Customer Reviews

Sojourn v. 1: From the Ashes

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

 

 

First and foremost, the artwork of this book is fantastic -- some of the best I've ever seen in a comic book! This is true of nearly all the CrossGen Entertainment series. You might be tempted to thnk this series in "Xena" meets "Lord of the Rings," and while it has some of those elements, it is so much more. The storytelling is top notch and doesn't let up. A great addition to any fantasy collection.

Very impressive! This is my first experience with the CrossGen universe. The story and art are high quality.

Beautiful, detailed artwork- not to mention a beautiful and beautifully drawn main character- will make you want to linger over individual pages, but the exciting, involving story that unfolds in this collection will compel you to tear your eyes away from each page and turn to the next one. "Sojourn, Volume 1" is terrific entertainment, and collects enough issues of the original comic series to allow you to really immerse yourself in the proceedings. Especially recommended for those who have been enjoying Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" films and readers of such fantasy series as Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" books. But really, this graphic novel/collection is for anyone who likes high adventure with a little heart to it. Be warned, though: you'll definitely want to seek out volume two once you finish this one.

I first disovered this series in the pages of CrossGen's compendium book Forge, and I've been hooked since the "prequel issue." (It's more of a prologue issue, but I suppose "prequel" has a better ring.) While not quite on the level of CrossGen's Ruse or Meridian, Sojourn is one of the most exciting titles in their lineup.

Admittedly, it's pretty much a rip-off of Lord of the Rings. (The main character is even named Arwyn, which I imagine is pronounced the same way.) Despite this, the series is different enough that it feels new, especially since it is rare to find this sort of story in the pages of most mainstream comics. (Besides, it's not as though Tolkien invented the epic quest narrative.) Also a strong point of the series--which I find to be a strong point of most of CrossGen's titles--is the fact that it uses a long-form narrative (which Meridian uses to perfection) to tell the story, rather than the usual multiple-issue, episodic story arcs used by most comics.

The review would not be complete, of course, without mentioning the beautiful artwork by Greg Land. It is the perfect compliment to Ron Marz's fantastic storytelling. In fact, I doubt the series would be as successful without it. It's a very clean, realistic style that lends an edge to the proceedings.

I can't speak for hardcore fantasy fans, however I would imagine many of them would find it trite. But for those of us who are looking for comics that are different from the usual superhero stuff, give this a look. And while you're at it, check out the rest of CrossGen's stuff.

I don't mean to sound picky (I seem to be one of few reviewers that didn't love this graphic novel), but after reading "Ruse" I found "Sojourn" to be rather disappointing. But before I get into the critical side of things, let's start with the plot.

Four of the provinces known collectivly as "The Five Lands" were once ruled by the evil warlord Mordath and his army of orc-lookalike trolls. He was working on taking over the fifth and final land before a rebellion leader with a magic bow by the name of Ayden destroyed him. Now a devotee has resurrected the evil Mordath, who now has control over ALL the Five Lands. Enter Arwyn(Hmm...This name sounds familiar), a female archer who's more than just a little...well endowed(more about this later). She's recently lost her husband, daughter and village to Mordath and vows to kill him. After being captured by the man she set out to kill, she attempts escape with a fellow inmate, Gareth. After a strange rescue she discovers that she is destined to go on a quest that may save the Five Lands from its current state.

So, I promised you critical bits and I'm not one to leave such promises unfulfilled. Here goes:
In the artwork department: It seems that penciller Greg Land, who's responsible, for the most part, for the look of the characters, believes it's more important to make Arwyn(and most of his other female characters for that matter) into a medieval supermodel, instead of creating a stronger-looking female character. I understand that the whole "tortured beauty" thing is cool, but do her clothes really need to look that tight? Also, Land seems to have a problem sticking with one time period. All the main characters look like something out of Middle Earth, but there are parts where the dwellings, as well as the people, look victorian, or even modern. There are a few problems with consistency in the characters' looks, too, but these are really only minor problems that pop up once or twice.

As for story: Ron Marz's narratives, as well as his dialogue, are for the most part very witty and fun to read. However, his plots seem to be a little too thin on occasion, and the reader sometimes gets the idea that he wants to skip the explanations and get straight to the action so that Land gets to draw gory battle scenes(oh! I almost forgot to mention; there's quite a bit of blood and gore in this, but kudos to both Marz and Land for it not being overdone. It's just the right amount).

In conclusion: I'll probably continue to read "Sojourn", because for all its flaws, it's a pretty engaging, not to mention quick, read. But this graphic novel is not without its problems, problems that could be easily fixed with a little more character development and less excuses to show a small bit of skin.

I decided to check this series out after seeing an ad in a book club magazine. While I agree the artwork was for the most part well done I did have a few problems especially when I got to books 2 & 3.
~The epic items to recall an ancient hero as the background I think is fairly well written along with the mysterious sorceress as both a goad and irritation. However the subplots tend to distract from this without really adding anything but page count. Also rather annoying is that instead of following clues or ancient stories the main characters continue to practically stumble onto the missing pieces.
~Yes, the supermodel fantasy heroine gets old. Overlook that she is/was an archer, scout, and a swordswoman yet has extremely slender, shapely arms. And of course there aren't much any ordinary looking women elsewhere. Is this set on a California beach?
~I thought the initial storyline with the trolls was good, and a nice break from the typical Middle Earth/Shannara models. Then in the later books the writers can't seem to decide how to continue them. Horses don't seem to mind being ridden by them for some reason. Oddly, trolls also find females of other species attractive and seem to be able to have relations with them.
~A dragon. Sadly, pretty rare to have fantasy without them. And of course both female, shapechanging, and guarding the one item that can harm her.
~The 'angel' people. We see them in book 1 and then later in a culture lifted almost straight from Egypt but to be honest while nice to look at angels are about as much fluff as dragons.

If you want to just lay back and read a fantasy novel in TPB format it isn't all that bad. If you're looking for more than window dressing though you might want to pass on these.

A strong story, excellent characterizations and drop-dead beautiful art are highlights for this strong graphic novel, first in a series. Although the story seems familiar, Marz's offbeat touches give it new life while artist Greg Land makes a name for himself as someone to follow whatever story he decides to draw. Good novel for female teens or anybody who loves a good story.

My husband bought me From The Ashes and The Dragon's Tale. I read both in two days. I can't wait for the next book. Very entertaining and adventurous. Loved them both. My husband is reading them now and likes them. We are going to pass them on to friends.

This is a great book full of adventure, mystery, and mythology; heroic archers fight evil trolls. Mordath, the undead conquer of this realm, is the most evil of villains.