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grid's review against another edition
5.0
It’s hard to recommend this for the story, but fortunately the art is so good that it doesn’t matter. It’s funny, because while the story seems to wander and not know what’s happening, the art never suffers from that problem. Each page has a clear depiction of something that flows logically from the page before. There are jumps to new milieus sometimes, and (at least toward the end) these are attributed (inexpertly, IMO) to dreams. There are some fantastic elements, but this is most accurately read as science fiction, even with the dream stuff. (Lots of drawings of heads with wires coming out of them.)
One of the few graphic novels that lives up to the novel part of the name (at least in scope), this felt long, and at least for the first half or so, kept up a steady pace of interesting new developments.
Highly recommended if you are at all a fan of science fiction comics.
One of the few graphic novels that lives up to the novel part of the name (at least in scope), this felt long, and at least for the first half or so, kept up a steady pace of interesting new developments.
Highly recommended if you are at all a fan of science fiction comics.
u_0's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Had to read quickly to return it to the library in time-so I did skim most of it. I'm intrigued by this author's creativity and art style. I really love the color palette. The immersion into a sci-fi world is really cool. Still trying to figure out if the portrayal of women is sexist or a critique of sexism. Maybe I'll read through it properly one day. Good for art reference.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence
jekutree's review against another edition
4.0
World of Edena is an interesting read. It definitely feels like Moebius was super influenced by his work with Jodorowsky, a lot of this book is super super high concept and cerebral. It has a lot of Jodo’s voice in it despite it being a solo Moebius outing.
So, what is it about? World of Edena is about Stel and Atan (2 space explorers? Space mechanics? Not sure it isn’t clear) and explores what happens to them after they get transported to this planet, Edena. On this planet, they encounter organic food, earth animals long extinct in their time, an evil deity and a civilization of people that worship the deity. The more the story progresses, the more cerebral and high concept it gets. The story begins to delve into dreams, gender, futurism and way more pretty big ideas and themes. Thematically is probably the biggest influence from Jodorowsky as a lot of these themes in this story carry over from the Incal. I’d say that this would probably be best read as a companion to that book.
The writing is overall pretty solid. My only major gripe is that Moebius’s dialogue is over expository at times. There’s certain points throughout I wished Moebius would let his art breathe a bit more. There are definitely times I’d say he uses too much dialogue. But, Moebius has a good ear for witty and unique dialogue. I found that plenty of characters had a unique voice to them and when you meet the nest dwellers, you really get this. I love the way they talk so much, it’s such a blast to read the scenes with them especially in the chapter titled “Stel”. It’s pretty clear that the works of Moebius and Jodo are massive influences on people like Grant Morrison and Warren Ellis. Both great massive high concept writers like Jodo.
Visually, this book has no flaws. Moebius’s Art is tip top notch here, the man doesn’t make a mistake. Everything from the layouts to the lettering is done with such precision and style that you can’t help but gawk with every page turn. I love Moebius’s design of both the characters and the planet. I think his designs are the backbone of the book, all the characters are so visually pleasing that I would’ve read this without words. But that’s also a testament to his visual storytelling which is incredible.
World of Edena is a great book. I’d strongly recommend it both to high concept sci-fi fans and people trying to get into some European comics.
8.5/10
So, what is it about? World of Edena is about Stel and Atan (2 space explorers? Space mechanics? Not sure it isn’t clear) and explores what happens to them after they get transported to this planet, Edena. On this planet, they encounter organic food, earth animals long extinct in their time, an evil deity and a civilization of people that worship the deity. The more the story progresses, the more cerebral and high concept it gets. The story begins to delve into dreams, gender, futurism and way more pretty big ideas and themes. Thematically is probably the biggest influence from Jodorowsky as a lot of these themes in this story carry over from the Incal. I’d say that this would probably be best read as a companion to that book.
The writing is overall pretty solid. My only major gripe is that Moebius’s dialogue is over expository at times. There’s certain points throughout I wished Moebius would let his art breathe a bit more. There are definitely times I’d say he uses too much dialogue. But, Moebius has a good ear for witty and unique dialogue. I found that plenty of characters had a unique voice to them and when you meet the nest dwellers, you really get this. I love the way they talk so much, it’s such a blast to read the scenes with them especially in the chapter titled “Stel”. It’s pretty clear that the works of Moebius and Jodo are massive influences on people like Grant Morrison and Warren Ellis. Both great massive high concept writers like Jodo.
Visually, this book has no flaws. Moebius’s Art is tip top notch here, the man doesn’t make a mistake. Everything from the layouts to the lettering is done with such precision and style that you can’t help but gawk with every page turn. I love Moebius’s design of both the characters and the planet. I think his designs are the backbone of the book, all the characters are so visually pleasing that I would’ve read this without words. But that’s also a testament to his visual storytelling which is incredible.
World of Edena is a great book. I’d strongly recommend it both to high concept sci-fi fans and people trying to get into some European comics.
8.5/10
cassiea22's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
cantordustbunnies's review against another edition
3.0
This book is very new-age in tone and underlying philosophy. The artwork is wonderful and the esoteric elements of the plot were interesting but I found the dialogue to be corny. It starts out with a clear and interesting idea and then progressively gets murkier and more convoluted as the plot continues, as if the author was just throwing ideas out there by the end. The level of creativity and style are superb. Taken as an actual story however left something to be desired. If you're a fan of comic books I think this is a must read. This book should be enjoyed for the art, the style, and the cool ideas. If you're more interested in literary quality I don't think this book necessarily delivers on that score, but then again it probably wasn't meant to because it delivers on other things.
octoberrust1108's review against another edition
5.0
There’s a reason they call him “the Master”. The way Moebius blends concrete imagery with the abstract is breathtaking, and I don’t say that lightly. His skill as an illustrator is phenomenal, similar to Druillet in his meticulous level of detail. I could blab on and on about his work and say things that hundreds of others have said before me but I won’t because that’s boring. This book is a visual treat and you should read it.
The story itself was solid too!
The story itself was solid too!
artemisiaday's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
roy_gorbison's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0