As mentioned in my last blog ( ...
As mentioned in my last blog ( http://www.zeros2heroes.com/component/option,com_pablog/Action,View/PostId,20495/ )
DISCLAIMER:
I plan on going about reviewing the new properties. Of course, I didn't realize the depths of trouble I could get myself into. So let me start by saying this. I'm going to go about breaking down what I like and don't like and try to be nice about it (Except for Fetternity since he asked for the honest brutal truth). Keep in mind that what I say is not a reflection of you as a person or as an artist. I think it is fair to say that all of you have pieces I love so whether or not I loved this specific project doesn't reflect on my view of your overall works of art, in general. Also, keep in mind that I'm reviewing them for composition and content more than personal preference as various stories may or may not be a genre that personally interests me outright.
Don't worry. I didn't have anything terribly bad to say. I just needed to get out this disclaimer.
Like I've said before, I don't mess with the supernatural. Me and the demons are definitely not friends. Nevertheless, I'm giving these all a read-through and review and this one is no different. Written by Will Gibson and with a great art team behind him, I had to check this out. Enjoy my review of Alma: Jumbo the Elephant.
ALMA: JUMBO THE ELEPHANT CHAPTER ONE
Truth be told, the first book doesn't deal with the paranormal as much as the rest of the series surely will. Either way, though, the setting is one of my favorites: the 1800s! The idea is that the main character is a paranormal researcher and his train just happens to have a stay over in a small town due to the circus being in town. Well, things suddenly get sticky when some strange "happenstances" start occurring and when he begins to investigate stories don't match up. So begins the mystery of Jumbo the Elephant.
So let's break this down. First of all, I'd like to target the art direction. Masterful. The lighting is perfect for setting the mood and tone. The costumes and clothing are perfect for the era. The colors are right on. The character design is interesting and stylized. Everything is right on. Being a fan of stories taking place in the 1800s ("Runaways" and "Prestige" being great example), I have to say that this looks like it will be another great one.
Of course, the story has to be equally as good. That's the true test of any good comic as the art will only go so far (unless you're Joe Madd or something). Does Alma do it? I think it is definitely fair to say so. One might be taken aback by the amount of dialogue at first glance, but believe me, it in no way hurts the pace of the story. Moreover, the dialogue itself seems to fit the era which is a huge bonus and shows that Will has likely done his research. An added bonus is the narrative dialogue which plays like a letter the main character is writing to a close friend and colleague (which I believe technically it is; Either that or a journal/diary entry). When it all comes together, everything flows into one nicely paced mystery story that assuredly has many more mysteries to come.
As far as negatives, I don't think I have many worth really mentioning. I'm still not sure about the "heavy" inking of the face lines. I'm not sure what to think about that style all in all. Still, it doesn't really detract from the art or the piece. As far as the lettering, I did find a few places in which it was hard to initially figure out the order of who said what first. However, that was only a minor problem found in one or two places. The story and characters seemed rich and the potential is there. I think Will has an interesting one on his hands.
So my final thoughts are? Well, if you don't mind a wild paranormal adventure, this is probably the book for you. Will delivers the goods and as long as he keeps things on the level of what he showed off in Chapter 1 this is sure to be a great tale. Likewise, the art team did their job well and truly brought things to life. The art direction was especially excellent. Mystery stories are always dangerous as there is no black or white. Usually, they will either be great or they will turn out quite no-so-good. Fortunately, though, I think it is safe to trust that Mr. Gibson has this one well in hand. Only time will tell, but I definitely wish him the best!
- Titan Out
