The Black Dragon

Rating:
Summary: Stupendous!
Review: A masterful story by Chris Claremont, and beautiful art by John Bolton. This is graphic novel storytelling at its finest. The hero is remarkably realistic; it is very easy to identify with him. Good attention has been paid to historical details; I found myself wanting to know more about Eleanor of Aquitaine. This is one of Claremont's finest works ever. Features a new introduction by Anne McCaffrey. Very highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A graphic novel for mature readers
Review: Demonstrating a great knowledge of the folklore and mythology of the British Isles, "The Black Dragon" weaves a story of intrigue around the time that Christianity began displacing the original religions of the Isles. The story is mature, but frankly presented, which may make it unsuitable for young readers. While the story does not contain gratuitous violence or sexuality, it does deal with these issues as real occurences of life. Those easily offended by frank displaying of this subject matter may want to investigate further before buying. However, the story and the artwork make this an enjoyable graphic novel for those mature enough to handle such sensitive materials.

Rating:
Summary: A graphic novel for mature readers
Review: Demonstrating a great knowledge of the folklore and mythology of the British Isles, "The Black Dragon" weaves a story of intrigue around the time that Christianity began displacing the original religions of the Isles. The story is mature, but frankly presented, which may make it unsuitable for young readers. While the story does not contain gratuitous violence or sexuality, it does deal with these issues as real occurences of life. Those easily offended by frank displaying of this subject matter may want to investigate further before buying. However, the story and the artwork make this an enjoyable graphic novel for those mature enough to handle such sensitive materials.

Rating:
Summary: Awsome art! But I just couldn't get into the story.
Review: I knew after the first 10 pages of this graphic novel that the story was not going to interest me one bit. I forced myself to read four or five more pages, and then I had to give it up.

I AM NOT SAYING THE STORY WAS BAD. It's just that for some reason I couldn't get interested in it and therefore couldn't read it all the way through. I can't help but get the feeling that if this story was presented in a text only fantasy novel that I might have gotten more out of it.

Strange indeed. Most of the time I enjoy sword and sorcery graphic novels.

On a more positive note I must praise the black and white artwork of John Bolton. The art was simply fantastic!