possible but lets be honest, most audiences just aren’t going to want to think to enjoy the movie, which this film makes you do. The original 12 issue series by writer Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons was a complex history of an entire alternate world in which the murder of a former super hero sparks what can only be described as the events leading up to a possible World War III. There are multiple characters with multiple stories and flashbacks after flashbacks after flashbacks that left many readers needing to read the series several times just to be able to digest everything that the story had to offer. The film, with its running time of almost 3 hours, had a lot of ground to cover and Snyder does an excellent job of adapting the series to film and like his previous film 300 many of the images are lifted completely from the comic book itself.
I could go into details about the story but suffice it to say that no amount of words here will be able to give the film true justice. The film works on so many levels because of the dedication of not only Snyder but his cast and staff as well who try so hard to be faithful not only to the comic but to the vision of Moore and Gibbons’ creation. More then this alone is one reason why this film is such a vastly different animal then The Dark Knight.
The film has garnered lukewarm reviews but I see this film on par with that of the equally misunderstood sci-fi classic Blade Runner. That film was a box office disaster that could only be truly appreciated upon multiple viewings and I believe that with Watchmen the same thing can be said. Truth be known, I never finished reading the graphic novel and have thus gone back to it after having seen the film and I enjoy both equally well.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Take a Shark Bite out of WATER BABY By Ross Campbell
One of the reasons why I picked up Ross Campbell’s WATER BABY is because I enjoyed reading his zombie graphic novel THE ABANDONED. Even though THE ABANDONED was more my style I decided to take a chance on his female centered coming of age drama WATER BABY as it sounded (from reading the synopsis) as a unique and different kind of story.
Brody is a surf girl with everything going for her who has a chance encounter with a shark who bites off her leg. Unable to ever surf again Brody’s life is forever changed and even her best friend Louisa who has always been by her side can not help her. When her ex-boyfriend Jake weasels his way back into her life eating her out of house and home Brody finds herself at the breaking point. Not only does she have to learn to walk with a fake leg, deal with an ex-boyfriend, but she also finds herself plagued by nightmares where she finds herself (or parts of herself) as well as her friends shark food. When she finally can’t take it any more she drags Jake and Louisa on a cross country drive to drop Jake back off at his parents house, no questions asked. It will be a long journey for all but one that will help Brody get back what she lost when the shark took her leg.
The characters in Campbell’s story are far from perfect which allows them to be all the more human as they go through their day to day problems caused by such an extraordinary event. Campbell (who also illustrates) provides lush drawings especially in terms of Brody’s nightmares (which are mostly dialogue-less in an otherwise over-talkative story). This is a far more intimate story then the one he crafted for THE ABANDONED and like all great stories there is no clear cut ending, just the hint that this is just a new beginning in the life of the characters.
Brody is a surf girl with everything going for her who has a chance encounter with a shark who bites off her leg. Unable to ever surf again Brody’s life is forever changed and even her best friend Louisa who has always been by her side can not help her. When her ex-boyfriend Jake weasels his way back into her life eating her out of house and home Brody finds herself at the breaking point. Not only does she have to learn to walk with a fake leg, deal with an ex-boyfriend, but she also finds herself plagued by nightmares where she finds herself (or parts of herself) as well as her friends shark food. When she finally can’t take it any more she drags Jake and Louisa on a cross country drive to drop Jake back off at his parents house, no questions asked. It will be a long journey for all but one that will help Brody get back what she lost when the shark took her leg.
The characters in Campbell’s story are far from perfect which allows them to be all the more human as they go through their day to day problems caused by such an extraordinary event. Campbell (who also illustrates) provides lush drawings especially in terms of Brody’s nightmares (which are mostly dialogue-less in an otherwise over-talkative story). This is a far more intimate story then the one he crafted for THE ABANDONED and like all great stories there is no clear cut ending, just the hint that this is just a new beginning in the life of the characters.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Graphic Novel Review: MARVEL ZOMBIES 2
I’m not one for reading anything that the comic book company Marvel has put out in almost a little over a decade but when I heard that writer Robert Kirkman had his hands in the original graphic novel I couldn’t help myself. This was the man who brought horror back to comics with his phenomenal ongoing series THE WALKING DEAD, so, if he was behind the series it couldn’t be all that bad. Point of fact is that the first MARVEL ZOMBIES series was an unquestionable success, so, who am I to be the one to say that there was no need for a second series.
MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 opens years after the first series ended in which all the superheroes of the Marvel universe became infected with a zombie plague turning them all into flesh eating zombies who practically devoured everything on Earth. After eating the Silver Surfer and Galactus, the surviving zombie-superheroes flee Earth in search of more food. In this new series the zombie-superheroes have eaten everything that they can and now set their sights on returning to Earth in order to find Reed Richards dimensional machine that will allow them passage to another world so that they can find a new world to feast upon.
When the zombie-superheroes return to Earth they have a surprise in store for them as an aged Black Panther and Forge had assembled the last of humanity in a settlement that they refuse to let go to the menace of the zombies. Things get even more complicated as a zombie-Wasp has taken up refuge with the survivors and has learned how to live in peace without letting the “hunger” of being a zombie get to her. Now it’s a fight for survival as humans battle zombies, zombies battle zombies, and everything is fair game.
Kirkman presents a compelling story where there are no easy answers or solutions to what lies next for humanity. This is a theme he’s put to great use in his THE WALKING DEAD series and works on a much bigger canvas then that series. Sean Phillips’ artwork compliments Kirkman’s story perfectly. The story is filled with great references from Marvel’s history and will be a favorite with comic book fans.
Like the first series this series steps far beyond anything that most readers of Marvel’s comics is accustomed to which makes the series that much better and now that the creators realize that they have a hit on their hands this series is left open for the impending third story in the series. I recommend this to both fans of Marvel comics and those readers who just want to read a very good story. I may not read anything else that Marvel puts out but I’ll continue to read this series as long as they continue putting them out.
MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 opens years after the first series ended in which all the superheroes of the Marvel universe became infected with a zombie plague turning them all into flesh eating zombies who practically devoured everything on Earth. After eating the Silver Surfer and Galactus, the surviving zombie-superheroes flee Earth in search of more food. In this new series the zombie-superheroes have eaten everything that they can and now set their sights on returning to Earth in order to find Reed Richards dimensional machine that will allow them passage to another world so that they can find a new world to feast upon.
When the zombie-superheroes return to Earth they have a surprise in store for them as an aged Black Panther and Forge had assembled the last of humanity in a settlement that they refuse to let go to the menace of the zombies. Things get even more complicated as a zombie-Wasp has taken up refuge with the survivors and has learned how to live in peace without letting the “hunger” of being a zombie get to her. Now it’s a fight for survival as humans battle zombies, zombies battle zombies, and everything is fair game.
Kirkman presents a compelling story where there are no easy answers or solutions to what lies next for humanity. This is a theme he’s put to great use in his THE WALKING DEAD series and works on a much bigger canvas then that series. Sean Phillips’ artwork compliments Kirkman’s story perfectly. The story is filled with great references from Marvel’s history and will be a favorite with comic book fans.
Like the first series this series steps far beyond anything that most readers of Marvel’s comics is accustomed to which makes the series that much better and now that the creators realize that they have a hit on their hands this series is left open for the impending third story in the series. I recommend this to both fans of Marvel comics and those readers who just want to read a very good story. I may not read anything else that Marvel puts out but I’ll continue to read this series as long as they continue putting them out.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Graphic Novel Review: HEROES Volume 1
This first volume of the Wildstorm/DC/NBC produced graphic novel based off the hit television series collects the first 34 “issues” of the on-line comic book in one gorgeous looking book. Whether purchasing the hardcover or paperback edition no true fan of the hit NBC television show should go without this collection of stories that help not only flesh out the main characters of the show but also many of the secondary characters as well.
Originally designed to co-inside with the weekly broadcast of episodes many of the stories contained within mirror many of the episodes in the show. Some of them work well such as issue #2, which focuses of Hiro, and issue #4, which focuses of Claire. Others don’t work quite as well, such as issue #7 (with Officer Parkman – the only issue that focuses on him) or issue #12 (with Peter Petrelli). Where the book really works is the multi-part stories spread throughout the book, the best being the ones featuring Hana Gitelman, who in the series played a small role but here in the comic book medium takes center stage. In the television series her character and back story is left mostly unexplored but in this first volume of the graphic novel series you get a huge look into how she became the woman that she is and what drives her to do the things that she does that leads to the last third of the events depicted in the actual television show itself. The book is worth getting on that note alone.
All the characters of the series both major and minor get at least one issue dedicated to them and with a plethora of writing and artistic talent on staff the book never gets boring or repetitive making for one very fast read. One of the highlights are the mock-covers of each issue which adds to the enjoyment and the presentation of the graphic novel.
This graphic novel is a hit and I hope they put as much care into volume two as they did into this one.
Originally designed to co-inside with the weekly broadcast of episodes many of the stories contained within mirror many of the episodes in the show. Some of them work well such as issue #2, which focuses of Hiro, and issue #4, which focuses of Claire. Others don’t work quite as well, such as issue #7 (with Officer Parkman – the only issue that focuses on him) or issue #12 (with Peter Petrelli). Where the book really works is the multi-part stories spread throughout the book, the best being the ones featuring Hana Gitelman, who in the series played a small role but here in the comic book medium takes center stage. In the television series her character and back story is left mostly unexplored but in this first volume of the graphic novel series you get a huge look into how she became the woman that she is and what drives her to do the things that she does that leads to the last third of the events depicted in the actual television show itself. The book is worth getting on that note alone.
All the characters of the series both major and minor get at least one issue dedicated to them and with a plethora of writing and artistic talent on staff the book never gets boring or repetitive making for one very fast read. One of the highlights are the mock-covers of each issue which adds to the enjoyment and the presentation of the graphic novel.
This graphic novel is a hit and I hope they put as much care into volume two as they did into this one.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Graphic Novel Review: "Bram Stoker's Dracula"...Again...
Now we’ve all read Bram Stoker’s DRACULA or at least know the story really well. Vampire buys a home in London. Vampire terrorizes a bunch of people in London. Vampire hunter from out of London comes to kill vampire and make London safe again. Nothing new here but the story has transcended time from generation to generation captivating readers (and even film viewers) time and time again no matter how old the story is and like the vampire Dracula himself his story is as immortal as time. Is it little wonder that Fernando Fernandez’ adaptation of the classic novel doesn’t really offer anything new yet is still as captivating as the immortal Dracula himself regardless of the current time.
Although the story offers nothing new it is Fernandez’ lush visuals and colors and make his adaptation stand out amongst all the others. Originally published in 1984 but brought back to life in 2005 by Del Rey Books Fernandez’ DRACULA has such striking visuals due to the realistic painterly style that you can’t help but to stop and take notice. This is one of the reasons why I picked up the book in the first place. Having already read the novel and other adaptations several times before I really wasn’t interested in another version until I opened the book and was awestruck by the artwork inside. I’ve never read anything else Fernandez has done but I will definitely be on the look out for more.
This over-sized graphic novel is short but the story is lush and Fernandez crams a lot of info in the text in case he happens upon the odd person who has not read or know the story. Fernandez did pick one of the better stories to adapt enabling him to reach a far wider audience then something more original (this graphic novel caught my eye). Although I’m not a big fan of the vampire genre those that are will enjoy this book and even the casual gothic horror lover will love this book and should add it to their collection.
Although the story offers nothing new it is Fernandez’ lush visuals and colors and make his adaptation stand out amongst all the others. Originally published in 1984 but brought back to life in 2005 by Del Rey Books Fernandez’ DRACULA has such striking visuals due to the realistic painterly style that you can’t help but to stop and take notice. This is one of the reasons why I picked up the book in the first place. Having already read the novel and other adaptations several times before I really wasn’t interested in another version until I opened the book and was awestruck by the artwork inside. I’ve never read anything else Fernandez has done but I will definitely be on the look out for more.
This over-sized graphic novel is short but the story is lush and Fernandez crams a lot of info in the text in case he happens upon the odd person who has not read or know the story. Fernandez did pick one of the better stories to adapt enabling him to reach a far wider audience then something more original (this graphic novel caught my eye). Although I’m not a big fan of the vampire genre those that are will enjoy this book and even the casual gothic horror lover will love this book and should add it to their collection.
Graphic Novel Review: IDW's "Land of the Dead"!
The comic book publisher has made a name for itself in the comic book industry thanks to the break out success of Steve Niles’ first “30 Days of Night” series (and subsequent and endless sequels). It has now become one of the leaders in horror comics along side Dark Horse and even Marvel (especially with their ever growing Marvel Zombie titles). With there adaptation of George A. Romero’s LAND OF THE DEAD this is no exception. Now compiled into a graphic novel readers can see the full film in four color glory from artist Gabriel Rodriguez and writer Chris Ryall, with colors by Jay Fotos, and amazing covers by Chris Bolton.
If you’ve seen the film this book doesn’t stray much and in fact is the “Director’s Cut” of the film restoring scenes that were cut from the theatrical version of the film (but subsequently inserted back into the DVD version). Ryall does a capable job with the material but then again you can’t really improve on Romero’s writing; he does make the transition from film to comic book less noticeable like many other adaptations that I have read. It is Rodriguez’ artwork that makes the book stand out as it is a great companion to the material and both Romero and Ryall’s writing style. Although he does take some liberties with the representations of the actors, Rodriguez still manages to capture the feeling of each character regardless of what “actor” is playing the character. This is the greatest asset to the comic as if there had never been a film this book would still be a very good way to spend and afternoon reading.
The book, like the movie itself, is very fast paced and a quick read which is why it is better reading it in graphic novel form rather then as individual issues. Also with the graphic novel you get all of the covers by Bolton which are gorgeous and a work of art unto themselves. My only complaint is that there aren’t enough extras like character sketches or sample script pages or a forward or anything else that makes buying the graphic novel worth the extra bucks if you’ve already got the individual issues. Sadly none of the extras are present so this would be a redundant buy for those who already have the entire five issue series.
This is a small price to pay for one of the better graphic novel adaptations currently out there.
If you’ve seen the film this book doesn’t stray much and in fact is the “Director’s Cut” of the film restoring scenes that were cut from the theatrical version of the film (but subsequently inserted back into the DVD version). Ryall does a capable job with the material but then again you can’t really improve on Romero’s writing; he does make the transition from film to comic book less noticeable like many other adaptations that I have read. It is Rodriguez’ artwork that makes the book stand out as it is a great companion to the material and both Romero and Ryall’s writing style. Although he does take some liberties with the representations of the actors, Rodriguez still manages to capture the feeling of each character regardless of what “actor” is playing the character. This is the greatest asset to the comic as if there had never been a film this book would still be a very good way to spend and afternoon reading.
The book, like the movie itself, is very fast paced and a quick read which is why it is better reading it in graphic novel form rather then as individual issues. Also with the graphic novel you get all of the covers by Bolton which are gorgeous and a work of art unto themselves. My only complaint is that there aren’t enough extras like character sketches or sample script pages or a forward or anything else that makes buying the graphic novel worth the extra bucks if you’ve already got the individual issues. Sadly none of the extras are present so this would be a redundant buy for those who already have the entire five issue series.
This is a small price to pay for one of the better graphic novel adaptations currently out there.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
WANTED on Review!
I’ve never read the Mark Millar & J.G. Jones series and graphic novel for which the new film WANTED was based but just by looking at the graphic novel and hearing feedback from film goers I knew going into this film that it was a “loose” adaptation of the source material. Upon viewing the final product I can honestly say that I’m not disappointed and the film actually makes me want to go and read the original source material just to know how they differ (this will have to be for a different article).
The film concerns an office worker by the name of Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) whose existence is non-existent. He knows this as his name when searched on the Internet brings up nothing and his girlfriend is sleeping with his best friend and co-worker. His life is about to change when assassin Fox (Angelina Jolie) saves his life and tells him that his father was an assassin and he belongs to an elite group of people with special abilities that have formed a secret organization that keep life on the planet in balance by assassinating certain people. Under the leadership of Sloan (Morgan Freeman) Gibson must learn how to use his ability in order to help the organization bring down the person whom Gibson is told killed his father and who is trying to bring the organization down to its knees.
Even though this is a heavy action film the personal journey of Gibson is never lost and McAvoy does a great job with bringing the character to life. He reminds me a lot of the Leon character in THE PROFESSIONAL in which both Leon and Gibson’s lives are turned upside down by one individual which alters their perspectives on life and thus help dictate the choices they make throughout the film. In Leon’s case it is Mathilda and in Gibson’s case it is the revelation that the father that he never knew was killed by an assassin. These personal journeys are what drives the character and make for such films.
As directed by Timur Bekmambetov (making his Hollywood debut after the excellent Russian films NIGHT WATCH and DAY WATCH), WANTED is a hyper kinetic action frenzy of style in the way of a Wachowski film which actually is in the film’s best interest. Bekmambetov brings to the screen some amazing ideas not yet familiar to the American audience making the film seem very fresh and new. If this is a sign of things to come for action films then I’m all ready!
The film concerns an office worker by the name of Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) whose existence is non-existent. He knows this as his name when searched on the Internet brings up nothing and his girlfriend is sleeping with his best friend and co-worker. His life is about to change when assassin Fox (Angelina Jolie) saves his life and tells him that his father was an assassin and he belongs to an elite group of people with special abilities that have formed a secret organization that keep life on the planet in balance by assassinating certain people. Under the leadership of Sloan (Morgan Freeman) Gibson must learn how to use his ability in order to help the organization bring down the person whom Gibson is told killed his father and who is trying to bring the organization down to its knees.
Even though this is a heavy action film the personal journey of Gibson is never lost and McAvoy does a great job with bringing the character to life. He reminds me a lot of the Leon character in THE PROFESSIONAL in which both Leon and Gibson’s lives are turned upside down by one individual which alters their perspectives on life and thus help dictate the choices they make throughout the film. In Leon’s case it is Mathilda and in Gibson’s case it is the revelation that the father that he never knew was killed by an assassin. These personal journeys are what drives the character and make for such films.
As directed by Timur Bekmambetov (making his Hollywood debut after the excellent Russian films NIGHT WATCH and DAY WATCH), WANTED is a hyper kinetic action frenzy of style in the way of a Wachowski film which actually is in the film’s best interest. Bekmambetov brings to the screen some amazing ideas not yet familiar to the American audience making the film seem very fresh and new. If this is a sign of things to come for action films then I’m all ready!
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