Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown!
Today’s editions we are going to talk about some graphic novels that have really impressed me this past week.
We’re going to start off with one of the classics in the medium a lot of you haven’t probably heard of.
Wandering Star
Written and Illustrated by Teri S. Wood
Published by Dover Graphic Novels
This is one the best graphic novels you never heard of. But maybe some of you have.
Teri S. Wood’s epic space comic book is collected in a hardcover and it’s beautiful. I saw it online for purchase and I bought it.
As a young teenager I picked up the singles issues of this book and read it. I loved it then and I love it even more now. One of the few comic books ever to hold up years later.
This story follows Casandra, daughter of the President of the United Nations on Earth as she is the first human to be accepted into the Galactic Academy.
Casandra learns that Earth isn’t popular among the stars and is put aboard the outcasts on the ship, The Wandering Star.
But The Wandering Star may turn out to be Earth’s last hope.
The story is beautifully written. It is also beautifully drawn. They don’t get much better than this kids. It is a story filled with emotion, heart, and a love of the medium. Wood is one of the unknown geniuses of our medium.
Again, I read this years ago. I was floored when I read it again.
This could also make a nice young adult comic book. But really, any age can appreciate this book. I read it when I was 14. I am 39 now. And it’s even better. Deeper. And wonderful.
Wood spoke for years of another book she wanted to do called Darklight. I hope she completes it. It sounds wonderful. This one is tops, folks. Add it to your collection.
You deserve it. I’m happy this is back in print. It’s worth every cent.
RATING: A+
Carthago
Carthago Written by Christophe Bec and Illustrated by Eric Henninot, Milan Jovanovic
Published by Humanoids Books
Humanoids Books have an awesome comic book line. They are expensive (mostly because they are imports) but man, do I enjoy the hell out of them.
This will be one of two books I review from them this week. The first one up is the crazy nuts Carthago.
To everyone reading this right now, spend a few extra dollars and buy this book. It’s so nuts I can’t get enough of it.
It’s literally about oils drillers in the middle of the ocean who encounter a Megalodon, an ancient prehistoric shark. EPIC.
I was so damn entertained I couldn’t stop reading. The writing is bananas and the art is just plain awesome. This is like Jaws meets Heavy Metal comics. I hope they make more.
This should be an ongoing comic! I’d buy it. More please.
RATING:A-
Clockwerx
Clockwerx Written by Jason Henderson, Tony Salvaggio, and Izu and Illustrated by Jean Baptiste Hostache
Published by Humanoids Books
And now for the second review from Humanoids, here comes Clockwerx.
This was awesome. Awesome. I couldn’t put it down.
The year is 1899 in London. A series of deaths has an ex-Scotland Yard officer looking for clues. What he uncovers is two factions fighting over a new powerful energy source.
Written with care and skill, and illustrated with passion, talent and heart, this is just brilliant.
Comics are at their best when they have creativity. This is something else. Just so well crafted. Marvel and DC and even Image can’t touch what is in these pages.
Consider this reviewer blown away.
I loved it. Top notch.
RATING: A
Southern Bastards Volumes 1-3 (collecting issues 1-12)
Written by Jason Aaron and Illustrated by Jason Latour
Published by Image Comics
These comics I reviewed this week really cleansed the palate. Last up, is one of the most well crafted comic books from Image, Southern Bastards. This book is truly an original.
The first arc follows the story of Earl Tubb, a man who comes back to town after years of being away. And that is only the beginning of this wild tale. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who wants to read it, but man is it good. Deep. It has a flavor to it like no other.
Aaron gives us twists and turns like you wouldn’t believe. Latour’s art is spectacular. They work together as a team and together they just thrill issue in and issue out. The third trade just hit the stands. Pick up all three. Some people call this a football comic. It’s a hell of a lot more than that. Pick it up. You’ll love every second. And never forget it.
RATING: A
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