TALEWEAVER #2
"The Road Less Traveled"
Neutral (4/10)
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DC Comics/Wildstorm Productions
Writer: Leonard Banaag
Pencils: Philip Tan
Inks: Gary Mayoralgo
Colors: Avalon Studios
Letters: Fishbrain
Editor: Aaron Watanabe
Price: $2.95 US/$4.95 CAN |
Though the book still boasts some stunning visuals, it loses a little bit of steam, as the emphasis is off the title character and his storytelling abilities and on the warriors to whom he seems to have given life. My interest is still piqued, but I'm also confused, as I really don't see (a) where the story is going, or (b) exactly what the point or themes are.
Axel and his people have been freed by the mysterious warriors and circumstances that seem to mirrors the stories he's told. The warriors react to him with a kind of awe and respect, and Axel, along with his friends, are taken in a caravan away from the site of their lives of servitude. Meanwhile, the evil Lord of a dark citadel and his underlings become aware of the righteous warriors' approach.
One of the biggest problems with this book is that only a select few characters -- mainly Axel and his two closer friends -- are clearly defined. The warriors all seem to blend together. I understand that the tone of the story calls for them to be mysterious, but there's mystery and then there's confusion.
Tan's art is stunning. He and inker Mayoralgo bring an impressive level of detail to the book. Though the characters look sharp, the settings, the landscapes... those are what really catch the eye. Avalon Studios does its fair share as well, bathing the book is magical, haunting colors.
I think in the end, though, it's the book's manga trappings that's making me want to pass on it. Manga is rarely my thing. It's not the fault of the creators or anything... just a matter of taste. Manga fans will probably eat it up, though.
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