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andyshute 's review for:
Elephantmen Volume 1: Wounded Animals Revised Edition
by Richard Starkings, Joe Kelly
This really just goes to show that some people (and I'm not naming names) are a sucker for advertising and packaging. This is a reprint of a book I've already read and indeed own. The thing is they've standardised it and reprinted it in the same format as the other two collections (following this one) and that just cries out to my OCD tendencies and love of order. So was it worth buying again?
Well, the ongoing format of their collections as I've previously said are gorgeous. Heavy paper, thick, nicely designed - it's a wonderful book to hold and look at. Extras compared to the original version? Well, they include Elephantmen #0 which from what I can determine is actually Hip Flask #1 (Unnatural Selections). That alone saves you the 20 odd bucks that costs in HC on amazon and provides further depth to the EM backstory. The other real joy is the extra 'English and Media Studies' selections Starkings has included from the back pages where he offers a history of the fantastic artists and comic creators who shaped him, working in the British system in the 60s and 70s. It's nicely done, interesting and gives an idea of the comic lineage that has led here.
The whole thing screams of independent comic making at its finest and they clearly love their work. I don't blame them. I read this the first time in February 2010 and have included my original review (slightly edited given some of the changes) below. I've also bumped up the score to 4 stars given the design improvements and the extras.
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I picked this up after hearing good things on a few blogs I read and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. Billed as 'pulp science fiction' it's set in the world of Hip Flask and Mystery City dealing with the Elephant Men. Dark and surprisingly touching the first volume serves as an introduction to the world, setting up some ongoing plot lines. I particularly liked the final story of Captain Stoneheart and the Truth Fairy.
All that aside the artwork is stunning and beautifully rendered. The world is alive and detailed and vast and the characters (particularly Ebony) are vividly expressive. I'm very keen to pick the next volume up following this.
Well, the ongoing format of their collections as I've previously said are gorgeous. Heavy paper, thick, nicely designed - it's a wonderful book to hold and look at. Extras compared to the original version? Well, they include Elephantmen #0 which from what I can determine is actually Hip Flask #1 (Unnatural Selections). That alone saves you the 20 odd bucks that costs in HC on amazon and provides further depth to the EM backstory. The other real joy is the extra 'English and Media Studies' selections Starkings has included from the back pages where he offers a history of the fantastic artists and comic creators who shaped him, working in the British system in the 60s and 70s. It's nicely done, interesting and gives an idea of the comic lineage that has led here.
The whole thing screams of independent comic making at its finest and they clearly love their work. I don't blame them. I read this the first time in February 2010 and have included my original review (slightly edited given some of the changes) below. I've also bumped up the score to 4 stars given the design improvements and the extras.
-------------------
I picked this up after hearing good things on a few blogs I read and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. Billed as 'pulp science fiction' it's set in the world of Hip Flask and Mystery City dealing with the Elephant Men. Dark and surprisingly touching the first volume serves as an introduction to the world, setting up some ongoing plot lines. I particularly liked the final story of Captain Stoneheart and the Truth Fairy.
All that aside the artwork is stunning and beautifully rendered. The world is alive and detailed and vast and the characters (particularly Ebony) are vividly expressive. I'm very keen to pick the next volume up following this.