16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
BRILLIANT!, July 3, 2006
This review is from: Flight, Volume Three (Comic)
I remember back in the day when graphic novels were special. They told special, landmark stories such as things like "Arkham Asylum". But in recent years the Graphic Novel has largely lost its importance, at least in mainstream comics. The stories told in them are no more significant than those told in the monthly comic. Thankfully some people still get the importance of the graphic novel. One of those is the wonderful anthology series Flight from Ballantine Books, now on its third volume and containing over two dozen stories from some of the most talented artists/cartoonists and writers around today. Even if many of these people are not household names it in no way diminishes their remarkable ability to tell a story, quite often with limited or no dialog at all. The depth of diversity and power of creativity in these 352 pages is impressive even to a long time comic fan like myself.
The book gets off to a resounding start with Michel Gagne's "Underworld" as a tiny little fox follows a butterfly deep into a who and into a frightening, cavernous kingdom where a strange creature is about to become a meat for a hideous insect-like beast. This is an enchanting little tale.
"The Edge" by Ben Hatke finds two buddies, Pete & Felix journeying off to the woods and finding a lone house at what the hermit occupant claims is the literal edge of the world.
In "Beneath the Leaves: Lemming City" three companions, a pig, a cat, and a dog (I think) find themselves lost on their own journey and then stumble upon the mythical city of Utopolis, home of the Lemmings. When the trio accidentally cause one lemming to fall out of line, they, and he, find themselves sentenced to death. But just what is the worst punishment you can give a lemming?
Phil Craven's "The Rescue" is a rollicking, manga-esque story told completely in pictures without any dialog of a young boy helping a shape-changing monster to escape from the marauding hunters who are trying to kill it. Simply a gorgeous story!
Cartoonist and animator Bill Plympton, a name everyone should know, contributes "The Cloud" a bizarre story of a little cloud who refuses to follow the rules of the elder clouds as Plympton makes a case of standing out from the crowd.
"So Far, So Close" by Bannister is a stunning yet simple tale of two strangers whose paths cross on a bus.
"The Brave Sea" by Steve Hamaker tells the story of a little seal who dares to question his elders and journeys into the dark waters that he's been warned to avoid and ends up the savior of his people.
Kazu Kibushi is the editor and driving force behind the book and is to be praised for recruiting the many fine artists who have lent their talents to this latest volume. This is a book that truly is one for all ages. A graphic novel tour-de-force!
Reviewed by Tim Janson
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Gorgeous, June 28, 2006
This review is from: Flight, Volume Three (Comic)
I initially preordered Flight 3 to read Reagan Lodge's comic "Tea" but instead I was treated to so much more. The 340 glossy pages of artwork in this collection are absolutely incredible and come in many styles that are sure to please the eyes. All 26 stories are extremely entertaining and imaginative (ranging from comedic to dramatic), and you'll find yourself reading these strips over and over after devouring the book (everytime I read this book I just can't stop grinning). Created by artists ranging from professionals who work for big companies like Dreamworks to skilled individuals new to Flight, this book will definitely captivate you with its stunning quality and adventure-themed stories. My personal favorites are "Underworld" by Michel Gagné, "Old Oak Trees" by Tony Cliff, "The Cloud" by Bill Plympton (one of the cutest stories I've ever come across), and of course Reagan Lodge's "Tea." But don't get me wrong, they are ALL superb.
Now I'm on a rampage to buy the previous two volumes of Flight.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best comic books on my shelf, January 5, 2007
This review is from: Flight, Volume Three (Comic)
The Flight comic books are by far my favorite comic books on my bookshelf. The stories have a universal appeal, even to people who wouldn't usually be interested in the medium, and the artwork is absolutely top-notch. Flight Vol. 3 continues the series admirably with even more wonderful storytelling. It's absolutely overflowing with creativity.
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