Rush’s album is getting the comic book treatment! What did we think of it? Take the jump for the full review of Clockwork Angels #1 from BOOM! Studios.
CLOCKWORK ANGELS #1
Writer: Kevin J. Anderson, Neil Peart
Artist: Nick Robles
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Owen Hardy, like all the people of Albion, has lived his whole life under the rule of The Watchmaker. His entire life has been planned down to the exact second. But what happens when a young boy decides that things should not always goes as planned?
Am I in Heaven?
Seriously, am I? Because I can’t think of a better word to describe this art than ETHEREAL. Newcomer Nick Robles’ art is stunning in a steampunk influenced fantasy universe, helping transport you to the realm of Albion, where everything down to the rain is perfectly scheduled, and “all is for the best.” His style has more of a painted feel, and it really works in this context. I was immediately intrigued by the ghostly feel of the coloring in the first few pages, and I became absolutely addicted when we flashback to a beautifully bright and color-saturated countryside. It only becomes more entrancing when the setting turns to a scheduled midnight meet-up between our main character and his fiancé. I want to live anywhere that the night sky looks the way that has come out of Robles’ head. You find that place for me, I’ll pack my bags.
After Owen jumps a train to Crown City, he learns from another unexpected stowaway, who may or may not be the Anarchist, that things may not be as perfect as they seem. Once the train arrives at the city we catch another teasing taste of steampunk influence, and we catch a short glimpse of the Watchmaker, the man in charge of everything in Albion, and his headquarters.
I Can’t Stop Thinking Big
Writer Kevin J. Anderson is no stranger to comics, having authored several titles, including Dark Horse’s Tales of the Jedi and The X-Files back when it was with Topps. This is on top of his numerous bestselling novels. (Fun, useless fact- he holds the Guinness World Record for “largest single author signing,” previously held by Colin Powell and Howard Stern.) Here, his writing does an excellent job of making sure those that may be unfamiliar with Rush’s Clockwork Angels album, on which this 6 issue mini-series is based, will still find the story interesting and engaging. He delivers a lot of content in a few short pages without making it feel like too much is being crammed into one issue. Things are told in such a natural way I didn’t realize just how much information was there until my second read-through. If you twisted my arm for something negative, my only complaints would be that it is lot of words and, particularly when Anderson is sprinkling in some Rush lyrics, it feels slightly clunky… BUT, you’d really have to twist hard to get me to say so.
All is for the Best
Overall, I really just CANNOT recommend this book highly enough, particularly if you are an existing fan of Rush or Kevin J. Anderson, though even if you are unfamiliar with both you will still find enjoyment here. Nick Robles’ art was by far my favorite thing about this book, leaving me drooling for more. I absolutely will continue to purchase this title as it is released. If you are into fantasy, steampunk, or Rush- do yourself a solid and go buy this book.
