Age of Bronze: Betrayal is the current installment in Eric Shanower’s wonderful retelling of the Trojan War. (The previous were A Thousand Ships as well as Sacrifice.) A detailed story So far opens the volume by reminding the visitor who’s on whose side as well as which crucial events driving the forces together. It’s illustrated with headshots, considering that this is a graphic book as well as visages are important, particularly when they boast or glower.
Careful interest to detail is rewarded; for example, the two major sons of Priam, King of Troy, are Hektor as well as Paris. They carefully look like each other, as siblings should, except that Paris has wavier hair (and commonly a silly grin on his face, however that’s his lack of worthwhile character). The volume is bookended by a glossary as well as pronunciation guide as well as genealogical charts of the different royal families, in addition to a bibliography. The charts are available in handy, considering that lots of of the characters persist in referring to every other as “son of so-and-so” instead of by name or title. It’s all about heritage as well as bloodline for these royal leaders, as well as if they can insurance claim kinship with a god, all the better.
As the story begins, the Acheans are sailing towards Troy. Each side is lining up allies as they prepare for the coming war, although they’re going to take a stab at peace first. Whether or not you’re familiar with the history or its details, this is a gripping story of the inevitability of specific events when human nature gets involved. The politics as well as factions are fascinating, particularly when they include people who otherwise just want to be happy.
No one may be able to associate to a spurned king seeking back his fabled appeal of a wife, however lots of are familiar with damaged homes where one spouse has moved on to a new partner as well as household while the spurned rejectee can’t get over being dumped. (Essay question: would no-fault divorce laws have prevented the Trojan War? most likely not, considering that either way, Paris is still a self-important jerk who thinks with a part of his anatomy lower than his brain as well as stabs his enemies in the back.)
Shanower’s art is stunning in its line as well as detail, in the fine custom of lots of excellent draftsmen. There were parts when the faces of the war leaders reminded me of the work of John Severin, capturing every concern line, while his women at times of emotion evoked Kurt Shaffenberger’s immortal Lois Lane (although without the 70s hairstyles) in the slick fine lines used. The pictures bring the historical figures to life, with Priam’s fatigue at trying to secure his country’s track record while being dragged into an unnecessary war he refuses to back away from clearly visible.
The book’s full of foolhardy youngsters who welcome the glory of battle, starry-eyed elder siblings who believe their like can influence others to agree to peace (not realizing that as well lots of egos have already moved as well far beyond that), the too-clever-by-half advisor who plays others for the fun of the game while undercutting his own finest interests… human faces put on mythical events.
Shanower’s battle scenes are especially telling, as it’s chaos as well as confusion as well as all as well often, accidental death. somebody slips as well as stabs somebody else by mistake, or someone’s killed out of petty emotion, destroying cautious method hatched with clearer heads. War’s only took pleasure in by the young, as well as only since they’re as well silly to recognize that dreams of glory eventually indicate nothing. Petty egos modification the history of the world. as well as we get to see it play out with excellent creative skill.
Find out a lot more at the official website.
Share this:
Twitter
Facebook
Tumblr
Related Posts:
Age of Bronze: A Thousand ShipsEric Shanower’s Age of Bronze retells the story of the Trojan war in a beautiful, reasonable fashion. Although they speak of being a god’s kid or child the method we’d speak of our parents’ hometown, the participants are treated as genuine people with identifiable motivations: lust, anger, greed, arrogance ……
Age of Bronze: SacrificeAs Sacrifice begins (following very first volume A Thousand Ships), Paris as well as Helen return to Troy. King Priam at very first refuses to admit her, knowing her existence will bring his city under attack, however she is expecting with his grandchild. Kassandra prophesies doom however isn’t believed, in an affecting portrayal of…
Best of 2007I was honored to be asked to take part in the Publishers regular Comics Week Critics’ Poll for the second time. right here are my options for the very best graphic novels of 2007, with commentary. physician 13: design & Mortality by Brian Azzarello as well as Cliff Chiang Cairo by G. Willow Wilson and…