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THE RED STAR #8 (Best of the Week!)
Highly Recommended (10/10)
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Image Comics
Writers: Christian Gossett & Bradley Kayl
Artists: Christian Gossett & Snakebite
Letters: Comicraft
Price: $2.95 US/$4.50 CAN |
"Team Red Star" offers up yet another story that's wondrous, dark and touching, rendered in what has to be the most stunning visual style that can be found in American comics today. The art and the ambitious premise and history of the world in which the story is set are what initially hooks the reader, but it's the touching humanity and emotional impact of war that draws one in further into the narrative and characters.
Maya Antares searches the war-ravaged landscape of Nokgorka province for the body of her friend, Alexandra Goncharova, in order to give her a proper burial, only to find that the task has already been carried out. As her bodyguard and an enemy look on, Maya casts a spell that will tell the tale of Alexandra's final moments, but it leads to a shocking revelation about another loved one, long thought dead.
A fair bit of time passes between release dates for this series, which comes as no surprise, given the rich, meticulous nature of the art. Fortunately, the creators provide plenty of information to allow fans to get back up to speed, and to allow new readers to delve into the storytelling as well. Despite the already rich history behind the story, the script is thoroughly accessible, weaving exposition seamlessly into the dialogue and narration.
The art on this book is indescribable. Line art merges with computer backgrounds perfectly, as though there was no division between the two approaches. Gossett's thick lines create the most expressive of faces. The colors are stark yet brilliant all at once, adding a harsh, textured look to the landscape. Comicraft adds to the visual strength of the book as well, creating different fonts to reinforce specific story elements. The colors also reinforce the bizarre but creative and compelling merging of science-fiction and fantasy.
Though their experiences are alien, it's easy to relate to the sadness that dominates all of these characters. One definitely gets the sense that life is a struggle, that happiness is fleeting and hardship is ever-present. Offsetting that sadness, though, is the sorcery of Maya Antares. Gossett and Kayl have brought science and magic together in a wondrous way, but it also reinforces the harsh nature of war, a concept that's at the heart of this series.
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