The stories within are developed by a wide range of Maiden fans with the goal of translating what each song from Piece of Mind means to them or inspires them to create. This is a theme that runs throughout the comic as it is also filled with fan testimonials. These offerings come from other musicians, comic creators, actors, directors, game developers and more. It’s a veritable who’s who of creatives who the band has inspired over the decades.
The stories themselves range across all possible styles and genres. Going from the horrific, to the philosophical, to the fantastical, the tragic and the hopeful. Many of the tales spun within these pages are as much up for the interpretation as the music is to the listener. While some of the stories clearly pay tribute to both the songs of Iron Maiden and to the marvelous art of Derek Riggs who designed the iconic mascot Eddie and much of Maiden’s lore via his paintings.
WHERE EAGLES DARE! is one of the most straightforward of entries featuring aerial combat in World War II. It is both desperate and triumphant in turns and has some of its roots in the Aces High artwork. The artwork is solid and I particularly liked the color work here.
REVELATIONS is written by Iron Maiden frontman, Bruce Dickinson, himself. Dickinson has chosen to depict the origins of occultist Aleister Crowley. Crowley is the hero of his own story here as he searches for something more. Its an esoteric tail for sure and the visulas compliment both its reality and surrealism from Crowley’s pov.
FLIGHT OF ICARUS is one of the most moving pieces. With Icarus as an inspiration the story revolves around family and choices. I love this story but it needs more fleshing out as the reader is forced to fill in significant gaps. The art, however, is poignant.
DIE WITH YOUR BOOTS ON is another gritty war story but with a twist that only the reader can decipher for themselves. The art is stark and brutal, befitting of the setting.
THE TROOPER is quite philosophical about the nature of man and our seemingly endless need for war. The art reminds me of contemporary comics of the 70s.
STILL LIFE was a surprise. I certainly wasn’t expecting cosmic horror but this would do Lovecraft proud and the painted art is flawless for this tale.
QUEST FOR FIRE is unfortunately one is more difficult to follow. It’s not the mix of cavemen with modern language and visuals but more a fault of how the story works in combination with the art.
SUN AND STEEL is beautiful in its elegant simplicity of a warrior’s chosen path through life and in it Jae Lee inspired artwork. Gorgeous.
TO TAME A LAND is another one that can be tricky as its all visuals, with reality and imagination combined. It helps if you’ve read certain works of science fiction. The flights of fancy that inspire so many of us. I can’t say I’m crazy about the art on this one as the imaginarium ends up becoming rather abstract and less satisfying, at least to me.
All said this was a very enjoyable book that I’m certain a wide range of readers would enjoy. There is a bit of something for everyone and the passion put into the project is evident. Maiden fans will doubtless be entertained, especially by the gobs of Eddie art throughout but for me this book has the same sort of appeal that Heavy Metal and Marvel’s Epic line did in the 80s.
4.75 out of 5
The novel was edited by Rantz Hoseley. Other writing contributions include Steven Grant (The Punisher), Tony Lee (Doctor Who), Ivan Brandon (24Seven, Viking), Sacha Gervasi, Antony Johnston (Atomic Blonde), Leah Moore and John Reppion (Conspiracy of Ravens), Brian Posehn, Chris Roberson (iZombie), and Alison Sampson (Hit-Girl). Illustrators include Carson Thorn (Batman the Barbarian), Damien Worm (The October Faction), Francesco Dossena (Dylan Dog), Christian Rosado, Staz Johnson (Rogue Trooper), John Pearson (Mindset), Michael Avon Oeming (Powers), and Danijel Žeželj (Luna Park).
In addition, between each story, the book contains original pieces of art by acclaimed illustrators such as Montos, Ghoulish Gary, Steve Chanks, Jan Meininghaus, Kyle Hotz, Jay Geldhof, Darin Hazmat, Travis Knight, Akirant, and Nat Jones.
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