The Path v. 1: Blood & Steel

Rating:
Summary: A Striking Approach to Storytelling
Review: If you're even reading this review you probably already read comics. This is one of the most interesting approaches out there. Sears and the rest of the art team are creating a new language for graphic storytelling here. Most comics (at least Western comics with which I am familiar) try to trick the reader into forgetting that he's observing a series of static images. The Path revels in this -- most pages are constructed around a single central image or event which may be depicted in multiple ways, and time does not necessarily progress across the page from left to right. Other pages might be constructed of a dozen tiny panels, none of which make much sense individually but which, when taken as a whole, give the reader an almost visceral insight into the chaos going on in the characters' lives. The book simply presents these images and the reader fills in the intersticies. This allows the story to bypass all the analytical tricks readers have developed to help them understand "what's going on"; instead, the story aims its way directly into your head. The excellent and surprising script by Ron Marz complements this presentation, and the static graphic presentation is echoed in the stubborness of the each of the characters.

Some may worry that a reader of "The Path" will miss out if he doesn't get all of the other CrossGen books. While I recommend each of them as worth at least sampling, "The Path" is totally different than any of the others (even the Marz-written Scion and Sojourn) and stands on its own. Yes, the main character of "The Path" is marked with a sigil, a mysterious symbol which gives the bearer great power, just like characters in other CrossGen books, but that's really all you need to know about those other titles. (As to the sigil's origins or purpose, this hasn't been revealed in any other CrossGen book either.) Ultimately, there is considerably less connection between most CrossGen books than there is in a typical month between Spider-Man, Daredevil, and the Avengers. "The Path" is not what you are expecting, but you owe it to yourself to give it a try.

Rating:
Summary: A Striking Approach to Storytelling
Review: If you're even reading this review you probably already read comics. This is one of the most interesting approaches out there. Sears and the rest of the art team are creating a new language for graphic storytelling here. Most comics (at least Western comics with which I am familiar) try to trick the reader into forgetting that he's observing a series of static images. The Path revels in this -- most pages are constructed around a single central image or event which may be depicted in multiple ways, and time does not necessarily progress across the page from left to right. Other pages might be constructed of a dozen tiny panels, none of which make much sense individually but which, when taken as a whole, give the reader an almost visceral insight into the chaos going on in the characters' lives. The book simply presents these images and the reader fills in the intersticies. This allows the story to bypass all the analytical tricks readers have developed to help them understand "what's going on"; instead, the story aims its way directly into your head. The excellent and surprising script by Ron Marz complements this presentation, and the static graphic presentation is echoed in the stubborness of the each of the characters.

Some may worry that a reader of "The Path" will miss out if he doesn't get all of the other CrossGen books. While I recommend each of them as worth at least sampling, "The Path" is totally different than any of the others (even the Marz-written Scion and Sojourn) and stands on its own. Yes, the main character of "The Path" is marked with a sigil, a mysterious symbol which gives the bearer great power, just like characters in other CrossGen books, but that's really all you need to know about those other titles. (As to the sigil's origins or purpose, this hasn't been revealed in any other CrossGen book either.) Ultimately, there is considerably less connection between most CrossGen books than there is in a typical month between Spider-Man, Daredevil, and the Avengers. "The Path" is not what you are expecting, but you owe it to yourself to give it a try.

Rating:
Summary: Dull with a side of awful
Review: The entire idea behind "The Path" is cool, and Ron Marz is up there with Chuck Dixon as on of the best writers around but the real turn-off for "The Path" is the art. Crossgen Comics has,until now, been using artists who usually make all the books look like the're done by the same artist, but for some reason crossgen decided to fix something that isn't broken and it has floped in my eyes. The artists give no hint of a third demension and the characters look like paper dolls. The reapeted use of browns make the book dull and less appealing to the eyes. I read other comics from crossgen and will continue to do so but The path will never be one of those comics.

Rating:
Summary: Dull with a side of awful
Review: The entire idea behind "The Path" is cool, and Ron Marz is up there with Chuck Dixon as on of the best writers around but the real turn-off for "The Path" is the art. Crossgen Comics has,until now, been using artists who usually make all the books look like the're done by the same artist, but for some reason crossgen decided to fix something that isn't broken and it has floped in my eyes. The artists give no hint of a third demension and the characters look like paper dolls. The reapeted use of browns make the book dull and less appealing to the eyes. I read other comics from crossgen and will continue to do so but The path will never be one of those comics.

Rating:
Summary: Good Stuff
Review: The Path is a very good read for avid comic fans that look beyond muscle bound super men. It's artistic approach is done with a Japanese flat style with compositions layed out like the Lone Wolf and Cub story line. I find it refreshing. I totally disagree with "zero02" comments on the art. I think they're beautiful and show a CROSS-cultural influence in the art. Keep up the good work Crossgen.

Rating:
Summary: Good Stuff
Review: The Path is a very good read for avid comic fans that look beyond muscle bound super men. It's artistic approach is done with a Japanese flat style with compositions layed out like the Lone Wolf and Cub story line. I find it refreshing. I totally disagree with "zero02" comments on the art. I think they're beautiful and show a CROSS-cultural influence in the art. Keep up the good work Crossgen.

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing and involving
Review: The Path- Crisis of Faith has been the first book I have read so far from the Crossgen universe. A samurai story is what motivated me to pick up and buy this book not being familiar with the artists or the writer before. But from the little knowledge I have about comics and comic art, it is delightful to see art work here that is a pleasant deviation from usual western comic art work. There are images within this book that seem inspired from Japanese comic art - especially the images of raindrops creating ripples on puddles of water distorting reflections. The comic script is also very intriguing. Feudal Japan has invoked strong visions among many artists and writers, as is also evident in The Path. Clearly, this factor is responsible for setting the tone for a wonderful manner of storytelling.

The story of Obo San, and his companions - each bound by their honor and the decisions that they have made in the face of difficult choices, makes for a very intriguing story indeed. Even more intriguing is the treachery and the conniving that exists behind the facade of honor within the nobility. And as Obo San suspects, possibly within the realms of the Gods themselves. Obo San and his companions search for answers and truth behind that facade, despite the fact that they have incurred the wrath of their mysterious Emperor, and imminent war threatens their people. Whether the path they have chosen leads them to truth and discovery, or death, it promises to be a very eventful journey.

Also eventful is the comic book itself. And I use the term comic here strictly in ways only a comic book reader would understand. If anything, 'The Path' only illustrates how the medium has grown far beyond the irrelevance of being called comic. 'The Path' will leave you wanting for more about this strange journey. A superbly crafted journey that won't disappoint anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Derivative Storyline with Good but Murky Art
Review: There some solid and occasionally great art in this book, but the story being told never really gets going. The narrative is so highly derivative of any number of stories and films that it's hard to get very excited about it. The setting is a land modeled on feudal-era Japan, and there we meet the Emperor's warlord. He is a stereotypically stoic and heroic warrior who is instructed to lead the country's relatively small army across the water to invade the massive power (based on China) that has been their historic foe. The predictably disastrous results lead to a literal reshuffling of heads, as well as the appearance of the warlord's brother, a monk. (There are two sidekicks who make cursory appearances, a barbarian Norseman, and an elegant female swordswoman). In any event, there are some striking panels and spreads here and there, and some interesting paneling, as well as two nicely executed stylistic shifts. However, the palette is incredibly dark and drab--this book ought to come packaged with a halogen lamp! Browns, rusts, and grays dominate the book, and sometimes you really have to peer to make out what's going on. So, a few nice moments, but not a book or series I'll return to.