Angel: Surrogates

Rating:
Summary: Brooding and Battles
Review: The art work in this graphic novel captures the dark brooding mood of Angel,the Television Series. A strong story line holds the reader's interest. Angel's battles with demons and zombies are beautiful. They ripple with action. The addition of flash backs to Angel past add to the enjoyment. As usual the Christopher Golden dialogue is excellent. It rings true to each character. If I have any complaint it's that Kate does not resemble her TV counter part. But she plays such a minor role that it is not bothersome. I recommend this book to graphic novel and Angel fans

Rating:
Summary: From the Beginning
Review: The opening story of the Angel comic series was a three part story that was actually in production before the first episode of the Angel television series has been filmed. 'Surrogates' sported a Christopher Golden as writer, pencil and ink work by Christian Zanier and Andy Owens, and covers by Jeff Matsuda and Jon Sibal. The result remains one of the best efforts in the Angel series.

One of Doyle's visionary moments sends Angel to the home of Rita Carlson. This Rita and her husband were clients of an infertility clinic and were happily expecting when a sudden premature birth cost Rita the child. Note her husband has disappeared as well. When Angel investigates, he narrowly misses a fatal sunburn and discovers that an ancient evil is seeking to perpetuate itself. Cordy and Doyle provide vital aids, but it is Angel who must stop the threat.

Golden takes a few liberties with mythology, but the result is a complex and interesting story that reminds us that the bad guys have their reasons too. Zanier's artwork has a nice retro touch that that gives the graphics the appropriate noir touch. Coupled with his sense of composition and scene setting, the artwork is as satisfying as the story. All of this adds up to one of the best trade paperbacks done of the Angel comics, and a treat for all fans of the broody one.