Did anyone else know that Tom Morello, the guitarist from Rage Against the Machine, has a graphic novel series? I subscribed to a monthly graphic novel subscription called Comic Bento, and this showed up in my most recent box. I admit, I was intrigued! Tom Morello is an excellent guitarist. Would he also be an excellent story writer?

 

The answer is: maybe. Since this is the first volume in a series, it's hard to tell for sure. What I will say, is that this didn't knock my socks off. It's a bit all over the place, and the focus is more on laying out the back story of the world Orchid lives in rather than doing any actual character building. I'm all for world building. Still, when you reach the end of a story and have little to no background on your protagonist, that's kind of frustrating. Orchid didn't feel realistic. I didn't feel any emotion for her. I'm hoping that's remedied.

 

I think the saving grace here is the art though. It's stunning. Crisp and vivid, the world of the "after" comes to life easily. Here is a world ravaged by rising waters. A world filled with all manner of terrible new (huge) wildlife. Also, a world where the caste system has come back into play. You're either on top, and safe, or on the bottom and running for your life. Warning: this story is filled with blood and gore. People die. Brutally sometimes. It's not for the faint of heart.

 

I can see myself continuing with this series, although I'll probably borrow them from the library. I'm just crossing my fingers for more character development!

Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/WriterRating: 4 out of 5 ControllersReview Source: NetGalleyReviewer: MeCelebrated musician Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine) has created a larger-than-life post-apocalyptic graphic novel about disaster, revolution, and hair-raising monsters. Orchid, Vol. 1 is a grandiose adventure of disturbingly epic proportions. It’s not for the faint of heart, nor is it for those of you who don’t want to be sucker punched by a reluctant hero, a feisty (prostitute) female lead, war torn nations, and creatures who’d love to have you as a snack. This is a dark and dreadful, weary place. And I invite Dystopian fans to step into the pages and submerge themselves in Orchid’s frightening world. Meet Simon, a book smart rebel who has come into possession of an artifact used by the infamous General China. He eludes capture, only to stumble upon a boy who he just barely rescues from certain death. The young boy takes Simon to his home where we meet his mother and eventually a prostitute with the word “property” tattooed across her chest, Orchid. Because of a certain “thing” Orchid has done, trouble follows her home and she, Simon and her brother are captured. And consequently, their mother is killed. Thus begins their hair-raising adventure of survival, loss, and retribution. Overall, Orchid Volume 1 is great for anyone looking for over-the-top fantasy adventures with not-so-happy beginnings, a lot of death, and creatures that might make you think twice about entering dark forests. The artwork, ominous tone, and worldbuilding will capture your attention from page one and take you on an emotional journey that won’t let up until the ride is over. Yeah folks…it’s good!

Review to come.ARC courtesy of Dark Horse Comics via NetGalley

Review was originally posted at Northern Plunder.

Review: I was left a little speechless. This book really made an impression on me, I think it really helps that the back story to every character and to the world is given completely which meant you felt connected and worried for those fighting for their survival, worried for those living on the edge of civilisation praying that the very wild beast stay right away and despising those in power for doing nothing but being in power for all the wrong reasons and even though the world is dangerous and terrifying, it still has this strange and beautiful appearance to it, I wish I could just show you some of the work (well, I have included an image below but there is so much more beauty to the work)! The story follows Simon a freedom fighter who has stolen back the previous leaders mask that is believed to have special powers, he stumbles into the home of Orchid, a teenage prostitute doing what she can to provide for her mother and brother whilst wanting a better life for them too. From the moment Simon enters her life, he turns it upside down, they capture by slave traders and the story follows them on their journey throughout this new and wild Earth. We also get to meet a crazy old lady who lives in the deep wild and a strange, mute "demon" man, it's definitely not your average tale on Earth. I've held back a star even though I really enjoyed reading it simply because considering the book is titled after Orchid, she doesn't really do that much, so I have a feeling that in the next volume we'll definitely get to see her kick some butt and be more of a bad ass, yes? Hopefully. I see it heading in that direction at least because what would be the point in naming the graphic novel after her if she does nothing and because it ends on a cliff hanger! In other words I am completely dying to know what happens next and hope it continues to live up to my expectations.
Recommend? I see no reason why not! Hopefully my local library will get it in stock too cause I think I'd like to reread it.

***Initial thoughts sprawled out***
Have you ever read something that just seemed so perfect and left you wanting more? I have, right now. It provided the right amount of background to the world and every character whilst also having a gripping and beautiful (and dangerous) story and setting. Orchid is just becoming what I imagine to be her full-fledged BA so I've held back a star because I want to see her kick ass. Can December get here sooner?

Full review to come but seriously I think what I just wrote on spur of the moment does it justice.

The artwork in this is stunning. A lot of the "main character" designs I may not be fond of (Simon for example) but it kind of grows on me. Orchid has a perfectly fine character design, same with Opal, but for me the stunning art lays in the background. The people in the background and the landscapes, plus the monsters. The monsters are beautifully grotesque. I love it.I love the setting. I'm always a sucker for a good dystopia. I don't find it "good" as in "realistic" so to say, but I find it good as in entertaining, compelling, and just an overall good story.This volume was mostly introduction and a ton of historical background on the world and on some of the characters. This is certainly a "lower class rebelling against the ruling class/'government'." Using the term government quite loosely here, I don't think the world is quite organized enough to qualify.copy provided by netgalley. thanks!