Nocturnals: Black Planet

Rating:
Summary: Fun, violent, creepy horror graphic novel
Review: "Nocturnals: Black Planet" was my first exposure to the Nocturnals, and I'd recommend it as a good place to start the series (in fact this book collects the first six issues of the Nocturnals).

The Nocturnals are essentially a bunch of misfits and freaks (I won't spoil any of their origins or specific abilities here, that's part of the fun in reading Black Planet) who have run-ins with both the mob and a strange alien menace. Outcasts from society, they band together and seem to form a real family, even though they are what most would consider to be "monsters." The action, pacing, and violence are all intense, and the main characters are truly well-conceived and have some neat abilities. The book is plotted pretty tightly and flowed nicely; I found myself having to reread the beginning a bit just to make sure I understood what was going on and who the characters all were, but that wasn't a big deal.

The book isn't illustrated in a traditional "comic book" fashion. Instead, each panel in the book is essentially a painting, and most are extremely well done. I don't know a lot about art, but I'd kind of describe them as looking a little like watercolors, as there's a lot of color blending and few sharp edges. They look very nice. In addition to the six issues collected in this book, there is a pin-up gallery in the back that has all the covers as well as full-page color art by a variety of artists inspired by the series.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys horror comics, gunplay and mobster violence, pulpy action (of the more the violent persuasion, like the Spider), and Lovecraftian critters and weirdnesses. I definitely plan on picking up the other Nocturnals graphic novels.

Rating:
Summary: Not Just a Brilliant Illustrator
Review: Dan Brereton is nothing short of a genius. I actually picked up one of the individual comics of this collection several years ago, intrigued by the art. Then I fell in love with the characters and story line, searching all of the local comic shops for years to get the whole story. Halloween is, without a doubt, my favourite time of the year and Dan Brereton has made it into a believable year 'round exisitence. The symbolism and imagination is all there, with the D.B. added magic. Everytime I hear that Mr. Brereton is putting out another story I anxiously await its release. I would recommend this, or any other Nocturnals story, to any lover of the great "graphic novel" or art, as the art is what really sets this apart from the pack. For any "Halloween Girl" (or Boy), it is a must have in your collection!

Rating:
Summary: Not Just a Brilliant Illustrator
Review: Dan Brereton is nothing short of a genius. I actually picked up one of the individual comics of this collection several years ago, intrigued by the art. Then I fell in love with the characters and story line, searching all of the local comic shops for years to get the whole story. Halloween is, without a doubt, my favourite time of the year and Dan Brereton has made it into a believable year 'round exisitence. The symbolism and imagination is all there, with the D.B. added magic. Everytime I hear that Mr. Brereton is putting out another story I anxiously await its release. I would recommend this, or any other Nocturnals story, to any lover of the great "graphic novel" or art, as the art is what really sets this apart from the pack. For any "Halloween Girl" (or Boy), it is a must have in your collection!

Rating:
Summary: Best. Comic. Ever.
Review: Dan Brereton is one of the most amazing artists I have ever seen. His books are a treat to read, his paintings literally a feast to the eye. To even call Nocturnals a comic is almost an insult. This is sequential art at it's best. Do yourself a favor and order this book!

Rating:
Summary: Best. Comic. Ever.
Review: Dan Brereton is one of the most amazing artists I have ever seen. His books are a treat to read, his paintings literally a feast to the eye. To even call Nocturnals a comic is almost an insult. This is sequential art at it's best. Do yourself a favor and order this book!

Rating:
Summary: Nocturnals shall live again!
Review: Nocturnal's Black Planet is a compliation of previously release issues. It wasn't given the recognition it deserved due to the over-population of other new comics at the time. Dan Brereton is the creator of this epic. He vividly & lusciously illustrated each and every panel to a point where you can sense it. The story consists of what you don't see often enough these days...imagination. Isn't that what comics try to aim for? To enhance visually and intellectually? Nocturnals exceeds in both fields and then some. It has elements of fantasy, horror, and even a little comedy. All in all, making it a well worthwhile journey. If you enjoy Nocturnal, spread the word. Also, if you would like to see more, go check out The Crow: Shattered Lives & Broken Dreams, which features the Nocturnals in a short story.