Written by Marc Guggenheim
Artwork by Howard Chaykin
With Michael Golden, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez
Cowl by Dave Johnson
Revealed by Picture Comics
Too Lifeless to Die is without doubt one of the most entertaining films I’ve seen in a very long time.
Wait…What? It’s not a film…it’s a graphic novel?
Actually? Positive felt like a film.
Think about an aged James Bond tricked out of retirement by a necessity to save lots of the daughter he by no means knew he had and also you’ll have the plot of Too Lifeless to Die. (It even SOUNDS like a 007 film. Are you completely positive it’s only a e-book?)
Simon Cross is our hero right here, old school in each sense of the phrase, and lengthy since put out to pasture as a super-spy on this ever-changing world through which we reside (in).
The villains’ plot offers with local weather change however in such a means that makes it really feel like Blofeld would possibly very properly be behind it!
The dangerous guys have gone company through the years however they’re nonetheless developing with insane international plots, which is precisely why Simon Cross is required.
Author Marc Guggeneheim clearly is aware of all of the clichés the followers of this type of materials have seen a thousand occasions. He is aware of when to play into them however simply as clearly is aware of when to show them on their ear and play in opposition to the tropes for max impact.
The undertaking’s secret weapon, although, is Howard Chaykin.
Chaykin’s practiced expertise as a cinematographer…excuse me, I imply comedian e-book artist…are the proper match to match each the thrilling story and the extent of parody that overlays it. “Distinctive” is a phrase that will get thrown round an excessive amount of today however Howard Chaykin’s artwork has at all times actually been distinctive. From his beginnings within the area, even earlier than Star Wars, Howard’s artwork regarded like that of no artist earlier than him, nor does anybody since that I’ve seen current a mode even remotely near his.
New to me, although, is colorist Yen Nitro, whose nuanced work appears to suit Chaykin’s artwork like a glove right here. It’s onerous to inform at occasions the place one ends and the opposite begins.
Including to the texture of a Chaykin undertaking is letterer Ken Bruzenak, who famously broke the mildew on comedian e-book lettering on such collaborations with Howard as American Flagg, among the finest comedian e-book sequence of the Nineteen Eighties. I query the seemingly random blunted speech balloon “arrows,” however hardly any form of detriment.
Guggenheim provides up some nifty “again story” on the historical past of the character and his earlier adventures and even a few first-class bonus quick tales with artwork by fan favorites Michael Golden and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, two top-notch comedian e-book artists who merely aren’t utilized sufficient within the area today.
Should you grew up on spy films, you’ll wink, you’ll chuckle, at occasions your coronary heart will beat quicker, you’ll level on the display screen…err…web page… and possibly even tear up at a pair factors in Too Lifeless to Die.
Simon Cross is a cool new take a look at a cool previous hero you’ve by no means met…although you’ve identified him for years.
Booksteve recommends.
