Soul Stealer Book Two: Blood and Rain
2008's Soul Stealer was a revelation. Not just because the graphic novel was a near-perfect marriage of art, storytelling and vision, but also because it was produced by relative unknowns in the comic book industry (Easton, DMF, etc). As impressive as Soul Stealer was though,Blood and Rainis even better...For starters, Christopher Shy's artwork is once again jaw-dropping. From start to finish, Blood and Rain is a veritable feast for the eyes, full of haunting imagery that burns itself into your mind. What I like most about the artwork is Christopher's range his ability to compose people as effectively as scenery; medieval landscapes as well as futuristic ones; action scenes as well as symbolic moments; and the mundane as well as the fantastic.In short, Christopher's artwork is the best thing that Blood and Rain has to offer, but Michael Easton's writing is not far behind. In fact, it s because of the writing that Blood and Rain is better than its predecessor. While Michael's prose remains poetic and beautiful, his command of the storytelling is much stronger the second time around. The first Soul Stealer graphic novel for instance, was at times confusing and required an additional read to fully grasp, whereasBlood and Rainis much easier to follow the first time through.As far as the actual story,Blood and Raincontinues whereThe Beaten and the Damnedleft off, once again following the plight of the immortal Kalan in a futuristic New York. The main plotline is more interesting though, building on the mythos established in the first book, while introducing several new elements such as Kreimchild an evil being that kills gods and has destroyed heaven and hell; the Tenth Planet, also known as the world beyond worlds; the Pikemen; Vanth & Lasa; and why Kalan might be mankind s last hope. But before that, Michael introduces a masked assassin who seeks vengeance against Kalan her identity will surprise you and two flashbacks narrated by Apis Bull and Altimus, one of Kalan s fellow soldiers who perished during the battle at Tarquinia.Of this all, my absolute favorite part in the entire graphic novel was Apis Bull s lengthy and compelling flashback that chronicled his tale from birth to his epic battle against Kalan, and which evoked fond memories of Robert E. Howard and Frank Frazetta...--Robert Thompson, Fantasy Book Critic