I see this as a good first effort. It is solid material and I urge all fans of the OSM to obtain a copy, read it and present their opinions here.
I do not want to give away the plotline - other than what has already been discussed here, re: Mystron, etc.
I will say that the byplay at the end between Colossus Rex and Orbitron (about Orbitron's nudity) was quite amusing. As was the earlier bit about Rex's excuse for being late for the meeting.
But, let's not make C. Rex into a buffoon...
Further comments from my side may be coming; however, I do not want to prejudice readers with respect to their own comments. Rather, I'd prefer for now to facilitate discussion and enter the "fray" once it is started.
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9 comments:
I am glad you enjoyed the book. The most challenging part as the writer, is to individualize the characters without alienating the folks who have grown attached to the toys for so long. All any of us have know for sure about the characters can be found in their short bios printed on their packaging. Anything else has been added by our active imaginations. I'm anxiously awaiting The OSM's future adventures to see how their personalities will develop in the OSM Universe.
I assure that C. Rex is no baffoon. But although he may be invulnerable to attack and invincible in battle, he is not above alieviating intergalactic stress with a joke. He is, after all, the greatest representative the giant planet of Jupiter has to offer.
Thanks again for reading. Keep the comments coming.
Eric C Hayes
Writer - The Outer Space Men
Story: Good. Although in the future more science fiction elements and less religious allusions. The Algol trip may be conducive to this.
Characterization: good. One notices some interesting things. Rex and Alpha seem to have an affinty for each other, while Rex and Orbitron definitely do not. Interesting...
Art: Excellent, but with some constructive criticisms. The portrayals of characters differ in quality, in my opinion-
Orbitron, Astro-Nautilus, Electron+, and all the humans - Excellent and outstanding
Commander Comet, Mystron- Very good.
Alpha-7, Colossus Rex - Fair. Nothing "bad" per se, but: I would make Alpha-7 a bit less "cute." If you compare the old picture of Colossus Rex on the forward page to the novel depiction, the older one looks tougher, more powerful, more alien, etc. It ("old") has a wider, lower head, lower forehead, wider mouth, and greater browridge. The body is more V-shaped with a more pronounced set of abdominal ridges.
Xodiac, Mercurians - need a bit of work, I think. The problem: the new versions look "too human." The old version of Xodiac looked very alien, bizarre, "different." (my "take" on those strange ridges on the neck was that they were flesh and not hair, but that's a matter of interpretation). The older Inferno really looked like a living flame. My advice would be to "alienize" these characters a bit more, if possible.
I just finished reading the OSM first graphic novel. Having been a fan of the OSM toy for quite some time I was delighted to finally hear their story.
I found the story to be particularly revelent to many of the discussions that are taking place in today's world. These parallels were of some interest to me. I will try to talk about these in general terms so as not to ruin the story for those who have not read it.
The most obvious reference is to the environment and the impact that changes in the environment have on the human race today.
My favorite parallel was the storyline relating to "creation" and "science". The story tackeled theories of "human" development and what it is to be human. The idea of the original "earthling" vs. the manufactured one is a very new and refreshing concept and allows for a future of provacative reading.
Along the same line was the subplot that wrestled with the philosophy of "intrinsic" good and evil (particularly evil). I do hope that we have not seen the last of Mystron. Also, it would appear that the Plutonians have some demons as well.
Transgenetic manipulation and the moral debate that surrounds it is riveting and very relevent to today's issues. I would love to see more exploration into this issue and a deeper look at the "ancient war", the security council's decision and the Mercurians ultimate demise.
Finally, the Security Council (basically an alien United Nations) is the perfect backdrop for future adventures. I can't wait to see what other "disagreements" are in store. Like the UN, it must be difficult for all forms of life to come together for a common good. There has to be cultural and theological differences.
It is clear that the writer has a love of ancient Greek philosphy and text. Discussions of Socrates as well as a direct reference to Greek afterlife were quite entertaining (The Ferryman and Pergatory). I was also thrown back into my studies of the poet William Blake and his theories of death and the afterlife.
I must conclude by saying that there is much more to be learned of the OSM and their individuality. I am looking forward to seeing a lot more character development in future novels. I feel the current novel only scratches the surface of who these aliens are. Each must be exceptional in the own right and I am anxious to learn of their talents.
I can't say enough about the graphics and color. Hats off to Mr. Montemayor and Mr. Borstel on a job well done.
Until next time...the furthest reaches of the galaxy will not leave my mind.
Check out another review at SecretIdentityPodcast.com.
Yet another review at Comicsbulletin.com.
Check out comic critic Adam McGovern's review at ComicCritique.com
This was, by far, one of the best comic book graphic novels I have ever read. Please continue the series!
HR
See our COOL review at the geektastic site Aint It Cool News
"Go To" comic book culture site, Comic Book Resources, has love for THE OUTER SPACE MEN!
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