It's such a cool thing to get my work reviewed. Especially when the reviewers like the work. This newest review is by comicbloc.com - which is decent sized site with thousands of subscribers so I am more than a little excited. To go to the site and read the review (or just check out the site) just click the image below. Beneath that will be the full review...
COMICBLOC REVIEW OF BIRTH:
They say the best comics can almost tell the story with pictures alone and sometimes the pictures are so moving or compelling that you can't help but be able to follow and move the story forward. Those stories are precious gems as they are usually signs of masterful storytelling. This next book is one such example.
OVERVIEW:
Birth is about two races who are constantly at war with one another. The Aquans and the Terans have been at war so long that both cultures are nearly wiped out. Their only hope for survival is unthinkable to them: both cultures now need the other.
Each culture sends an envoy to the other and they meet and try their best to work things out. The only problem is that hatred is a powerful force. Can they work out each other's differences before it's too late?
Michael Bracco has told an epic tale with this title. The pencils really move you as you clearly feel what the characters feel on each page. Birth is an unknown classic, which is really a shame, as it's one of the best comics I've read all year.
What should also be noted is that the events in this book lead right into the ongoing series Novo, which is also from Alterna Comics. So, this is a great place to start reading.
THE "IT" FACTOR:
I like books that can tell the whole story by just looking at it. I learned long ago that while writing can really touch up the details, the art in the story and the storytelling make or break a comic. This book uses very few words yet never for one moment am I lost or wondering what is happening. Simply put, this book is fantastic and I haven't read many like this.
READS LIKE:
Fans of A Distant Soil, Pride of Baghdad and any kind of war fiction will enjoy this book. Birth isn't so much about war but about the price of conflict and in my view is one of the best gems of the year. Pick it up. You won't regret it.
That'll do it for another Indy Spotlight. Join us next time for something a little more in the holiday spirit. Don't miss it.
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Thanks so much for keeping up with me on this stuff!!! have a great new year everybody