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zare_i's review against another edition
3.0
I never read Lobster Johnson novels so had no idea what to expect here.
Although story begins with Crimson Lotus' origin story ... of sorts ..... (is there a place Rasputin never showed up :) ) she very quickly becomes background element, shadowy character that takes revenge on people that killed her father (with and without the help of Japanese occupation force in China) and seeks the mysterious statue stolen by Rasputin during Japan-Russia conflict in beginning of 20th century.
Main characters here are two Chinese spies (story takes place in 1930's) trying to prevent Crimson Lotus from obtaining the ancient artifact. One spy is cocky, James Bond-like westernized agent with quick wit and guns while the other is a serious one, a sorcerer, girl aware of what is going on and what is at stake.
With all of the above story was great until end. For me end seemed a little bit too rushed. We had final fight, tension but in the end it all looked like "what was the fuss all about?"
Art is gorgeous and although cartoony I find it very good indeed.
Recommended to fans of Hellboy's lore and universe.
Although story begins with Crimson Lotus' origin story ... of sorts ..... (is there a place Rasputin never showed up :) ) she very quickly becomes background element, shadowy character that takes revenge on people that killed her father (with and without the help of Japanese occupation force in China) and seeks the mysterious statue stolen by Rasputin during Japan-Russia conflict in beginning of 20th century.
Main characters here are two Chinese spies (story takes place in 1930's) trying to prevent Crimson Lotus from obtaining the ancient artifact. One spy is cocky, James Bond-like westernized agent with quick wit and guns while the other is a serious one, a sorcerer, girl aware of what is going on and what is at stake.
With all of the above story was great until end. For me end seemed a little bit too rushed. We had final fight, tension but in the end it all looked like "what was the fuss all about?"
Art is gorgeous and although cartoony I find it very good indeed.
Recommended to fans of Hellboy's lore and universe.
redhairedashreads's review
2.0
Rating: 2 stars - It was ok
Crimson Lotus is one of Lobster Johnson’s adversaries. This is supposed to be the Lotus’s origin story but I feel it wasn’t very much of an origin story. We don’t really get any information about why she became the Crimson Lotus or how she learned magic. There is just a brief scene from her childhood and she wasn’t even the main focus of it. This whole comic focused more on the two Chinese spy’s trying to capture the Crimson Lotus.
Overall, this wasn’t a great comic because it wasn’t really an origin story, nor was it very interesting.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Crimson Lotus is one of Lobster Johnson’s adversaries. This is supposed to be the Lotus’s origin story but I feel it wasn’t very much of an origin story. We don’t really get any information about why she became the Crimson Lotus or how she learned magic. There is just a brief scene from her childhood and she wasn’t even the main focus of it. This whole comic focused more on the two Chinese spy’s trying to capture the Crimson Lotus.
Overall, this wasn’t a great comic because it wasn’t really an origin story, nor was it very interesting.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
zombiecupcake29's review against another edition
2.0
This wasn’t really what I was expecting. I didn’t feel like the story was as fleshed out as it needed to be. There was very little origin and it seemed like the focus wasn’t where it needed to be to make this a great story. I did really enjoy the illustrations thought. They were beautifully done.
booknooknoggin's review against another edition
2.0
Really meh....set in Hellboy universe but nowhere as good.
lacee's review
4.0
I really enjoyed Crimson Lotus but it should be clear that this is NOT an origin story. It's really misleading the way these character spin-offs are being marketed. Crimson Lotus is a quality story but it suffers from a lot of the same issues as Rise of the Black Flame. We get a glimpse of the Lotus's motivations but little on how she became one of Lobster Johnsons toughest rivals. Nor do we get any explanations on her magic use and talent. Honestly, she barely gets any page time.
On the other hand this book introduces some really interesting characters to the Mignolaverse that I would like to see again. Fortunately, adding cool characters and a plot that is somewhat linked to the Lotus works here but it makes for a terrible origin story. Something else that worked was Mindy Lee's art style. Her character designs really popped and Agent Dai was a total babe! Sorry!
The Crimson Lotus is more of a spy story with the Lotus being the main villain. If you go in wanting a spy adventure you will enjoy this. If you had your heart set on a true origin story for the Crimson Lotus, this probably won't be for you. Though, give it a try at least.
On the other hand this book introduces some really interesting characters to the Mignolaverse that I would like to see again. Fortunately, adding cool characters and a plot that is somewhat linked to the Lotus works here but it makes for a terrible origin story. Something else that worked was Mindy Lee's art style. Her character designs really popped and Agent Dai was a total babe! Sorry!
The Crimson Lotus is more of a spy story with the Lotus being the main villain. If you go in wanting a spy adventure you will enjoy this. If you had your heart set on a true origin story for the Crimson Lotus, this probably won't be for you. Though, give it a try at least.
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