The guys over at 2000AD were kind enough to send along some graphic novels for us to read and spread the word about. 2000AD is a collection of great books that should appeal to a pretty wide audience. In all fairness, not every book was my cup of tea, but they all had redeeming values. So, let’s takea look at some of these books shall we?
ABC Warriors The Volgan War: Volume One
Pat Mills is a prolific writer to say the least. I have a ton of respect for him based on the fact that he can write so many types of stories all at once. Unfortunately some of the stories suffer a bit and that’s the case with ABC Warriors.
ABC Warriors is a fully realized action story about what appears to be robots in the far flung future. There are a great many aspects that make the story interesting. The characters are imaginative, and complex as a mystery unfolds in front of you. The computer animated artwork looks really nice but at certain points the story doesn’t flow properly and it’s easy to get lost.
Once you get past the initial issues the book is very interesting. The three characters that the book focuses on are complex and have a certain human quality that makes them relatable to the reader. The book just oozes cool as well with great dialogue and all out action. I hate to use the term but this graphic novel is certainly a page turner.
Defoe 1666
This story will creep you out. It depends on whether or not you like that sensation as to whether or not you like the book. While the art isn’t anything out of the ordinary there are moments where I felt lost on the story. The transitions are either weak or nonexistent and the book proves to be hard to follow.
The books saving grace is how well the action translates and helps with the story. It might take a while to figure out who’s who and why their fighting but once you get a firm grasp on those facts the book reads pretty well and is ultimately a lot of fun.
Unfortunately the book doesn’t offer a central character that you can really root for, but understand that this isn’t necessarily that kind of book. The main character isn’t perfect and is a consummate warrior with a shadowy past. The kind of character they make movies about.
Flesh Book One
Talk about your serious trip, Flesh is almost indescribable. What do you get when you mix cowboys, dinosaurs, time travel and humanities struggle for survival together into one book. I read most of Flesh and I’m still trying to figure that out.
Fans of Tank Girl will get a kick out of Flesh, being a traditionalist when it comes to comics Flesh isn’t exactly in my wheel house but don’t let my personal reservations fool you. Flesh is interesting and original, it moves at a good clip and the main character is a bad ass cowboy who eats dino’s for breakfast, literally.
The book is in black and white and the short form of some of the chapter’s makes things feel a little disjointed but not enough to distract you from the intense action that comes out of every situation. This book isn’t for the faint of heart, a lot of men die along with women and children. There’s a good bit of social commentary but not so much that you feel like you’re being beat over the head with it. In the end this book is a hoot and a half.
Slaine Book of Invasions: Volume One
Out of all the books that 2000AD sent my way Slaine is without a doubt my favorite. Pat Mills is certainly in his comfort zone writing this material and most certainly hits this one out of the park. The art style fits the book perfectly and the action will leave you begging for more.
Unlike the other stories this one is particularly easy to follow and therefore a lot more fun. The story is simple enough at the start but as it develops it grows in sophistication.
Slaine is a really special book that main stream comic fans will love. While this book stands out for me there is no telling which books will pique your interest. Do yourself a favor and give these stories a try by heading down to your local retailer and picking them up.
