Review: Necromancer Bill TPB
“What better way to breathe life into a lifeless existence than with the power of the dead!”
It’s long been said that with great power, comes nothing but a heap load of trouble. When an ancient ritual kind of goes wonky, that is exactly the fate that awaits for Bill our, somewhat at first, lacklustre hero.
You see, Bill is not having the greatest time of his life. Saddled with an ex-wife that walks all over him, who uses his boat for her “romantic” dalliances and with his own love life boarding on extinct; his great joy is his garden. When, out of the blue, he is hit by some magic mumbo jumbo, he turns his beloved garden into plant cemetery, it is just one more thing in his life and not lived existence to go wrong. Thing is, Bill has received the power of necromancy; the power over the dead. To help him understand, use wisely and not kill anyone, is a talking raven called Larry, who has more than just one substance abuse problem. Between them, they will look to breathe some life into Bill’s dead end existence by using the power of death!
The book is written by Robert Menegus who plays it firmly with his tongue in cheek, although there are also some very nice observational touches on show. Bill is in lost land territory. Regardless what the reader may think of his life, Bill has grown accustomed to it. As such, he is more than resistant to change, at least at first. Once he gets his head around his new partner in the undead, things take a different turn. Larry is the wise ass seen it, done it, screwed it up kind of character that you will either love, hate or love to hate. Through him, Bill gets to see the amount of power he actually wields. The dialogue is funny for the most part, though the constant wisecracks could wear thin; Menegus aware of that, allows the tempo of the book to change as Bill’s confidence and powers both increase.
The art is supplied by David Brame who mixes a Sunday cartoon style with some really solid fantasy elements. Starting with Bill, there is the required world weary about him. He is overweight, balding and has no discernible back bone. Makes you wonder how he managed to survive so long. Larry and his magical cohorts are pretty well depicted and interact well with the more familiar aspects. Of course where there is magic, Brame gets to go nuts and create all sort of chaos, be it undead people, mice or dinosaurs! The inks are heavy which add to the art, allowing the characters to stand out from all the crazy. Colors are provided by Gabriel Roldan who gives the book a kind painted look. Ironically, given that there is magic afoot in setting and locations, its the normal stuff that looks better. Finally, letters are provided by Frank Cvetkovic who gives the book a sort of lazy comic sans font which compliments the art very well.
This type of book is certainly not my cup of tea. For the most part, I like my stories a tad more grounded and talking animals should only appear in Disney movies. But every once in a while a book comes along that draws you in, that contains real life emotions albeit wrapped up magical in skulduggery. This is one such book that should make you smile at the funny, possibly recognise aspect of Bill’s life all wrapped up in its own little necromantic world.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors 4.5 Stars
Overall 4.5 Stars
Written by; Robert Menegus
Art by; David Brame
Colors by; Gabriel Roldan
Letters by; Frank Cvetkovic
Published by; Darby Pop
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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