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Saturday, 2 November 2013

Titan Books: Assassin’s Creed:The Ankh of Isis Trilogy

 This first ever collection of the three-volume graphic novel from Ubisoft collects together the exhilarating story of Desmond Miles’ abduction by Abstergo. His subsequent flight from their grasp leads to Desmond joining the Assassins in their fight against the Templars. Betrayal leads to Desmond “recovering” the memories of his ancestor, Aquilus as he searches for the power of the mystical Ankh and savage Barbarian tribes, led by the deadly Assassin Accipiter, prepare to attack.

Product Details

  • ISBN: 9781781163436
  • Dimensions: 276 x 179mm
  • Hardback: 144pp
  • Publication date: 1 November 2013
  • £18.99
 
 Now, I did review all three of the books in October 2012, however, as this brings all three together for £18.99 if you had thought about buying the books (  "Desmond", "Accipiter" and Aquilus") this one volume will save you money as each was £8.99  (£26.97 in total).

One nice volume and as I've already reviewed each of the 48 pager books I'll repost those so you can see what I thought!
 
Remember you can buy via Titan Books at:
 
http://titanbooks.com/assassins-creed-the-ankh-of-isis-trilogy-6568/ 

****************************************************************************

I’ll do something odd for a Sunday -I’ll review before showing the book details!

It will not surprise many when I admit that I do not play computer games -last thing I tried was the hand-held Space Invaders game!  I have seen the posters in games shop windows and I have seen the TV/internet adverts.  “Interesting” was my main thought but then -bleh!

Looking at these as a comicker, rather than a gamer, is therefore far easier.

Corbeyran’s scripts are spot on and deliver the twists and turns you would expect from a European comic.  The mix of contemporary and historical action flow well together.  As for Defali’s art in these books …”lovely” -I’ve run out of expressions to describe European comic art- and is seeped in detail with great action scenes as well as the more laid-back ones.

I need to mention here that one of the things that makes these books a treat is the colouring. Yet the colourist gets no cover credit. Shameful. But this seems to be an industry norm.  If you look at the art and visualise it without colour it looks great but a great colourist will make it look even better.  Raphael Hedon is colourist on the first book while vol. II and III are the work of Alexis Sentenac.

The concept is by no means original. Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse 5 (made into a film in 1972) was the story of Billy Pilgrim who became “unstuck” in time.  Comic strip-wise, of course, we have Garth who had similar problems.  The difference is in how the writer approaches the concept and Corbeyran weaves a good tale.

If you know someone into the game then this will make a great birthday or Christmas present -all three of the books released at once.  There is also an Art Of Assassin’s Creed which might also make a good addition to a birthday/Christmas gift.

As no images are available on Titan’s site and my scanner just stopped working I’ve had to look around for pages.  Here I think the art and colouring show how good these books are.



 
Assassin’s Creed I:Desmond
(W) Eric Corbeyran ,(A)Djilalli Defaux  (C) Raphael Hedon


This first volume of the French comic trilogy from Ubisoft, tells the story of Desmond Miles’ abduction by Abstergo and their plans to rip the blood-steeped memories of Desmond’s ancestors from his genetic code. Add to the mix the mysterious and violently terrified Subject 16 and a desperate flight from Abstergo, and this makes for a fast-paced and thrilling addition to the game’s universe.






Assassin’s Creed II: Aquilus
(W) Eric Corbeyran , (A) Djilalli Defaux  (C) Alexis Sentenac


Second volume of the comic trilogy from Ubisoft. Escaped from Abstergo with the help of Lucy, Desmond joins the Assassins in their fight against the Templars. But, betrayed by Patient 13, the Assassins leave Rome for Monterrigioni. On the way, Desmond uses the Assassins’ animus to visit the memories of his ancester Aquilus, a Roman citizen fighting those who would become the Templars.




Assassin’s Creed III: Accipiter
(W)  Eric Corbeyran , (A) Djilalli Defaux  (C) Alexis Sentenac


Following on from Desmond’s previous foray into his ancestral assassin-past, Aquilus desperately strives to avenge his father’s murder. His thirst for revenge leads him to Rome, and sets him on a quest for the mystical Ankh as the savage Barbarian tribes, led by the deadly Assassin Accipiter, prepare to descend upon Lugdunum. Desmond, meanwhile, must also fight stay alive in the present day.

COMICA FESTIVAL 2013



It's a very big event that I allways get asked to publicise but never get an invite to!  However, as it's Paul Gravett I'll allow it!

Check out the Comica site in living colour!
 
http://www.comicafestival.com/index.php/index 
 _____________________________________________________________________________-
From October 23 to November 16, Comica 2013, the 10th London International Comics Festival, presents conversations, exhibitions, workshops, launches and our unmissable, free-entry Comiket Fair and Transitions Conference, plus many satellite events across the capital.

HEADLINE EVENTS:


Reframe: Perspectives on Europe through Comics
Comics by nine artists from Algeria, Turkey & UK explore our contemporary attitudes to Europe. More...
Where: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA
When: October 23 to November 22, 2013


Joe Sacco: The Great War and the Battle of the Somme
Sacco talks in depth with Pat Mills about how he achieves his acclaimed comics journalism. More...
Where: Platform Theatre, Handyside Street, London N1C 4AA
When: October 26, 2013 7.15pm for 7.30-9.30


Poles ApART: New Polish Comics & Graphic Novels
Twelve of the most important current comics creators from Poland in their first UK show. More...
Where: Windows Gallery, Central Saint Martins, N1C 4AA
When: October 31 to November 16, 2013


Comica Comiket Fall 2013
Free independent comics fair with publishers big & small plus all-day live Drawing Parade. More...
Where: Platform Theatre & Foyer Bar, Handyside St, N1C 4AA
When: November 2, 2013 11am to 7pm


Hyper-Pop Workshop
Step into the shoes of Pop artists like Roy Lichtenstein & make your own comic-book stories More...
Where: Garden Room, Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS
When: November 16, 2013 10am-5.30pm


UPCOMING EVENTS:


What Is A Superhero?
Kieron Gillen, Si Spurrier, Will Brooker & Richard Reynolds analyse what makes a superhero. More...
Where: Foyles Bookshop, 3rd Floor Gallery, WC2H 0EB
When: November 1, 2013 6.15 for 6.30-8.30pm


Shunga into Manga?
Curators & experts look at parallels between Japanese erotic art & modern manga, and whether one inspired the other. More...
Where: BP Lecture Theatre, British Museum
When: November 1, 2013 6.30-7.45pm


Comica Comiket Fall 2013
Free independent comics fair with publishers big & small plus all-day live Drawing Parade. More...
Where: Platform Theatre & Foyer Bar, Handyside St, N1C 4AA
When: November 2, 2013 11am to 7pm


Six Characters
A collaborative Pop-Up challenge by Ahmed Jameel, Penelope Mendonça & John Miers. More...
Where: Platform Theatre Bar, Handyside Street, London N1C 4AA
When: November 2, 2013 11am-7pm


Anthologize: Indie Anthology Triple Mega-Launch
Celebrate with the creators publication of The Strumpet 3, Score & Script, & The Comix Reader 5. More...
Where: Gosh! Comics, 1 Berwick Street, London WIF 0DR
When: November 8, 2013 7-9pm


CONVERSATIONS:


Joe Sacco: The Great War and the Battle of the Somme
Sacco talks in depth with Pat Mills about how he achieves his acclaimed comics journalism. More...
Where: Platform Theatre, Handyside Street, London N1C 4AA
When: October 26, 2013 7.15pm for 7.30-9.30


From Hell To Eternity: Eddie Campbell On Alan Moore
Campbell discusses his collaborations with Alan Moore, notably on the acclaimed From Hell. More...
Where: Platform Theatre, Handyside Street, London N1C 4AA
When: October 26, 2013 4.45pm for 5-6.30pm


The Nine Lives of Dave McKean
Explore the multi-faceted, multi-media creativity of this extraordinary storyteller & image-maker. More...
Where: Foyles Bookshop, 3rd Floor Gallery, WC2H 0EB
When: October 29, 2013 6.15 for 6.30-8.30pm


Living and Loving in London : Oscar Zarate & Ilya
How new graphic novels The Park & Room For Love reflect realities of urban relationships. More...
Where: Foyles Bookshop, 3rd Floor Gallery, WC2H 0EB
When: October 31, 2013 6.15 for 6.30-8.30pm


What Is A Superhero?
Kieron Gillen, Si Spurrier, Will Brooker & Richard Reynolds analyse what makes a superhero. More...
Where: Foyles Bookshop, 3rd Floor Gallery, WC2H 0EB
When: November 1, 2013 6.15 for 6.30-8.30pm


Fight The Power!: A Visual History of Protest
Think protest never achieved anything? Think again in this inspiring graphic chronicle! More...
Where: Foyles Bookshop, 3rd Floor Gallery, WC2H 0EB
When: November 9, 2013 3.45 for 4-6pm


Comics Art: The 21st Century Medium
Cutting-edge graphic novelists in a spirited debate about how the medium is mutating. More...
Where: Foyles Bookshop, 3rd Floor Gallery, WC2H 0EB
When: November 9, 2013 6.15 for 6.30-8.30pm


EVENTS:


Comica Festival Opening & Reframe Discussion
Opening Night of Comica Festival & Reframe Exhibition with UK, Algerian & Turkish artists in discussion. More...
Where: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA
When: October 23, 2013 6.30-8.30pm


Perle by Thomas Eccleshare
A poignant comic show told by one performer & his television through a bold mix of cartoon & live action. More...
Where: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, W1D 4NE
When: October 23 to November 2, 2013


Reframe Workshop with Article 19
A free two-hour workshop with Hannah Berry, Ilya, Daniel Locke & visiting Reframe creators. More...
Where: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA
When: October 24, 2013 2-4pm


Hic & Hoc Launch Party
Liz Lunney & Joe List celebrate Volume 2 of their Illustrated Journal of Humour with contributors. More...
Where: Gosh! Comics, 1 Berwick Street, London WIF 0DR
When: October 25, 2013 7-9pm


Transitions 4 Comica Symposium
Free one-day symposium of new research & multi-disciplinary academic study of comics More...
Where: School of Arts, Birkbeck, University of London WC1E 7HX
When: October 26, 2013


Graphic Short Story Prize Announcement
Judges of this year's competition announce & present the runner-up & winner. More...
Where: Foyer Bar, Platform Theatre, Handyside St, N1C 4AA
When: October 26, 2013 6.45pm


Comica Social Club
Special Festival edition of our monthly meet-up with Raffle, Chatterbox talks & lots of friends! More...
Where: Phoenix Artist Club, 1 Phoenix St, WC2H 8BU
When: October 30, 2013 6-10pm


Shunga into Manga?
Curators & experts look at parallels between Japanese erotic art & modern manga, and whether one inspired the other. More...
Where: BP Lecture Theatre, British Museum
When: November 1, 2013 6.30-7.45pm


Comica Comiket Fall 2013
Free independent comics fair with publishers big & small plus all-day live Drawing Parade. More...
Where: Platform Theatre & Foyer Bar, Handyside St, N1C 4AA
When: November 2, 2013 11am to 7pm


Poles Apart: New Polish Comics Free Workshop
A chance to learn about comics in Poland from leading creators & experts. More...
Where: Platform Theatre Foyer, Handyside Street, N1C 4AA
When: November 8, 2013 2-4pm


Anthologize: Indie Anthology Triple Mega-Launch
Celebrate with the creators publication of The Strumpet 3, Score & Script, & The Comix Reader 5. More...
Where: Gosh! Comics, 1 Berwick Street, London WIF 0DR
When: November 8, 2013 7-9pm


Hyper-Pop Workshop
Step into the shoes of Pop artists like Roy Lichtenstein & make your own comic-book stories More...
Where: Garden Room, Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS
When: November 16, 2013 10am-5.30pm


EXHIBITIONS:


Graphic Short Story Prize Finalists & Winners
Enjoy the four-page stories by the shortlisted finalists, runner-up & winner of this year's competition. More...
Where: Foyles Cafe, 113-119 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0EB
When: October 23 to November 16, 2013


Reframe: Perspectives on Europe through Comics
Comics by nine artists from Algeria, Turkey & UK explore our contemporary attitudes to Europe. More...
Where: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA
When: October 23 to November 22, 2013


Poles ApART: New Polish Comics & Graphic Novels
Twelve of the most important current comics creators from Poland in their first UK show. More...
Where: Windows Gallery, Central Saint Martins, N1C 4AA
When: October 31 to November 16, 2013


Six Characters
A collaborative Pop-Up challenge by Ahmed Jameel, Penelope Mendonça & John Miers. More...
Where: Platform Theatre Bar, Handyside Street, London N1C 4AA
When: November 2, 2013 11am-7pm

Friday, 1 November 2013

4 - It's a Dog's Life




Billy & Buddy 4 - It's a Dog's Life
Authors: Jean Roba
Full colour
Paperback
48 pages
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Age: 8 years and up
ISBN: 9781849181716
Price: £6.99 inc. VAT
Publication: September 2013


Seasons come and go. It’s winter now for Billy and Buddy, always a magical time for children—and at least one dog. Between the snow to play with and throw at each other, the ice to slide on, and the quaint seasonal customs a smart cocker spaniel can twist to the advantage of his stomach... The opportunities for fun and mischief are endless! Whether the adults feel the same way about it, well... That’s not very important, is it?  

 Well, cute fun and well drawn and nice colour work.  What I'd like to know is Roba's work-rate. How long between books? Why?  Well, he is writing to a certain age group but making the work also readable by adults which is the sign of a good writer. But he has my respect because it is no easy thing to write page after page full of visual or other gags. I know. I've tried it.

Buy -read to your kids (real or imaginary -no one will know).

Cinebook The 9th Art: Spirous and Fantasio 5 - The Marsupilami Thieves



Spirous and Fantasio 5 - The Marsupilami Thieves

Authors: Franquin
Paperback
Full colour
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
64 pages
Age: 8 years and up

ISBN: 9781849181679
Price: £8.99 inc. VAT
Publication: August 2013

The Marsupilami, a mysterious animal that Spirou and Fantasio –and pet squirrel, Spip-  discovered in the jungle of Palombia, now resides in their local zoo. When he seems to drop dead suddenly, the reporters storm into the park demanding explanations. Much to everyone’s surprise, though, the body has disappeared—stolen! The two adventurers lose the thief after a night-time chase, but they will not abandon their friend, no matter where their loyalty may take them!  

I was confused when I saw “5” and searched but could not find Marsupilami 1-4…then at the bottom of the cover I saw “An adventure of Spirou and Fantasio”. So I wasn’t going senile!  Phew.

I am a little confused over the publication dates, though. Since this is available “August 2013” and other books September and October –not sure if that’s just printer delays or I’m at the bottom of the reviewers list!

This is adventure and fun and I like the clean style of Franquin. It suits the story (this one based on an idea by Jo Almo) well. Marsupilami is, of course, famous in Europe and other parts of the world but I don’t think the character has ever made it to the UK or even the US before, apart from imported French books.  Everyone is in for a treat.

Kid or adult, enjoy the fun!

Graphite Fiction: The Golem



The Golem
Chris Kent
pencil art
153pp
24 x 16 cms
ISBN 9780956339614
£10.99


It is 1897.

Alfred Larchmont is a magician in a rather small and quite run down theatre -the sort of place where a "full house" seems to be a miracle. Then, one dark, wintery evening as he sits in his dressing room -light and heat from a fire in the grate.

Then Alfred receives a mysterious visitor, a certain Mr. Herbert Robonski. And Larchmont is taken aback somewhat  with surprise.  For Robonski's father was the great illusionist Vladimir Robonski who had recently passed away and rather strangely left Larchmont a small gift - a crate containing some of his conjuring equipment and ... a surprise.

If you are familiar with Jewish folklore or even the 1920s movie The Golem, you'll know where this is going. Of course, Larchmont is bemused when he finds a casket containing an oddly scripted parchment in a rather large trunk.  Oh -and a creature of clay.

Larchmont comes into some coinage and his less than faithful wife tells the theatre manager about this and asks her to steal some of the gold coins from the trunk -but she cannot find any.  And then tragedy as Larchmont's female assistant is decapitated by a stage guillotine.  The theatre manager, the strong man and stage clown offer to make "it all go away".  Then Larchmont feels the squeeze as the theatre manager blackmails him for £100 (in that period a fortune).

Larchmont activates the Golem intending to use it, and its special abilities, to offer the theatre manager a huge money making act.

I'll say no more about the story as you really should read it yourselves!

chrisKent

The entire book is drawn in pencil which was a bit odd to look at initially but you soon get into it. At one point -I read and was writing the review at 04:30 hrs- I suddenly stopped and thought "this is like watching an old silent horror/melodrama movie" -which was quite fun. There are some rather surreal scenes in the story and they all work well.  There were, if I remember, two points where I thought a caption might have been useful to more smoothly link scenes BUT I think the lack of any captions added to the almost dream-like (or nightmare-like) story.

VERY rare to get an entire book of full pencilled (uninked) stripwork but it was quite good. So if you want to read something different try this!