Abraxas And The Earthman (Paperback)

~ Rick Veitch (Author, Artist)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. This first collected edition of the seminal graphic novel published in serial form during the early 1980s brings a powerful psychedelic journey into print. Veitch (The Maximortal; Can't Get No) astounds with a heartfelt tale that is equal parts Herman Melville, consciousness expansion, environmental treatise and gripping sci-fi adventure replete with space battles and all manner of exotic extraterrestrials. The story follows cetologist John Isaac, who is shanghaied from a naval research mission, along with the submarine's commanding officer. The pair is thrust into the thick of mad Captain Rotwang's interstellar vendetta against Abraxas, a space-faring crimson leviathan who cost the captain his leg and, arguably, much of his sanity. As both earthmen are put through horrific physical alterations, Isaac discovers to his shock—and dawning fascination—that he may be the nexus between humanity and a great cosmic truth of staggering proportions. A lush and thought-proving narrative is seamlessly expressed through a script that veers between extremes of wide-eyed wonder and outright horror. The febrile illustrations disgust—Isaac loses his skin early on—without losing the essential humanity of this powerful tale. (Nov.)
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Product Description

Rick Veitch's unforgettable eight-part Epic Magazine series is finally collected as one mind-bending full color graphic novel! Abducted from earth by space whalers, Cetologist John Isaac endures physical and spiritual mutation by order of the ship's master, Rotwang. Pressed into the mad captain's hunt for Abraxas, Isaac finds his own destiny in the belly of the monstrous red-horned whale.

Product Details

• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: King Hell Press; First Printing edition (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962486485
• ISBN-13: 978-0962486487
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #775,934 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, March 11, 2007

By	Terry Gordon "terrygordon" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This surpisingly ranks easily within my top 10 graphic novels (perhaps even top 5) of all time. Fantastic art, a terrifically compelling story, SF, horror, adventure, you name it. I couldn't stop reading this and can't recommend it highly enough for adults looking for something better than all of that superhero crap out there. Enjoy!

2.0 out of 5 stars Great art, great concept, but . . ., December 23, 2009

By	Geoff Matthews (West Jordan, utah USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This graphic novel takes the Moby Dick storyline, weds it to some 70's concepts (environmentalism, psychedelics, eastern mysticism, and I'm sure some others that I didn't catch) to create what ends up as a disappointing storyline.

I found the technology in the story pretty fascinating, but much of the dialogue is stilted, the moralizing is heavy-handed, and the ending was a let down.

Some interesting side stories could be developed from this universe, but prequels, not sequels.

5.0 out of 5 stars "From Hell's Heart I Stab at Thee!", September 29, 2009

By	Sam Thursday (APO, AE United States) - See all my reviews

Rick Veitch remains one of the most consistently underrated talents working in comics. His first full-length graphic novel is a really remarkable accomplishment - weird and wonderful science fiction with an oddball New Agey twist that riffs on Moby-Dick even as it charts totally new territory. Incredible draftsmanship coupled with one of the finest imaginations in comics. Highly recommended.