Random Article


 
Event News
 

GRAPHIC NOVEL REVIEW: Chrononauts, Vol. 1

 
Chrononauts_vol1-1
Chrononauts_vol1-1
Chrononauts_vol1-1

 
Overview
 

Story by: Mark Millar
 
Art by: Sean Murphy
 
Colors by: Matt Hollingsworth
 
Publisher:
 
FG RATING
 
 
 
 
 
4.5/ 5


User Rating
no ratings yet

 


To sum it all up..

TO HISTORY & BEYOND! If ever one wants to predict what is the next comic book adaptation to the big screen; look no further and pick up CHRONONAUTS Vol. 1 by superstar comic writer Mark Millar and multi-awarded comic illustrator Sean Murphy (alongside with Matt Hollingsworth as the colorist). This latest release by Image Comics […]

0
Posted September 10, 2015 by

 
FULL REVIEW
 
 

Chrononauts_vol1-1

TO HISTORY & BEYOND!

If ever one wants to predict what is the next comic book adaptation to the big screen; look no further and pick up CHRONONAUTS Vol. 1 by superstar comic writer Mark Millar and multi-awarded comic illustrator Sean Murphy (alongside with Matt Hollingsworth as the colorist). This latest release by Image Comics has many elements of a potentially good movie in the near future: adventures, tensions, science fiction, great visuals, a number of suspense, and very decent characterizations to both main and supporting protagonists. This book clocks 120 pages, contains issues #1-4, and has additional features like all cover arts by some of the best in the comic industry, and sketches as well.

Chrononauts” are astronauts of time, and yes, time-travel. This is basically the creative team’s tribute to the awesomeness of anything Back to the Future movie series. Unlike the latter, however, Millar twists further that same kind of formula by injecting some of his patented storytelling tropes. The two main characters, Corbin Quinn and Danny Reilly, are both super intelligent scientists and best of friends (or BFF if you insist) who finally built a time-machine, and with the government’s blessings and resources, they embark an adventure of the lifetime—firsthand recording of every historic moment of all known histories, not just humans’ history. Sure, Millar again twists his brand of re-twisting story by sprinkling some human elements of insecurity, betrayal, and some serious Freudian “daddy” issues that motivated one of the scientists to circumvent the rules and virtually ended up distorting/destroying/ damaging the fabric of human time continuum itself. As always, the Scottish scribe narrates this tribute in the manner of presenting his patented almost violent and shock-value narration, like couple of dose of dinosaur chopping, philandering, near-naked exposures, snappy though cliché dialogues, and lots of action scenes, plus an ending that demands a second story arc. Similar to his Starlight (another tribute to the Flash Gordon montage), Chrononauts can be fun, and excitingly suspenseful read and demands a repeating or so readings.

But the true hero in this series is none other than the artist, Sean Murphy. He continues his brand of minimalist but rugged and scratchy art form since Punk Rock Jesus and The Wake here that results some of his best illustrations to date (unless he outdoes himself in the upcoming Tokyo Ghosts with Rick Remender soon). His detailed and painstaking illustrations of the different eras like the Roaring Twenties, the American Civil War, and even the Nativity scenes are well-researched and not so grossly exaggerated. Moreover his drawings of various iconic items of each epoch that define it like the automobiles and other modes of transportation, the buildings and architectural landscapes, and the geographical and historical landmarks that once prevailed in that given time. And, what is a Sean Murphy art without an obligatory splash pages that are breathtaking to view, analyze, and appreciate all the same? Not only that his artistic commands of facial portrayals are intricately delicate despite his rugged art-style that fulfill the corresponding literary interpretations needed in the Millar-scripts. Anger, anxiety, anguish, laughter, doubtfulness, celebrations, and fulfillments are delivered with the precision of artistic excellence Sean Murphy can do since Punk Rock Jesus. Is it unsurprising why Mark Millar chose Sean Murphy to this project in the first place? Moreover, Matt Hollingsworth should be commented here for his excellent coloring renditions on Murphy’s grand illustrations of the pasts and the modern eras. Indeed there are bloods around, but Matt’s colors lessen the negative touch of the redness to ensure of overall positivity of this series, and give justice to his artist’s take of time-traveling as well.

Sure, there are issues here. First, this volume was solicited for the July release, but delayed for more than one month. I waited for this one patiently in all seriousness. Second, the pacing is kind of dragging in some chapters, particularly in #2 and less in #3. The second part is crammed with dialogues and expositions that may benefit of exposing the character’s motivations or agendas but that can be a double-edged sword in reading. On one hand, it is tedious and a bore to read, and while the rest is fine. But upon reaching the third part, actions and pacing take up the rate and the usual Millar-moments come in full momentum. I hope the people behind of its movie adaptation take notice of this one and fix this.

Chrononauts, Vol. 1 has the elements of a good comic reading and at the same time, a potential sleeper movie hit in the blockbuster sooner or later (unless the movie people screw this up similar to the movie sequel of Kick-Ass). The main and supporting characters and their respective motivations are credibly realistic though Millar has the artistic license to do some madcap moments to his creations. The combine artistic fusion of Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth remains consistent, if not elevates further, that encapsulates the fun of the Back to the Future series and the seriousness the human elements Millar incorporates. I repeat this book rocks and rolls!


Paul Ramos

 


0 Comments



Be the first to comment!


Leave a Response

(required)