Customer Reviews

The Philistine: Anthology/Chronology

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this book a wonderful experience. It took me a while to get into the world of this character, because I don't read much comic book literature, but I found the story engaging. It is satiric adventure with a romantic undertone - the character of Vanessa is a strong female role model, and I'd like to see more of her in a future edition. My only cautious comment would be that the artwork evolves between chapters (the effect of art being handled by many hands) and makes the book confusing if you try to 'skim' and not actually 'read' the book. If you read the material in it's entirety, it is a rewarding experience worth the price of admission...it's NOT fluff.

THE PHILISTINE reminds me of the things I appreciate about Batman and Marvel Comics' Punisher character - tough, cynical, brusque. Yet at the same time it doesn't take itself too seriously. This would make a great film...think Robert Rodriguez by way of Sam Peckinpaugh (with a little Kevin Smith thrown in).

There possibly is no more daunting task than trying to explain who and what THE PHILISTINE is. A man trained from his teen years for a life of violent, secret government operations turns his back on the lifestyle. Using round, rubber projectiles of his own invention, The Philistine is like no other vigilante anti-hero you've seen before. Likewise, the graphic novel is like none other. Experimenting in several different styles of art and camera angles, the drawings in the Philistine draw the reader into the insane world of Nick Bottoms, The Philistine, and causes the reader to become enmeshed in the insanity. I bought this series in the 90s, when tragically, it was canceled after a few issues. This collection restores all the original series and collects several other stories to tell the most complete record of The Philistine in existence! You will not be disappointed to read this great graphic novel.

There is so much in here I don't where to start. I enjoyed the read, it has a simple message and it delivers it in such a tongue in cheek method. Let's just say it is a bit over the top. Here is the background on Nick Bottom who is the Philistine: Nick Bottom, scrappy orphan becomes gifted Ivy Leaguer. Idealistic government agent becomes hard-nosed vigilante. City hero becomes one of America's ten most wanted. And who's there to catch the man who would dare to be a superhero? The love he left behind, Big Brother Agent, Vanessa Fields.
Michael Mongillo combines so many different elements into his character Nick Bottom; he seems to be equal parts Batman, The Punisher, and any hard- boiled detective you can mention. The entire graphic novel is excellent comedy and satire and makes many good social points. Nick Bottom is an engaging in your face character that both infuriates and infiltrates your mind. The artwork is complimentary to the story. The dialogue is irreverent, and it seems the entire time the writers and artists are thumbing their collective noses at mainstream graphic novel characters .What more can one for in a graphic novel?
United Comic Works, the creators and producers of The Philistine, have a few things going on. They have three more titles in the works;
Shockwave: Featuring "The Easter Pet" and other sci-fi short subjects- Coming in the winter of 2010
Blackthorne: A hero conspiracy comic from the mind and pen of Caleb M. Edmond. They were America's Best Keep Secret...that was their First mistake. Starts summer 2011
Vagabonds: The most unlikely team in the most unlikely place. How long will their alliance last before they tear each other apart....?
Here are the links you can use to get to all this fun stuff:
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