Impression: Mass Effect Redemption Dark Horse comic

Mass Effect Redemption Dark Horse comic Impression

Another massive, popular gaming franchise gets the side-story treatment with Mass Effect: Redemption from Dark Horse comics. This collection bridges the gap from Mass Effect to Mass Effect 2 and with PlayStation 3 owners about to get a taste of the franchise it’s good to get all the story one can. So what’s the deal with Redemption and why should gamer care, let take a look.

The Story – Commander Shepard is dead … or is he? This is a question Dr. Liara T’Sonia looks to answer as she travels to the Terminus Systems and the lawless Omega station. Teaming up with Feron, Liara must deal with the militant Blue Sun, Cerberus and the Collectors all in a race to recover Shepards body and find out exactly what value the body of a hero holds.

The story is very straightforward even with the various factions involved. Liara gets her answers and the stage is set for Mass Effect 2. While it’s a good story it is needed more for those familiar with the franchise. Characters, settings and factions are explained in enough detail but for such a massive game it just feels a bit light. Liara is an annoying character and frustrating as she shows such strength and weakness at the same time. The action does pick up and the pacing is well done but it’s a link in the larger chain the is Commander Shepards story, one where he is pretty absent.

The Design & Art – The cover art is poster perfect but the internal art is, well it’s adequate. This is not art that will blow comic fans away but it’s not bad by any means either. Characters and settings retain the look established in Mass Effect and the level of detail is sufficient it’s just not top level, detailed art. A good looking comic that lets the story shine as the star.

Why Gamers Should Care – Mass Effect fans on Xbox 360 get to learn a bit about the story between the games already enjoyed while PS3 owners can get a taste of what’s to come. Gamers should care because Mass Effect has such a strong storytelling element getting more in comic form is just too sweet to pass on.

Overall Mass Effect: Redemption is a must have for true Mass Effect fans. It’s got decent art with a strong story that bridges the gap from one outstanding game to the next. Comics as well as anime are intertwined with the world of video games so don’t miss out when media such as Redemption presents itself.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project Volume 4

Evangelion answers the question of ‘what if’ seen at the end of the original series

Ah, Evangelion. An iconic series that frustrated fans with it’s odd ending only to satisfy with movies giving the deserved finale. While FUNimation is releasing the re-make/update to the famed anime Dark Horse is publishing a refreshing ‘what if’ scenario for the franchise. In Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project the series takes the normal life for Shinji seen in those controversial final episodes and says what if to this being more than a scene in an episode. What if Shinji, Rei and Asuka were childhood friends going to school with fairly normal parents (still alive). What if they had to deal with not Angels but crushes and embarrassing situations? Let’s take a closer look at volume 4 of the series and ask ourselves ‘what if I wanted to buy this book?’

As the trio of Shinji, Asuka and Rei continue to go to class and train together the hidden feelings Asuka has been hiding really begin to surface. Is Shinji more than a childhood friend? Why does his relationship with Rei frustrate her so? A day to exchange chocolates leads to awkwardness while a very familiar synchronization test takes place in the school swimming pool followed by a drunken cherry-blossom party that shows the lighter side of Shinji’s father while Dr. Kyoko Soryu makes an appearance surprising her daughter. All of this pales when compared to Asuka’s mistaking a kiss between Rei and Shinji and its results. Things are definitely heating up for Shinji and the Evangelion crew.

Notice something interesting? All of these interactions and encounters seem fairly ordinary, no Angels, no Eva’s … just normal life and this is what makes this series so refreshing. The art style is beautiful and reflects a polished, updated look for the franchise which keeps the main looks of the original, solid, character and setting designs. The story is the star as fans get a different side of these iconic characters, one that is not all doom and gloom. The exploration of feelings between the three pilots … students reeks of many a school age comedy in a flowery fragrant manner (read good folks, its good). The humor is great and the embarrassing situations and new personalities for characters rocks. This really is a world of normalcy, of happiness that’s populated by the characters fans of Evangelion came to know and love.

The Shinji Ikari Raising Project is rock solid. Its beautiful art mixed with characters that fans love in a brand new setting that just needs an anime adaptation. As Full Metal Panic FUMOFU was to the original Full Metal Panic so too is The Shinji Ikari Raising Project to the original Evangelion.

Star Wars: The Old Republic Dark Horse comic Impression

Dark Horse provides the prequel comic for BioWare’s upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic

Even with a game like Star Wars: The Old Republic which will be full of history and back-story there is always room for more outlets to tell the tale. Enter Dark Horse and their three issue Star Wars: The Old Republic: Threat of Peace comic which introduces the main players, conspiracies and a few settings in which gamers will immerse themselves. The question is why should gamers care, what is the point of reading these comics? What about the comics themselves? How does the art stack up, the characters and writing, all solid or no? Well, let’s take a look.

The Story – After centuries spent on the outer reaches of the galaxy the Sith Empire has returned to wage war on the Jedi and the Senate they serve. With both sides spread across the galaxy engaging in battle that ends in stalemates the Sith Dark Council decides to extend an offer of peace to the Galactic Senate. The question is can it be trusted or is the ensuing cease fire just a way for the Sith to move their forces in secret? The two sides meet on Alderaan to discuss the treaty but not everyone involved believes the proposition. As Sith Lords with their own agenda invade Corusant many are swept up in conspiracy filled agendas. As the war begins anew Jedi and Sith will clash with bounty hunters and senate soldiers thrown into the fray and nothing in the Old Republic is safe.

High level view of the story setting the stage but the story does much more than by introducing the key players in the upcoming BioWare game. Meeting Jedi Satele Shan, Bounty Hunter Braden and Lt. Tavis makes these books worth the read. These are just three of the characters, main ones in these comics, that set the stage for what to expect in The Old Republic. They show a few of the character classes, how they interact and how unique this game will be. Different personalities, agendas, settings … it’s all laid out here for fans itching to get into the game. The comics do a good job of setting the stage for such a grand story.

The Design & Art – The look and feel of the Old Republic has been established for years and seen in the Knights of the Old Republic games and comics. Jedi, Sith, troopers and bounty hunters all have unique attributes within a set mold and this can also be expected of the game. The art is very, very solid with a realistic look to each character and setting. TOR won’t win any awards on its art but it gets the job done and looks way better than some of the previous Star Wars comic art. Good effort and shows Dark Horse did not mail it in on this series to make a buck.

Why Gamers Should Care – Characters, planets, settings, design, story … the beginning for The Old Republic video game. When it comes to a game like TOR fans expect an engaging story, which they will get, but having a chance to expand that story in a good comic, well that just can’t be missed.

Overall having read prior Dark Horse Star Wars comics and seen the variety of art from poor to outstanding, The Old Republic finds a nice niche above middle ground. The story is solid but the game will be needed to complete it while the art is better than average. There is solid pacing and readers get a taste of all aspects of conspiracy in TOR. The game is going to be outstanding and the comic has set the stage.

Dark Side of the Horse VII

Sad to say this is most likely to be my last Dark Side of the Horse. Keeping up with the various Star Wars comics is taxing and not easy on my pocket or the generosity of Dark Horse. You’ll note that the books I’m covering below are a few, quite a few, volumes behind as I have not even wrapped up Vector which was a 2008 event. That being said I’ll of course still tackle Dark Horse properties, Blood + for example and look for movie tie-ins and other hot items, but for now lets take a look at the (possibly) final installment of Dark Side of the Horse. Who knows, things are not always as they seem and while the Sith may have seemed exterminated, ditto for the Jedi, they can and have come back in full force … read what you may from this …

Knights of the Old Republic #30
Zayne is up to his neck in trouble as he’s captured after obtaining evidence of the stash of Sith artifacts which Lucien and his alliance is holding. Things are as bad as they seem as Zayne must face off with Master Feln, one of the conspirators with Lucien, who is plunging his own tribe into darkness along with himself. As the fight reaches its conclusion Feln is a victim of the rules of his tribe that brought him to power and now see his downfall. Zayne is quick to leave as yet another Master fades into history.

So this story is a continuation and the core is the fate of Feln, but overall the art is just not that great. For such a dark time, a dire conflict the colors are vivid and bright and the expression of each character, body proportions, it just takes away from what is a very intriguing storyline.

Knights of the Old Republic # 31
Zayne, having dealt with Feln, now shifts his focus to a return to Corsuant and a reveal of the Sith artifacts which Lucien is keeping hidden from the Jedi Council. One little problem, the fleet waiting for Zayne and crew around the planet, so just how to get planet side? The tricks of the trade, a bit of starship slight of hand and Zayne is on the ground ready to reveal what he knows and take down Lucien and his alliance once and for all … but an unexpected host is waiting for them as they leave their ship.

The art continues in its comical manner as stated above and the story continues to progress at a much more rapid pace as Zayne will come face-to-face with Lucien. The best thing about this volume of KOTOR is the anticipation for what is to come. Zayne vs. Lucien is what drives this story, Lucien’s goals and all that was taken from Zayne because of a prophecy.

Knights of the Old Republic #32
The tricks have been used, now it time to put up against Lucien. Plans begin to unravel and truths are revealed. The alliance, the covenant has its own little dirty secrets and of course when dealing with evil, evil turns upon itself no matter how right those taking the actions may be.

Finally the fight we want and more plot twist. Readers, if you’ve followed the story this far you will not be upset at what you get, which is why I’m so vague above. As for the art it’s excellent, more realistic and helps to really set the tone and mood to what is should be, quite a fine chapter.

Star Wars: Rebellion #15, Vector Part 7
Vector continues as Luke and Han take a team to an isolated planet to investigate a strange presence. The planet just happens to be one containing an infected Celeste, stranded right where Vader left her 20 some odd years earlier. Let’s just say time has not softened our infected Jedi and as she encounters Luke that little Sith voice in her head convinces her to confront Luke.

Vector is by far one of the most enjoyable comic experiences I’ve read since … Marvel’s Inferno of the last century. Luke’s encounter with Celeste is tasty and seeing how she’s changed is good storytelling. The art is excellent, characters recognizable and everything sets up for a larger clash in volume 16.

Star Wars: Rebellion #16, Vector Part 8
Vector part 8 continues the fight between Luke and Celeste as Han and the other very infect able humans get to their ship only to be separated from Luke and Leia. The talisman decides to go after a new, potentially more powerful and bendable host only to be stopped by Celeste. As Luke and Leia make their escape Celeste manages to obtain a ship and gives a quick fly-by hello to an old heavy breathing buddy.

Celeste is the star of this book as her challenges and choices trump those of both Luke and Leia. She makes a very difficult decision and her little hello to Vader is just priceless. The art is excellent yet again and the story set in Vector continues.

Star Wars: Legacy #25
Their nest discovered Cade, Syn and the rest of their friends make their way to a hidden Jedi Temple that Cade’s uncle helped establish. Little to our bounty hunters realize but they are being tailed by a group of Imperial Knights, sold out by one of their own. As they enter the hidden temple Syn comes face-to-face with his father’s killer and must himself decide the best course or vengeance.

By far Legacy has the best art of any comic on this list. All three volumes are very well drawn, detailed showing great emotion, darkness, humor and proper action that the Star Wars legacy deserves. That goes for all three Legacy comics covered here so I won’t repeat. The story is a bridge to bigger things. The there are alliances formed against Darth Krayt and the stage is getting set for some all out action.

Star Wars: Legacy #26

Syn encounters the Jedi who felled his father only to be presented with the truth of who his father really was. Cade also must fight with a former friend to prove his true intentions as the new Jedi, Imperial alliance kicks in it’s Cade who decides to take the fight to the Sith.

Short summary, but great story points. We’ve got Syn with some major revelations and Cade taking the role of a leader, not a Jedi, but one with power who must face and destroy Krayt if there is to be hope for the galaxy after what befell the Mon-Calamari (SPELLING). This is one storyline that is going to be epic on a very Star Wars level.

Star Wars: Legacy #27
A side-story as Darth WyYrlok take a journey to seek greater power and confront the Spirit of Darth Andeddu, a long deceased Sith. Their fight is on they physical and to a grander scale the mental plain. The living will survive but at what price?

The price is one hell of a sweet one-shot side story where two Sith put their minds to the test. Not knowing much or really caring much about this particular Sith did not take away from the enjoyment of seeing two twisted mind go at it for domination of each other. A really good read that requires no ties to any prior story.

Overall these books have been great, especially Vector. Fans already know this and I’m just a bit sad that I’m so behind in these updates. Fortunately Dark Horse is really good about doing collected volumes so maybe I’ll start taking a look at those. See you on the flip side.

Dark Side of the Horse I

This was my first post about Star Wars comics posted on Comics Alliance back on September 13th, 2007. I only wrote about three comics at the time but since then I've had four more installments of Dark Side of the Horse, II through IV will be re-published here. I really enjoy these books and since Dark Horse releases collections thse recaps are still good.

I love me some Star Wars. From the original trilogy to Dark Empire to the Thrawn Trilogy (the best I tell ya, the best). That love was not even challenged with Episode I-III, it only grew stronger because no matter what happened on the silver screen the world of Star Wars was fleshed out even more with more characters and stories. Dark Horse is the dealer to my feeming for Star Wars with their line of comics that span everything before, after and during the movies.

I've recently re-connected with the Dark Horse Star Wars comics, and with their 30th Anniversary volumes this is a great time for you to do the same. Journey with me as I take a look at three of the latest Star Wars comics from Dark Horse, it's time to give into the Dark Side of the Horse.

Star Wars: Rebellion #9
Billed as the 'hottest issue yet' in the Rebellion line of comics, issue 9 finds the Rebel spy turned errand boy Wyl Tarson and his hastily assembled team on Ahakista. See, Wyl was discovered as a spy by the crime lord Raze who proceeded to do what crime lords do ... plant a bomb in Wyl's head and send him on a suicide mission. Wyl, knowing he can't risk active Rebel agents, assembles a team of castoffs none will miss. Team assembled, planet reached and now Wyl and his team wait underground for some good ol' fashioned Star Wars shield deactivation. Above ground the Empire, Darth Vader included, are tearing the snot out of the local populace and its local militia. Throw in a guide who's a former Jedi, another lightsaber wielding non-Jedi, some force use that grabs Vader's attention and viola, great book is had.

I love reading side stories like this where even if all the characters buy the farm it's still great to see what the rest of the universe was doing while Vader was running rampant. Issue 9 continues the Rebellion story with well to do art, but it's best features, a three-way Jedi throw down in issue 10. If you can pick up the earlier issues it's great to get the full background on Rebellion, but the opening page does an admirable job of outlining the story thus far, and when Vader's involved, hell it don't get much better than that.

Star Wars: Legacy #15--Claws of the Dragon pt. 2
Set in the future of the Star Wars universe, Legacy, Claws of the Dragon gives insight into what happens after the rebellion, after Luke and Mara Jade and their kids, and so on. Darth Krayt has captured Cade Skywalker as Skywalker posses a unique power in the force, that to heal, even raise the dead. Darth Krayt needs this power, needs to bend Skywalker to the dark side to complete his own quest for the restoration of his powers. That is the story of Legacy 15 in a nutshell, a tiny, tiny nutshell, but it works.

See, I'm kinda lost on what Darth Krayt's story is. I know how he came to power, but based on this issue I still don't' know what power he's trying to restore, how he as more than one Sith apprentice and his role as Emperor. If this story had anyone but Skywalker in it I might have lost interested, but it does and I have not. Unlike Rebellion, Legacy needs more understanding of past events for the reader to truly enjoy what's going on. I am captivated by the direction of the story, and would love to learn more about both Krayt and Cade, so hopefully I'll be rewarded soon, very, very soon. I recommend picking up a few volumes of Legacy before 15. It will make the overall enjoyment much more ... enjoyable for those, like me, looking to expand their understanding of the future of Star Wars. Oh, and you get to learn who Darth Krayt really is, neat!

Star Wars: 30th Anniversary vol. 6 - Endgame HC
Ah, the classy comic you can keep on your coffee table, bookshelf, bathroom ... it just looks good no matter where it is. I mentioned above that you can, can not catch up on the stories by picking up past volumes. Not an issue with this sweet collection Dark Horse is putting out for Star Wars 30th Anniversary. Hard cover, great binding and a collection of stories sure to satisfy, in this case anyone wondering what happened to the Jedi when order 66 was handed down. Not everyone died right away, some lived, and some were hunted down later as relayed in the Endgame Hard Cover.

Four stories, two minutes to two months after the Jedi elimination began. See Quinlan Vos fight to stay alive to see his loved ones again, Kai Huddora as he sees the end of his Jedi days, Dass Jennir as he leads old enemies against a common foe and the story of a young Vader who is almost destroyed while seeking out Kenobi. This a great book since it brings together so many stories in one space and fleshes out what was going on outside the movies. The art varies, but it's the stories that drive this book. Highly recommended for any true Star Wars collector, and if you're friends with one get him (or her) to buy so you can read

Dark Side of the Horse V

Been a long time coming, just like Episode I but without an Annie’s or Jar-Jar’s. Time again for anther Dark Side of the Horse where we take a look at the art, stories and flow of the comics that carry the Star Wars legacy. It’s time to enter the Star Wars Universe as seen by Dark Horse. Embrace your fear, embrace your hate and embrace some good reading.

Star Wars: Rebellion #12 - Small Victories Part 2
Luke and Leia find themselves separated from the main alliance fleet with no hope of rescue from Admiral Ackbar as they are deep within an Imperial ship installation. Where some would see no hope Luke and Leia see opportunity, a chance to destroy a major factory for the Imperials and cripple their ship production. Problem is the Imperials know they are there and capture out well known Rebels. Deena Shan who just has the bad luck to be along for the ride finds herself tasked with completing the mission of sabotage thanks to Luke giving her a window of escape, one that eventually leads her face to face with Rishyk, a bad tempered Imperial who has not just capture in mind when he finds her. There is still hope but first Deena must survive her confrontation with Rishyk.

Small Victories is a good side-story with an interesting look into the life of a Star Wars B … C-Lister in Deena. The art is good but the action in this particular chapter is lacking. Really not too much more to add, I’ll hold out for some Vector tie-in’s with Rebellion, just not steam here.


Star Wars: Legacy #20
With Cade having escaped from Darth Krayt it’s time to take a look back at the current Alliance with some history on Admiral Gar Stazi. With the Alliance in need of a major victory Stazi takes it upon himself to steal the latest Advanced Star Destroy right from under the Siths nose. A plan is hatched Mon Calamari Gial Gahan decides to take the blame for losing the ship when blame goes down. As we learn more about the plot we get a glimpse back at the Battle f Caamas where a young, non-Admiral Stazi takes a bold stand against the Sith that sets in motion his unwanted rise to power. The plan begins only to find that the Imperials know and have set a trap. What is to come next?

Ok, I mentioned a C-Lister above in Deena, so I would put Stazi in as a B-Lister (hey, he’s an Admiral). Learning about his background sets the stage for the second part of this well drawn book. Sometimes we take for granted the rise to power of characters in the Star Wars universe (I do) so it’s nice to see an origin story that has a major effect on the present day settings. More on that in just a minute.


Star Wars: Legacy #21
The trap is sprung, but within a trap is yet another trap as Admiral Gar Stazi does indeed gain the Imperious while at the same time destroying a major dry-dock for the Imperials. Stazi turns the tide on Admiral Valan whose out for revenge on Stazi, but he messes up bad as he lets Stazi get the upper hand. As Stazi prepares to cover the tracks of his troops and sacrifice his life in the process Captain Jaius Yorub steps in to keep the Admiral alive. A major battle is gained for the Alliance, but at what price?

At first glance this seems like another victory for the Alliance with not too much fallout, but all is not what it seems. Continuing with the same art and story flow as the previous book Legacy #21 does not hint at the wrath to come. All seems well, until Legacy #22, which makes 20-21 very worth the purchase. Talk about setting the stage well.


Star Wars: Legacy #22
Do not betray the Sith, a lesson Darth Krayt teaches in spades to the Mon Calamari. The entire race, no matter their value as ship builders, is put on genocide notice starting with the public execution of Gial Gahan and every other Mon Calamari in attendance at the trial. The Sith are pure evil and the price Stazi and the galaxy pay is incredible, but strange alliances begin to form. Imperial Knights, not long friends of the Alliance find themselves serving the true emperor by aligning with Stazi as well as helping the Mon Calamari underground. Imperial Knight Treis Sinde allows Knight Sigel Dare and others to escape as he takes on Lord Azard then himself goes underground. The slaughter is on and it seems Krayt’s act of murder may just backfire.

Ah, now this is a story. Sad thing is the art in this book was off, just does not have that impact needed and seems very, well comic-ish. Not a ton of detail in a story that is really getting good. Cade is nowhere to be seen but when you get the Imperials in full motion and alliances forming with old Imperials and the Alliance, well it’s game on time, one game that is most def worth the read even with art that’s not on par with other Star wars books.


Star Wars: Dark Times #9 - Parallels Part 4
Two stories, one of Bomo the other of a former Jedi. As he’s tortured Bomo Greenbark makes his escape and teams up with Crys to free the rest of their friends. As a result of Bomo and his groups actions Master K’Kruhk and his hidden padawans must face a crash landed foe looking for repair and some bounty. As both Bomo and K’Kruhk make plans to free their friends a story is set to come to an end.

Loose ends is what Dark Times is about. There is no hope, just sorrow at how far good people fall during the dark hours and years when the Empire establishers it’s rule Bomo finds he must embrace a side of himself while Master K’Kruhk does the same light-years away. Both beings must come to grips with their actions and realize that times will never be what they were, nor will they. With two different art styles, two styles that work very well, these tales of Dark Times gives insight into the Star Wars Universe no fan should pass on. There are not always happy endings and sometimes scars are not on the surface to be seen.


Star Wars: Dark Times #10 - Parallels Part 5
Parallels ends, and it’s a bitter ending. Jedi Master K’Kruhk does what is required to save the young ones, but they will never look at him the same way again and Bomo unleashes a fury built up inside since the Clone Wars. Where once Bomo thought he was lost, always to be an outsider he is accepted by the crew of the Uhumele, to continue his journey and find some peace in his existence. K’Kruhk meanwhile must retreat into further isolation as he will never be seen in the same light as he once was. So are the Dark Times in the Star Wars universe.

An ending to a sad story. There was never going to be a good ending for Bomo, but it’s nice to see him find peace. This set of side-stories just gives the Star Wars Universe more life, more realism as it’s not all about the main characters in the movies; the war is bad and never ended for some. These books also had some of the best art I’ve seen in a Star Wars book even with the dual artist. Good story, worth the purchase when this hits as a collection.


Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic #26 - Vector Part 2
Seems Zayne Carrick just can’t catch a break. Now he’s on a Mandalorian ship headed to Taris which just happens to be full of enemies and Pulsipher has the Sith talisman. The Mandalores are drafting outsiders into their army, an invasion fleet bound for Alderaan … and there’s a virus turning everyone into Rakghouls. Just another day for Zayne and Gryph.

First things first. The art in KOTOR is just, well interesting. It’s not bad, but there is something that just bugs me about it. Sometimes it works others not so much. The story is getting good as Vector picks up steam. Just how do the Jedi of the past touch the future? We are finding out and Zayne is a very likeable character to travel with. KOTOR is fast becoming one of my favorite series as it fleshes out the real history of the Star Wars movies we love.


Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic #27 - Vector Part 3
As more and more Mandalorians are turned to Rakghouls its Zayne who risk his life to warn off planet foes of the danger and to try to prevent the invasion of to contain the virus. As he reveals his true nature it’s Celeste Morne who begins to doubt herself, her mission, as a servant of Lucien. The Muur Talisman is evil incarnate and as it makes a play to control Zayne it’s Celeste who steps in and is taken over, and thus gains control over the Rakghouls. Just what is this power and how does it tie all time together? That is what Vector is about, and what we will find out.

Yup, art again is hit and miss, but the story finally begins to tie the past to the future. There is a lot of action as Zayne is here and there, but it’s Celeste and her choice that makes me anticipate the next issue. Man, can Vector get any better … I’d say yes.

Blood+ Manga vol. 2 Impression

The Blood+ manga from Dark Horse packs action and art to rival the anime, and surpass it in some instances. As Saya comes to grips with what she is the one-armed Charles continues his assault, not pleased with his battle. He wants Saya to remember who she is before he ends her life, a grudge tied to his lost arm. In order to bring Saya to him Charles kidnaps Riku, Saya’s younger brother and takes him to Vietnam. George has to stay behind in Japan to take care of things while Saya and Kai accompany David to Vietnam. A chance encounter with a one legged girl carrying blue roses in the city leads the group to the same town Saya went medieval on back during the Vietnam war, causing her to have bloody flashbacks. Meanwhile Riku becomes close with the young Charles, forming an odd bond of friendship that Solomon sees as weak and unneeded. Speaking of Solomon he’s in the background working on … well we have yet to find out what, ditto for Red Shield who dispatches backup to Vietnam for David. In the village all the villagers, including Mui (who befriends Saya) turn into Chiropteran’s and attack, causing them to be killed and Saya to embrace what Chiropterans are and face killing humans. We learn about Diva, her being Saya’s sister and how George first encountered an awakened Saya, then it’s onto volume 3.

Ok, so I mention this series moves beyond the anime. The art is superb, matches up beautifully with the anime, but there is a humor, a sense of emotion I see in the manga that is not always apparent in the anime, a great feat. The action, humor, emotion all comes through superbly in the manga pages. The storyline is great also, and when compared to the anime, which I just have to do, offers up enough changes and pacing to warrant owning each. Kai does not have to chase Saya to Vietnam, Riku never meets Mui, there is no private school and Charles is much different from his counterpart in the anime, not to mention there is the absence of one major death in the manga that I don’t mind. The story is great, hands down. The pacing is much faster than the anime, which is kind of odd since manga usually takes a bit more time to flesh out story. Chicken before the egg here as the manga is based on the anime, which is not the norm. So, art is sweet, story is good with enough wrinkles to separate it from the anime and the pacing is just right for an action packed manga. Not too much more to add other than bravo to Dark Horse for publishing this book that takes a risky approach by changing major story points and characters on a popular series. Not a straight up adaptation, a wholly new experience … now give me volume 3 already.

Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures Launch Trailer

A lot can be gained from watching a game in action. In person is the best, but if you must over the internet can work quite well. Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures has the voiceover and epic feel of a major movie trailer and the action looks to deliver with the same brutal action seen in the Conan movies, comics (Darkhorse) and novels. This game looks hot, but how does it play? Take a look at the trailer and if, when, I get a chance to take this puppy for a spin I'll let you know how it stacks up with the comics. Good times.

Blood + vol. 1 Impression

Back in 2000 anime fans were introduced to Saya in Blood: The Last Vampire. Saya hunted vampire like monsters called Chiroptera who were masquerading as students in a local high-school. The anime was beautiful in its entire execution form sound to animation, truly a thing of beauty. Even with this praise there was one major drawback, the length. Blood clicked in at around 45 minutes and left viewers wanting more, wanting questions answered about Saya’s past, what she is, what is an original. Well, it’s 2008 and anime fans are finally getting the answers they want, in a manner that is. With Sony releasing Blood + on DVD and airing it on Cartoon Network it’s time to learn about Saya as she rediscovers herself.

There are numerous Blood novels and manga in Japan that flesh out the story of Saya. We got just a taste of this banquet back in 2000 and Blood +, while not as beautifully animated, is quite the main course. This telling of Saya has a different art style than back in 2000, to be expected when you consider the production cost of a 20-30-40+ series run vs. a 45 minute movie. The Saya we see in Blood + has a younger, more innocent feel to her, a look and feel that fits once you get into the storyline. There is also the mysterious Haji and various government organizations to absorb. So, let’s take a look at volume 1 of Blood + on DVD.

Saya is just your average high-school track athlete, one who can only remember the past year of her life, a life spent with adopted father George and brothers Kai (older bro) and Riku (younger). Life is normal until Saya forgets her track shoes at school and while retrieving them one evening is attached by a monster, a Chiroptera. As she’s assaulted the cello playing Haji (tall, dark, handsome, mysterious guy, an anime staple) hands her a swords and tells her it’s time to fight. Saya has seen Haji around town, playing music that stirs her memories, but why? Things begin to unravel as Riku sees the Chiroptera, the role of George as protector is revealed by David, a government agent of some type and we see Argeno, a French gentleman working with the US Military to capture mice (Chiroptera) and seem to have their own shenanigans going on. Saya begins to learn about herself, we see glimpses of her past with Haji, George is attacked and hospitalized and then taken by the US Military. There is much going on in Okinawa, and in the past Vietnam conflict that all involves Saya and her blood which is the only weapon against the Chiroptera.

I mention earlier that the animation is not as good as back in 2000, but it is crisp for a longer running series. The character designs are quite good, better than I expected in fact, reminds me a lot of Witch Hunter Robin in the characters dress and manners. The stories pacing is excellent with great action stirred into a cornucopia of mysterious past, secret government agendas and more. What happened in Vietnam, why does Saya no longer have her memory, what is up with Haji’s hand. No, there is no end to the questions viewers will want answered, and that is a great thing to say after any volume one of a series. You want viewers to come back for more and Blood + does just that. The music is top notch, from Hans Zimmer, the animation is top level for a long running series and the characters are very engaging. Saya shows flashes of the ruthless assassin from 2000 that just teases at what the series will become. With 21 more episodes to go this is a series that any vampire, super-natural anime fan will want to check-out. Pick up volume 1 on DVD or splurge for the box set complete with a sweet t-shirt and preview of the Darkhorse Blood + manga which I’ve touched on previously. I was a doubter of Blood + a few years ago, after all how could you top Blood: The Last Vampire. Answer is you don’t, you just add to the story in a manner that just fits. I highly recommend this series … and I’ll let you know what else is going on as I continue to watch.

Blood + Manga vol. 1 Impression

Saya Otonashi is just your average high school track athlete, superb in the high jump, not so great with her memory. Saya does not have any memory beyond the past year, a case of amnesia that causes teasing at school as well as internal strife. What Saya doesn’t know can indeed hurt her. See Saya is not ordinary, in fact she seems to be ageless to a degree with vivid flashbacks to times long past. After she’s attacked by a Chiropteran, a vampire like monster, and assisted by a mysterious cello player named Hagi, do we begin to see more of what Saya is, of what her memory won’t allow her to remember. Saya’s family, father George as well as her ‘brother’ Kai, are under the orders of the Red Shield for whom Saya works. No matter how ordinary her high school and family life have been things are about to get really mess, really fast. Who is Saya? Why is her blood the only weapon against the Chiropterans? How does Kai, who most def has feelings for his ‘sister’ tie into things and what’s up with Hagi’s hand, the sword he gives Saya and this little arm missing dude Charles? So many questions, so few pages.

The Blood + manga from Dark Horse is excellent, yes excellent. The original Blood one shot anime from a few years back introduced US Otaku to a mysterious and dark warrior named Saya and the Chiropteran’s she fights. It also left the same audience wanting more, which we’ve received in the form of the Blood + anime which is not a direct follow-up to the first anime, but an excellent story in and of itself. The Blood + manga takes the Production IG anime (seen on Cartoon Network) and delivers the story on the printed page, as adapted and drawn by Asuka Katsura. I find myself adoring the art style, more so that what is seen in the anime. This feels like the original Blood anime, has a touch of Goth mixed with high school innocence that all crashes in on itself when the Chiropteran attack. Sounds like a mixed bag, well it’s not. Let me take a step back and establish this. The art is excellent, characters well drawn in a style that just suites this series. Each character relays a true range of emotion from clumsy family encounters, touching emotional encounters and of course dead serious action sequences that animate themselves in the readers mind. The story teases with the last past of Saya and the journey yet to come. The many questions outlined above build on each other without frustrating the reader. You want to find out more about Charles, Hagi, Red Shield, Kai and even Kai’s lost baseball career. Yes this is indeed the complete package. Did I mention it gets the signature Dark Horse treatment with a high quality printing and colored pages as seen in Ghost in the Shell? It’s yummy.

I’ve read a lot of manga, seen a lot of anime and how the two touch each other. Reading Blood + is indeed a joy as it delivers on the best of what manga is. Excellent story with plenty to tell, engaging characters, action, beautiful character designs for characters you actually care about brought together by Dark Horse in a book that looks great, reads even better and will make your manga collection glow. Yes, it’s that good. I for one hate that I’ve got to wait for volume 2, but you need to give this book a go around. If you like vampire manga, if you like action, mystery and a great story then this book is for you. Well done to Dark Horse, you are indeed giving fans what they want.