Page 45 Review by Stephen
Projected to run for seven volumes, this epic, in-depth and dramatic retelling of the Trojan War has garnered Eisner Awards as well as praise from outside our industry from the likes of The Washington Post and Publishers Weekly. Booklist said that it "unfolds with heartbreaking determination," and they've pinpointed one of its chief strengths.
If you're not that well schooled in the classics, this will prove startling and compelling; if you are, then so much of the power lies in the inevitable, for you know just who is doomed, how and why – but it won't stop you desperately hoping that they somehow avoid their destiny. Speaking of destiny, this is a time where the population believed in Fate, believed in prophecy and portent and, unfortunately, sacrifice. It's amazing what your beliefs will make you do, but that doesn't make you any less courageous. For some, it will prove the ultimate test: betray your army, or sacrifice your daughter? It's not so cut-and-dried as it sounds. You have responsibility not just to your kingdom but to thousands of lives under your command. And if it does sound like a no-brainer then Shanower will convince you otherwise, for this is huge enough that everyone is rounded out, given a depth and an individual perspective.
There are some superb visual devices as well, from the mists that rise to isolate Helen and Paris atop Troy's tallest tower ("It's as if we're the only people left in the entire world."), to the pages of constant wind, denoted by "SHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHS" between each tier of panels until Agamemnon's daughter leaves her tent for the final time. It's a very clear panel structure as well, like Talbot's THE TALE OF ONE BAD RAT or Gary Spencer Millidge's STRANGEHAVEN, making it effortlessly readable by those unused to comics.
Also there's a map, for the names have all changed (along with the territorial boundaries), a couple of family trees, and a great big glossary of names including how to pronounce them.
For far, far more, please see my new review of AGE OF BRONZE VOL 1: A THOUSAND SHIPS.
