Graphic novel review: Strontium Dog - The final solution by Alan Grant, John Wagner, Simon Harrison and Colin MacNeil

Genre: Science fiction, 2000 A.D. comics

Note: While this book can be read even if you have not read other Strontium Dog stories, there is continuity in the main plot lines of Strontium Dog stories. So reading this book would spoil previous books in the series for you. I recommend you read them in order.

This book collects stories from 2000 AD progs 600-606, 615-621, 636-641, 645-647 and 682-687 (1988-90). It has one long story following the Strontium Dog Johnny Alpha and about 4 shorter stories at the end.

The art in the book is simply fantastic. 90 % of the pages are in black and white with some pages colored. The details and clarity in the art is stunning.

The writing in the book is good. It has a sarcastic, cynical tone throughout the book which fits in with a world devastated by radioactivity and one that has a persecuted class of mutants born due to the radioactivity.

The story in this book is serviceable, the tale told is entertaining enough. It is not however good or great. The art plus the story make this into a above average package.

Rating: 3 / 5; Above average, recommended if you like Strontium Dog stories.

Graphic novel review: Steve Niles Omnibus

Genre: Horror

This Omnibus contains the following stories:
1. Aleister Arcane
2. Wake the dead
3. Secret skull
4. The lurkers

All stories are written by Steve Niles and each of the story has a different set of artist for them. The art style for all 4 stories varies quite a bit. The first one has a painted look. The second one is a more traditional comic book style. The third one is a gritty comic book style art. The final story's art style is hard to describe, best I can do is a stylised comic book style.

All the art is good however and is a strong positive for this book. Being a classic style horror book there is a lot of gore present.

The stories themselves are well written and contain good dialogue. However none of the stories are ground breaking or present anything new. The plot lines are predictable and there are very little surprises. Horror fans will get good entertainment from this book, for everyone else, this book is above average.

Rating: 3 / 5, Above average, horror fans will enjoy it.

Graphic novel review: The V.C.s - Back in action by Dan Abnett, Henry Flint and Anthony Williams

Genre: Sci fi action.

The V.C.s is a revival of a old series from the British publisher 2000 A.D. In the introduction the author Dan Abnett states that this is not a re imagining but rather a continuation of the lives of characters from the old series. I have not read any of the old V.C.s stories and I do not believe that there is a need to read them to enjoy this book.

The previous V.C.s dealt with a war between the humans and a alien species called Geeks. This graphic novel focuses on a veteran from that war - Smith. There has been peace between humans and Geeks for some 50 years now and Smith we are introduced to is a old washed up relic facing a bunch of issues due to his war experiences.

All this changes when the Geeks launch a surprise attack on the humans and the veterans are suddenly thrust into war again. Now Smith needs to get his squad of Rookies combat ready to take on the Geeks.

The books plot proceeds at what appears to be a predictable direction. However the author slowly inserts a few intrigues that look to make the story interesting. For eg. there is a collective of extremely powerful aliens called the Polity who seem to be observing the humans and Geeks. What is their agenda ? There are a couple of other intrigues which I would not like to spoil.

The writing and dialogues are above average in the book. The story does start slow but shows promise of being good. I feel the art ranges from functional to being above average. All in all this is a decent beginning for this series.

Rating: 3 / 5, Above average, the series has potential.