Comments on: On the Shelves: 5/9/07

By: plok

plok — Thu, 10 May 2007 23:59:19 +0000

Thanks, Guy…I also loved Okko! In fact I preferred it to Artesia. But, yeah, the same thing applies…I wasn’t hoping that Okko would have a completely original setting, completely novel character-types, etc., rather I was hoping it would be an intelligent, engaging, well-written Japanese ghost story/fantasy archipelago quest. And, it is!

Full disclosure: I didn’t like Robotika so much. Its derivative nature aggravated me a little more than Okko’s, or even (and I know this sounds insane, I really do) Artesia.

By: Guy LeCharles Gonzalez

Guy LeCharles Gonzalez — Wed, 09 May 2007 13:23:18 +0000

@Stuart: The reveal was a bit left field, but it'll be the follow-up that convinces me whether it worked or not. Criminal is a good read, but it's not quite as great as the hype might lead you to believe. It's solid Brubaker, though, so if you're a fan of his, it's worth picking up. And yeah, Iron Fist has been good so far, but I kind of doubt it can sustain its initial level of goodness past the first arc or two. @Katherine: Okko may have some derivative elements -- and honestly, what comic doesn't these days? -- but its execution has been solid so far, and the art, as you noted, is amazing. I loved Robotika, too, and almost made a reference to it but thought the connection was more in my own head than would be obvious to others. I'll have to look into Berserk and Koike, though, as I'm unfamiliar with both. Thanks! PS: Plok has a great review of ASP's Artesia where he talks about the derivative elements of the work, and explains why it works for him because of, not in spite of them. Good reading.

By: Katherine Dacey-Tsuei

Katherine Dacey-Tsuei — Wed, 09 May 2007 12:06:26 +0000

It's interesting to see Okko get some love from the comic community. I thought the artwork was stunning, but the plot and characters were derivative. (Cross Berserk with anything from the Kazuo Koike canon and presto! you have Okko.) I strongly preferred Robotika, which I thought was more interesting and, frankly, original. I do agree, however, that ASP puts out some smart-looking books. Mouse Guard, Robotika, and The Killer are all favorites of mine.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Wed, 09 May 2007 10:22:31 +0000

Two Guns was going along quite well until the final reveal that seemed weirdly unconvincing. For that sort of thing to pay off I really need to believe in it and the characters earlier actions sort of contradict who he turns out to be, I’m not sure if you know what I’m talking about but I don’t want to give away spoilers.

Although, I agree with you that Grant makes me want to come back to see what happens next. Hell, I’d be on for at least another issue just because it is actually Steven Grant.

I didn’t read Criminal first time round so i guess i’ll pick up the trade, but Immortal Iron Fist stays on my pull list until its canceled ’cause it’s ten kinds of awesome.