Customer Reviews

Age of Bronze, Vol. 2: Sacrifice

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Here is the long awaited second volume of "Age of Bronze," the massive graphic novel covering the entire Trojan War story. The first collection carried the story to the launching of the first armada against Troy, while this one deals with the catastrophic results. The expedition is lost, mistakenly attacks friendly territories, and regroups... but what will the Greek army have to do to earn the gods' favor for a second assault?

As great as the first part of the story was, this one impoves on it considerably. Its fascinating to really *feel* the characters slowly come to realize the immensity of the struggle. The bravado of the first part is gradually turning to weariness, caution, and fear as the stakes become higher, and the sacrifices needed become greater. Characterization is impressive all around, and Cassandra's story is fully modernized and absolutely chilling. But its also fascinating to see how Shanower fearlessly takes on some of the classics of literature to tell his own story. The central part of "Sacrifice" is identical with Euripides's masterpiece, "Iphegenia at Aulis." Dangerous drawing so clear a comparison with such a classic, yet Shanower succeedes brilliantly, not simply rewriting it, but fitting it into the larger story.

This is not a good starting point -- anyone not reading vol. 1 will probably be lost -- but this volume is highly recommended, and not just for people who love mythology or graphic novels. Make no mistake... this is excellent literature.

This book is the second in a series by author and illustrator Eric Shanower. This series combines the Classic stories surrounding the Trojan War with modern archaeology, and uses a graphic novel format to bring those ancient stories to life. Everyone is here: Ajax, Paris, Odysseus, Menelaus, and (of course) the radiant Helen. This book begins with Helen's arrival at Troy, Kassandra's prediction of the destruction of Troy, and follows through to the story of the sacrifice of Agamemnon's daughter, and the preparation for the sailing of the Greek armada.

This is a wonderful graphic novel, one that really brings the old stories to life, and puts them together to form a complete and logical whole. I really liked the way the author used our present knowledge of ancient architecture and clothing to make the stories seem so realistic.

Now, I don't recommend this graphic novel for younger or more sensitive readers. If you are familiar with the Classical stories, you know that such topics as rape, incest, and homosexuality are an integral part of the story. As such, any book that deals with these stories *must* deal with these topics.

But, even with that in mind, I must say that this is an excellent book. If you are a fan of the ancient Greek and Roman stories, and would like to see them in a modern format, then this is the book for you. I am very glad that I read this book, and can't wait for the next one to come out!

This and the preceding volume of the projected seven-part series are an enjoyable, readable retelling of the story of the Trojan war with a brisk pace and well developed characters. Shanower does not limit himself to the material in Homer's works; he ranges throughout classic literature to tell the many interwoven stories that make up this greatest of all the epic tales. He tells the tale in a naturalistic manner: encounters with gods are depicted as dreams, and the supernatural events in Homer are rendered realistically. He adds credibility to many of the inexplicable aspects of the Homeric version. For example, whereas in Homer the Greeks have no motive for fighting a ten-year war other than to recover Helen, Shanower describes Troy's command of trade routes to the Black Sea and makes it clear that Agamemnon and his allies are after power and wealth, not just a runaway wife. Shanower adds dimension to many of the Homeric characters, especially Paris, whom he portrays as egotistical and foolish, and Agamemnon, who becomes an aggressive but canny politician. Although the violence is tame compared with superhero comic books, the characters are adults who do adult things, such as have sex with each other, and if you don't think children should see that sort of thing, don't buy this for them. (The sex is not explicit and the nudity very limited.) The dialog is not given an "ancient" or "classic" tone; rather, the characters speak in what would pass for everyday English. Although the drawings are black and white, they have a cinematic flair-Shanower changes the perspective from frame to frame to keep each page visually interesting. The many carefully rendered details of clothes, buildings, and everyday life give the story an even greater sense of realism. As I was reading it I thought, "This is really the way it might have happened."

This is the second volume of the collected editions of the Age of Bronze comic book. It reprints issues 10 through 19 of the comic. As good as Volume 1 was, Volume 2 is even better. Eric Shanower's art is beautiful, and he tells the story very well. He does an excellent job of giving each member of this huge cast of characters a distinct personality. I can't wait to read future volumes.

Eric Shanower's "Sacrifice" is a strong sequel to "A Thousand Ships," continuing the saga of the Trojan War. Shanower pulls no punches with the characters as he brings Agamemnon's daughter Iphigenia to meet her fate at Aulis.

Students of the period will enjoy the historical accuracy of his artwork in terms of architecture, weaponry, and costume - often bringing to mind specific artifacts. (The stylized makeup worn by the priestess Thetis, mother of Achilles, is just one of many excellent examples I could cite.)

Shanower weaves together the disparate pieces of the myth into an engaging, compelling whole. A most enjoyable read - I can hardly wait for the next installment!

I was surprized how eager my daughter (15) was to read this "comic" version of Homer's Iliad. Considering that she is not a big fan of reading, this book was a real discovery for her. Thanks to the author, Eric Shanower. He did a fair job to the original. We are impatiently awaiting for the sequel.

I just ripped through A Thousand Ships and Sacrifice in two days and I'm bowled over. What a tour de force these books are. Shanower seamlessly incorporates all the myths entwined in the Trojan War. An incredible feat by itself, it's even more impressive because he achieves this without bogging down what is, after all, a ripping good story.

In the course of the book, Shanower offers some interesting insights on some of the more puzzling and disturbing events (Iphigenia's sacrifice comes to mind). I also was impressed by how he developed the characters. For instance, he convincingly portrays Odysseus changing from a clever Trojan War draft-dodger to a gung-ho warrior by the end of the second book.

I can't wait for Shanower's next book in the series. Until then, I'm pressing these books on everyone I know. They're THAT good. Bravo!

The second of a project seven volume graphic novel "Age of Bronze" series by Eric Shanower, Sacrifice continues the story of Homer's Illiad with 202 pages of superbly detailed black and white art. This outstanding graphic novel makes this legendary Hellenic myth come alive in an impressive "theatre of the mind" experience for the reader. Enhanced with a full color dust jacket, color endsheets, maps, genealogical charts, bibliography, and pronunciation glossary, Sacrifice is enthusiastically recommended reading, and the "Age of Bronze" series an appropriate and welcome addition to any school or community library collection. Indeed, the only drawback is an impatient waiting for the next volume to see how this deftly crafted retelling of this fascinating story unfolds.

This volume continues the superb story that began in Age of Bronze: A Thousand Ships. Anyone who enjoyed the first book will want to check this one out, though be advised that the sex and violence escalates a bit. Homophobes, in particular, may be shocked at the relationship between Achilles and Patroklus, a relationship which is interpreted accurately in my opinion. Eric Shanower has done a masterful job of researching, drawing, and writing this series. It moves at a slow pace, but it is never boring. Rather, the story weaves here and there, developing the characters as it goes along. Paris is shown to be an self-centered fool. Odysseus is caught up in a war he wanted to avoid, despite his cleverness. And Agamemnon is a complex leader who decides to maintain his power at any cost. Fate is a prominent theme for these characters, just as it was for the ancient Greeks. These comic books are destined to become literary classics, in the same vein as Maus. Forget about the movie version and even the Iliad. Read these books!

This is the second volume in Eric Shanower's majestic seven-part graphic novel series devoted to the epic of the Trojan War, a powerful and immensely cogent retelling of one of the greatest epic stories in human history. Shanower draws on multiple sources to come up with a cohesive, readily coherent narrative of what is often seen as a daunting story, making it live again for a modern audience. He both expands on and simplifies the classic narrative by Homer, giving a more immediate, modern feel to the characters and events, but does not sacrifice the authenticity of time or place: Shanower makes these ancient events accessible to modern readers in a way that the best of Western Civ classes may not; indeed, academics for many years to come with probably turn to these comics as a way to give entry into the world of Greek history and mythology.

In this second volume, the vast Achaean army is still stalled out, unable to reach Troy and launch its war. Their leader, Agamemnon, is forced to send his troops home so that they can resupply and prepare to start again the following year. Whether he can regain the loyalty of the discouraged soldiers is now in doubt, and he forces the crafty, manipulative Odysseus to help him reassemble far-flung coalition. Meanwhile, the fabled Achilles matures and finds his place among the adult warriors, as well as his life-partner, a fellow warrior named Patroclus.

The dramatic core story to this volume, though, is the tragedy of Iphigenia, the eldest daughter of Agamemnon, whom the gods apparently demanded be sacrificed to please the gods, and to lift a curse off the great Achaean army. The king's agony and eventual horrific decision (driven as much by the internal politics of his army as by a belief in the power of the gods) is the very heart of Greek tragedy -- a gripping, nauseating story that occupies the final third of the book, and leaves a sour taste in the reader's mouth as the Achaeans finally set sail for Troy. Unlike in the first volume, Shanower begins to give the Olympian gods their due - in the story of Iphigenia it does seem that a curse was lifted through Agamemnon's horrific sacrifice, and perhaps supernatural forces are at work guiding the war. At any rate, this is a fabulous adaptation of this classic myth, and readers will eagerly look forward to further volumes by this talented graphic novelist. Highly recommended. (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain book reviews)