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The world of Cerebus is well worth plunging into. This first collection will not blow your socks off, but it does introduce almost al of the major characters and gets the ball rolling for one of the longest continuous narratives ever!
The first Cerebus is a misnomer. It's in fact hard to believe that after this Sim would create a multi plotted epic which touches upon politics, feminism, the Torah and a million of other things. However one must not forget that Cerebus started out as a Conan the Barbarian parody.
No deep plots, nothing. This comic consists of Cerebus fighting battles and escaping the beautiful but highly annoying Red Sonia. There are cameos - something that would occur in every volumes but here they are more cartoony and bizarre. As a parody Cerebus works and splendidly. Just don't assume the remaining volumes follow this vein.
The first volume of Cerebus is often said to be in-essential compared to the rest. That's mainly due to the fact that the initial issues were seemingly unconnected and it isn't until from the middle section until the end that any semblance of a wider narrative was taking shape in Dave Sim's plans for the character. Although you could miss Volume One out and enjoy the rest of the saga I would still highly recommend reading it as it introduces the reader to some of the best characters in the series. The developing artistic scope of Dave Sim's work taking shape is interesting to see. As well as this to put it very simply, the initial stories are just plain fun. If you're a fan of sword and sorcery stories, give it a shot.
I finally started on the "phone book series" graphic novels I'd seen in stores for decades. I'm glad I waited - half the fun was in the references I would've completely missed in years past.
All in all, it proved occasionally entertaining satire of sword & sorcery, but was largely derivative and aimless.The art was mostly functional, but some panels are gorgeous stunningly detailed.
I pushed through mainly in anticipation of the highly reviewed sequel, "High Society". So far, though, I can't recommend volume 1 on its own merits.
All in all, it proved occasionally entertaining satire of sword & sorcery, but was largely derivative and aimless.The art was mostly functional, but some panels are gorgeous stunningly detailed.
I pushed through mainly in anticipation of the highly reviewed sequel, "High Society". So far, though, I can't recommend volume 1 on its own merits.