|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||
|
|
Reviewed by Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane Dogs: Prelude (vol. 0) is a volume containing four individual stories; each has its own distinct plot, but they all share a setting, and there's a bit of character overlap here and there. This gives the book the feel of an anthology, which is appropriate for a collection which is--I gather--the precursor to a full series (Dogs: Bullets and Carnage, coming out this summer). None of the individual storylines are groundbreaking, but between them they show glimpses into a dark, intriguing world. The lead characters in the stories are, respectively, a former hit-man confronting his past; an "information broker" who sees something he shouldn't have; a girl who takes up the sword to avenge her parents' murder; and a boy with unusual powers who tries to help a winged girl escape from pimp and finds himself in a messy situation. It all sounds like relatively standard action/fantasy fare, but the execution is fast-paced and interesting. The worldbuilding is particularly good, especially for a first volume. This series could almost be set somewhere in our world, but there are plenty of indications that its science is or has been more advanced than ours. (In that respect--but only that respect--it reminds me a little of Saiyuki, with its unpredictable mix of impossibilities and gritty reality.) As a one-shot, Dogs: Prelude has enough going on to catch my interest. Between this first look at the story and the things I've heard from current fans, I'm looking forward to seeing how it expands when the series proper gets going. VIZ has really gone all out to give Dogs a gorgeous release: the book is larger than standard (similar to VIZ's Signature line) and has a rock-solid script from translator/adapter Alexis Kirsch. The book also earns its shrink-wrap, with generous helpings of bloody violence and strong language. Think you could have written a better review of Dogs Prelude (volume 0)? Write us and we'll probably let you give it a shot! --EiC PC |
3 February 2010
|
||||
 |
| home | reviews | news | features | about us | advertise | privacy policy | contact us |
