Absolute Planetary: Book One | |||||
Warren Ellis Art by John Cassaday | |||||
Wildstorm, 320 pages | |||||
A review by Susan Dunman
The enigmatic Snow has many other secrets, as do his two new team members, Jakita Wagner and The Drummer. As
the three of them carry out the clandestine plans of Planetary, they become increasingly intrigued by the
artifacts uncovered from their efforts in "mystery archeology." Unbelievable secrets are revealed as the group
methodically works to map the secret history of the 20th century.
Book One of Absolute Planetary collects the first 12 issues of the series, plus the complete script
for the first issue. The impressive Absolute format is a joy to behold and, although this first volume was out
of print for quite some time, a new printing was released in July of this year.
Among all of the many mysteries which must be unraveled, one thing that is not a secret is the unadulterated
imagination that pulses throughout these pages. Writer and artist complement each other so well that text and
images flow into a single form of communication. Every issue has a distinct "feel" to it and each one shines
a little more light on the secret history of Elijah Snow, Planetary, and the villainous enclave called The Four,
who are the antithesis of Planetary.
The stories can be appreciated on many levels, as there are countless references to pop culture icons,
comic book characters, and fragments from favorite sci-fi and horror stories that are part of our cultural
sub-conscious. There really is something here for everyone, from tales of a stranded shiftship that once
travelled between the multiverse, to the ghost of a murdered policeman who comes back from the grave to
deliver justice.
One of my favorites involves the exploits of Doc Brass and his super-hero cronies as they secretly fight
to save the planet from a variety of evils in the 30s and 40s. How can you not smile after reading
the following sentence:
Because this is a story about secrets, each issue must do its part to slowly reveal answers to the many
questions presented at the beginning of the book. Warren Ellis does this in fine style, but it does require
a bit of patience as you start out. However, ramp up your tolerance for ambiguity because there is pay-off
as things progress.
One of the best compliments any story, especially a serialized story, can receive is when the reader
finishes the last page, looks up, and mentally screams, " I WANT MORE!" Luckily, Book Two
of Absolute Planetary is waiting in the wings.
Susan became a librarian many light years ago and has been reviewing books ever since. Audiobooks and graphic novels have expanded her quest to find the best science fiction in Libraryland. |
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