Two-in-One Review: First World Randy and Don examine the Xeric award-winning fantasy/science-fiction story First World by Philip Bourassa. Randy: You know how it is. There are a lot of books in Previews every month, and though some might look intriguing, it's impossible to pick them all up without an unlimited budget. First World was one of those that I almost picked up, but ultimately decided to check out at a later date. Happily, creator Philip Bourassa has sent copies of the first three issues for Don and I to review. Don: A small-press title in full color? And rich, textured color at that? An impressive package, most certainly. Bourassa stands out as an inventive artist and an ambitious writer. First World defies genre -- is this sci-fi or fantasy... both or neither? -- and it definitely fits the bill for those looking for something different in comics. First World #1-3 published by Dragoncandy Productions written & illustrated by Philip Bourassa edited by Binh Tran Don: Pyrus Brand is a young sorceror who quickly finds himself running for his life from demons, and he has no idea why. Fortunately, a mystical warrior named Kanun comes to his aide, guiding him to freedom. They are carried away by Bihn, a brilliant scientist and Pyrus's best friend. Pyrus learns his dilemma is connected to the origin of everything, and to the spiritual embodiment of this world and the next. Randy: First World reminds me in some ways of Finder, with its blending of the old ways of Native Americans with high technology and fantasy elements. Of course, there are significant differences as well. The world is not quite as complex and well-realized as Finder's, at least not at this point, and First World also features a stronger central plotline, a quest story that wouldn't seem out of place in epic fantasy or space opera. Don: This title reminded me more of European work, such as stories one would find in such titles like Heavy Metal or Humanoids Publishing's The Metabarons and The Incal. Technology and organics merge in the designs, and there's an immensity to the plot. There's a surreal tone to those works, and it's to be found in this book as well. Randy: What initially drew me to First World were the covers, and the interior artwork is just as impressive. Bourassa's style is fairly simple and clean, but it boasts a sizable amount of detail as well. I was especially happy with some of the more high-tech aspects of the story, such as the demon-possessed mega-robot or the views of the modern city skyline. Bourassa also brings strong color work in the book, done in a bright and almost pastel style, reminiscent of the work of Jeromy Cox. In fact, the color work is part of what made the artwork stand out so much, and the loss of color for gray-tones in the second issue made that the weakest of the bunch, artistically speaking. Don: Bourassa's greatest strength is in design, be it for the human characters, the demons or the technology that surrounds them. One visual oddity in the book, though, was Bourassa's penchant for presenting just about every female figure in the nude, while there was no corresponding portrayals among the male characters. It's so glaring as to kick me right out of the story. Randy: The story is an odd blend of mysticism, fantasy and science-fiction, with "dreamtime" type alternate reality, a demon lord and armies going back before time began and a quest to stop a great evil from being unleashed. In the tradition of fantasy comics, Bourassa provides dialogue that is more bombastic than realistic, and I found myself wishing at times that the characters used more natural speech patterns. The flowery methods of speech and overly dramatic dialogue sometimes made me feel like I was reading Stan Lee's Thor or Dr. Strange, and I'm not a particular fan of that kind of dialogue. Don: I'm with you on that. The flowery dialogue is matched by an equally lofty and inaccessible plot. Bourassa needs to give his readers something to which they can relate, and it's just not to be found here. Mind you, fans of J.M. DeMatteis's tales of spirituality and cosmic quests are likely to be entertained by similar themes in Bourassa's work, and I expect First World will appeal to Humanoids Publishing fans as well. Randy: First World takes the reader into a world full of magic and mystery, and Bourassa does a phenomenal job of conveying that magic. It's easy to see why First World was awarded the Xeric Grant, as it features a strong central idea and gorgeous artwork. For more information about First World, visit www.dragoncandy.com. Email Randy and Don comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.