Looking for Group. Ryan Sohmer August 3, 2010
Posted by Cyd in fantasy, graphic novel.Tags: fantasy, graphic novel, Looking for Group, parody, Ryan Sohmer
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Looking for Group, Volumes 1 and 2. Written by Ryan Sohmer, Art by Lar deSouza. Originally, and still, published online at Looking for Group.
Looking for Group is a humorous sort of hero quest that often slips right into direct parody. Our Hero is Cale’anon, an elf who seems to be the the only one of his race who isn’t evil. He’s on a quest to do good. From page one he is joined by Richard, an evil warlock who decides to follow Cale around just for the entertainment value. Cale gets them caught up in all manner of adventure, while Richard gets all the good lines.
Along the way they keep picking up more fellow travellers, and each task seems to lead them into yet another and another, until it’s hard to remember just what started it all. And that’s half the fun.
In addition to the fine and funny writing, the artwork is great. The characters change and grow as the story goes on, and the world is developed and expanded and becomes more interesting as the group continues on each quest. All in all a great read, and an antidote to far more common serious and dark fare.
The Surrogates. Robert Venditti January 13, 2010
Posted by Cyd in graphic novel, science fiction.Tags: future, graphic novel, near future, Robert Venditti, science fiction, Surrogates
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Written by Robert Venditti, art and colouring by Brett Weldele.
This is a near-future science fiction story in which everyone who can afford one has a surrogate – an artificial version of themselves that they control remotely. The surrogate allows them to do (and feel) things without leaving home. Needless to say, this has consequences on both individuals and society.
This story takes place after the use of surrogates has become deeply ingrained into society. In fact for some jobs, such as police, the use of a surrogate is required. The nature of crime has changed – physical assaults and even murder are now mere property crimes, because the actual people behind the surrogates are not physically harmed. The main character is a police officer attempting to solve a string of mysterious surrogate “murders.” His investigation reveals to us some of the darker aspects of this future world. Between chapters there are extras such as newspaper reports, and ads for surrogates which add to the story indirectly.
I enjoyed this story, and was left wishing that there was more of it. As with many graphic novels, the book is more like a short story than a novel – one plot and a small cast of characters. The theme of people being one step removed from their lives is an interesting one, worth further exploration. I see that there is a second trade paperback out now that is a prequel to this book. I think I’ll have to check it out.
I also liked the artwork. Brett Weldele has an interesting drawing style, and the monochromatic colouring gives the book a very noir look.
There is a section at the end of the book that shows the process of creating a graphic novel, starting with the script and moving through the stages to the finished page. It was very interesting to read – I’ve often wondered how the books are created.
Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse – Calamari Rising. Ben Templesmith October 11, 2008
Posted by Cyd in fantasy, graphic novel.Tags: Ben Templesmith, Calamari Rising, Elvis, fantasy, graphic novel, Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse
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Story and art by Ben Templesmith.
This is the third volume of Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse. In this one, Wormwood is on Earth, regaling the regulars at his favourite seedy bar with stories of his long and colourful past, when loud, ground-shaking noises announce the arrival of his enemies – the Brotherhood of the Calamari, denizens of the Squideeverse. With all of Earth at stake, he and his cohorts must risk everything to close the breach punched through the dimensional barriers and stop them.
I haven’t read the first two volumes, so don’t know the back-story of Wormwood and his friends, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book. The whole concept is delightfully off-the-wall, and the artwork is terrific. The characters are interesting and quirky. My one complaint is the use of coloured lettering in black speech bubbles. Some of the colours are dark and were hard to read.
Now I need to get the first two books and see what I have missed.
