Reviewer: Daron Kappauff
Story Title: Brother Against Brother
Written by: Christian Gossett & Bradley Kayl
Artist: Christian Gossett
3D Artist: Paul Schrier
Digital Painter: Snakebite
2D/3D Integration Designer: Snakebite
Producers: Johanna Olson, MD & Nathaniel Downes
Publisher: Archangel Studios & CGE
Finally!
“Let me explain. No, there is no time. Let me sum up.â€
If you follow my reviews each week (not a hard task since I only average 1 a week if any at all) you may already know where I’m going with afore mentioned one word exclamation. If not I’ll break it down for you. The above bold faced “finally†is a multifaceted word in regards to this review. First off, it expresses my relief that this issue has finally come out. Fans of The Red Star are most likely well aware of the sporadic nature of the title’s shipping schedule, but that doesn’t make it any easier to wait for its release. And secondly, I’m ever so excited to be able to review a title that I like. For the past couple weeks (since my return to actual reviews) it seems I’ve had nothing but negative things to say about the titles I was reviewing, and though it may not seem like it, this is not something I enjoy. On the contrary, I rather enjoy writing positive reviews, and with the release of The Red Star Vol. 2 #2 I get to do just that.
Without trying to sound like a used car commercial, I’d like to start this review with a simple sentence that best conveys my thoughts on this series (yeah I know, that would be a first right?)
The Red Star is without a doubt the best title on the market today!
Now, I know that’s a bold statement (sorry couldn’t resist) but it’s true. Ever since I picked this title up on a whim, way back when it started, it has been at the top of my reading list. And for good reason. The story behind the series is like a cross between a summer blockbuster and an award-winning independent film. It has multiple layers of plot and intrigue, and enough epic action and adventure to keep even the most anxious of readers interested.
For those of you already reading the series, I’m sure you know what it’s all about. But for those of you new to the series, or have yet to pick it up I’m including a caption I found at www.theredstar.com that nicely sums up the first story arc without giving too much away:
Over the course of several generations, the once mighty empire known as The United Republics of The Red Star (U.R.R.S.) slaughtered millions of its own people by the order of a single man. This man was their leader, Imbohl; a mighty sorcerer whose insanity turned his people’s Utopian dreams into a nightmarish scheme driven by the desire to forge his own immortality. Haunted by the ghosts of their nation’s tragic past, the Heroes of the Red Star, at the battle of Kar Dathra’s Gate, discover the true nature of their people’s struggle, abandon their duties as soldiers of the Red Fleet, and embark upon a quest to liberate their people from Imbohl’s dark legacy.
Couldn’t have said it better myself…no really, it’s a pretty hard plot to sum up.
Now that I’ve talked a bit about the story of this amazing series, I should really comment on the art. Where to begin? As much as I’ve raved about the story in this series, it was the art that initially drove me to pick it up. The groundbreaking and award-winning team on this book has done something not seen in comics for years…they’ve set the new standard for comic book visual excellence, and continually raise the bar with each consecutive issue. The combination of classic 2D pencils and 3D digital backgrounds, special effects, and paint give this series a breathtakingly beautiful look and feel that has yet to be replicated by any title currently on the market.
Besides the revolutionary art style (or should it be styles?) used on this title, the layout is unlike just about anything else currently available. First off, the Red Star team uses every inch of page space to tell their spellbinding story. This even includes the interior front cover, which features a splash page that continues over to the first actual page of the issue. Also, there are no white panel boxes to be found anywhere in the comic…in fact there are only 3 actual standard panels to be found in the entire thing, and they are done with black boxes that meld into the background. Instead of using traditional comic book panels, The Red Star features seamlessly interwoven images that flow from page to page leading the reader through this intricately detailed title. When panels are needed though, a simple and unobtrusive line separates the differentiating sections, and allows the reader to easily navigate the page but without being pulled out of the action.
Writer/artist/creator, Christian Gossett (the man responsible for the creation/design of Darth Maul’s dual lightsaber in Star Wars Episode I) and team Red Star have created something truly amazing with The Red Star and anyone not reading this series is doing themselves a huge disservice.
For more of my thoughts on this series in general, check out my Missing The Boat: The Red Star from a few months back, and my review of The Red Star Vol.2 #1.
And for even more info check out The Red Star’s home page at www.theredstar.com.
