Titan Comics 2017
Written by JD Morvan
Illustrated by Looky & Oliver Thill
Translated by Virginie Selavy
Okay this embodies everything I’ve been saying about Titan and the European comics that are being made needing be read by the “Western World!” The whole idea behind this is really pretty amazing and how it’s brought to life is exceptionally well doe. To use Hercules and place him in a future landscape where he finds himself in trouble yet again thanks to his legacy that he must again the 12 Trials is great.
Jean-David not only is able to put the demi-god into a futuristic setting but he’s able to keep the essential personality there. By that I mean the son of a God and a Mortal whose own self worth is constantly in flux. There’s the man that is touted about, the womanizing, drinking and relentless fighter and then the actual man himself who has to deal with the public perception of him. The characterisation here is exceptional and that we open with such a close look at the man is not only eye catching but keeps the attention.
The way the book is structured so that we see Hercules as a man and then being manipulated into a position where the 12 Trials are once again necessary has just the right ebb and flow to it. The story is fairly easy to follow and the fact that it’s a translation from another language well it’s doesn’t lose anything. They say something must be “lost in translation” when it’s either hard to follow or someone just doesn’t “get it” but that isn’t the case here.
The interiors are a dream come true! The attention to detail is mind blowingly good! The way page layouts are utilised through their angles, perspective and the utilisation of backgrounds helps the flow of the story move smoothly. The mood, tone and feel the work gives off is strong, confident and full of that certain quality that’s almost impossible to name. Then there is Hercules himself, he’s got the look and feel of like Conor McGregor (complete with swagger and attitude) while being thicker and more intimidating. It’s strong good work and I’d be lying if I said he didn’t kind of turn me on.
Sometimes doing something like this is a big risk but here it is so well thought out, crafted and executed that it works better than you’ll ever think. The beings we now see which could or could not be considered the Gods and the mechanical creatures we encounter have the right blend of science fiction and horror elements to make the whole dang pop. The way this is presented is not only sleek, stylized and sexy but mesmerizing and captivating as well. You can get lost in the level of work we see here with complete ease.
I’m blown away and already looking forward to more from this creative team, I mean if they’ve done this and work as well together as it appears they’ve got to have done more together. If not that’s a crime unto itself. This would akin to the Summer Blockbuster you’ve been waiting for!