1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Venture into Bete Noire, July 12 2009
By Pat Shand "Pat Shand" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Fallen Angel Volume 1 (Paperback)
Before I get into my review, let's get things cleared up. This TPB marks the beginning of IDW's FALLEN ANGEL series. You can start here and understand everything. I did. However, Peter David's original run of the series was over at DC COMICS after twenty issues. I plan on getting those issues one day, but those who are unable to find them should be comfortable to dive into this epic tale with the IDW issues.
The story is shockingly creative, and written with such love and interest in the characters and themes. I'd read Peter David's work before, and I've definitely enjoyed it, but "Fallen Angel" operates at an entirely different level. This story, which is essentially a tragedy about loss (loss of stature, loss of faith, loss of the will to move toward redemption), takes place in the city of Bete Noire, a supernatural city that shapes the world. Liandra, the Fallen Angel, stands guard over the city, which is threatened by the evil Magistrate and even some people from the Angel's past. As she clashes with these forces, the emotional stakes are raised when her son Jude becomes involved. As the plot gets thicker, we're treated to revealing flashbacks that show how Liandra went from being an angel on high to a sarcastic and violent guardian of an evil city. It's gripping, emotional, dark, and funny enough to balance the mood.
After this volume, the majority of the art will become hit and miss (I've read up to #21 at this point), but these five issues are beautifully painted by J. K. Woodward. His whispy art gives a realistic but yet dream-like quality to the characters and setting, which is perfect for Bete Noire. If you're looking for a wholly satisfying comic with great writing, great art, and memorable characters that you're going to want to follow... I suggest you venture into Bete Noire and follow the exploits of the Fallen Angel.
9/10
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Most Fantastic Graphic Novel I've read in a long time., Mar 18 2007
By Le'ora Igarath "Still Thinking" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Fallen Angel Volume 1 (Paperback)
Both art and plot are magnificently matched. It has been a long time now since I've taken a break off the comic-book mainstream genre, and moreover - the big 2. this story reflects what I love in comics - the plot is twisting brightly, the concept and the world created in this one is simply put - new. I haven't read such a new concept in a long time.
Not to mention to fitting art and the incredible articulate in which it suits the mood and atmosphere of this tale.
I really recommend it to everyone who enjoy comics.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Graphic SF Reader, Sep 3 2007
By Blue Tyson "- Research Finished" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Fallen Angel Volume 1 (Paperback)
Peter David takes his very interesting Fallen Angel series to IDW. A lighty surreal, painted style here, and we find out more about the background of the Angel.
She comes into conflict with even more denizens of Bete Noire here, not just those in charge.