Review: Skybourne HC
Arthurian legends and spies? Who would have thought that those seemingly disparate story types could be woven together? Still, fan favourite artist Frank Cho is pretty used to defying the expectations of others. Here, with his own creator led book, he doesn’t have to answer to those expectations and can concentrate on creating a book that utilises his talent.
Lazarus, after his resurrection, fathered three children, Abraham, Thomas and Grace Skybourne. Each were blessed with superhuman strength, impenetrable skin and immortality. Of course, those who have seen either the first Highlander movie or subsequent TV show will know that immortality is a heavy burden to bear in some cases. Still when the sword Excalibur is retrieved a new quest is created for Thomas and Grace to complete; one that will potentially test both of them in different ways and may bring their charmed existence to an end, as magically gifted powers take on the mightiest magician of all time, Merlin!
Frank Cho is the creator, writer and artist of this hard cover that includes the whole mini series. Not normally known for his writing, Cho has produced a story that uses a number of existing tropes and familiar aspects, more of which occur as the story progresses. There is the magic element, which is obvious, but there are also shades of James Bond, the old TV show The Champions and quiet nods to Wonder Woman. The script is full of the type of bluster and gruff dialogue that may not be the most original but it is certainly is fun and energetic. There is something cathartic about the whole project to be honest; simple good clean fun, with a clear bad guy, clear good guys and elements of emotional traumatic stress disorder thrown in for good measure.
Cho provides the art for the book and it is probably here that the biggest Wonder Woman comparison appears. Remember back when Cho was the variant cover artist for the Rebirth Greg Rucka book? Cho got into trouble with what some people would see as over the top salaciousness. At the time I though Cho’s subsequent leaving the book was the only thing that was over the top and my viewpoint hasn’t changed. Cho excels at drawing strong, vibrant women and is there anyone other woman as strong and as vibrant as Diana of Themyscira? Here, Cho has the creative power to draw as he wants. This is epitomised through the first part. Subsequent pages reveal an artist who brings a high level of detail, story telling and pure fun that far outweighs those who think of him as just a “T & A” guy. Cho is helped out by colourist Marcio Menyz who scheme is light without being bright. This allows the humour of the script and some slapstick moments in the art to gain equal footing with the action pieces. Letterer Ed Dukeshire completes and compliments the overall vibe of the book with a font and bubble layout that helps the eye move across the page and through the story.
Skybourne as a collection works extremely well, with the lead characters each sharing time in the spotlight. The artistic humour of certain situations is mirrored extremely well through a script that can as acerbic as it is funny and at times, down right emotional. Cho has shown that he has the skills, both with his writing and his art, to deliver high quality comic book entertainment.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 StarsColors – 5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written &Â Art by; Frank Cho
Colors by; Marcio Menyz
Letters by; Ed Dukshire
Published by; Boom! Studios
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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