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Liked It “It’s not very often that I get to review a graphic novel, so when a friend let me borrow this, I was really excited to tell you all about it. |
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“It’s not very often that I get to review a graphic novel, so when a friend let me borrow this, I was really excited to tell you all about it.
Arconna wrote this review 3 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Aetheric Mechanics takes place in an alternate Earth in which Britain is at war with a place called Ruritania, whose powerful technology is quickly turning the tide of the war in their favor. Doctor Richard Watcham returns from the war front and, upon reuniting with Sax Raker, an old friend and renowned amateur detective, he embarks on an investigation of bizarre origins.
I’m not familiar with Warren Ellis’ work, but if Aetheric Mechanics is any indication of his talent in coming up with weird stories, then I suspect I’ll enjoy just about anything he writes. There’s a lot going on here, and the brief instances that explain the current situation (the war with Ruritania, etc.) add some depth to the world Mr. Ellis is working with. Aetheric Mechanics is also generally visually gorgeous, with an exceptional amount of detail throughout the piece. Add to that a strange, steampunk-ish murder mystery and there’s plenty here to keep you entertained.
The dialogue is particularly strong here, unlike a lot of comics/graphic novels that try to write in a pseudo-Victorian/WW2-analogous era (assuming, of course, that I got the representative periods correct). Raker, for instance, has a distinct voice that will remind some, for reasons that become obvious when you read the story, of other detective types we've come to know. The other characters, while not as distinct as far as attention grabbing is concerned, hold their own in a world that will immediately spark some of the "gosh wow" desperately needed in quasi-SF tales.
The only problems I had with Aetheric Mechanics are probably normal things found within the comic/graphic novel industry. The story was, in my opinion, rushed, and I would have liked to see the story expanded over two or three volumes to give the twist ending greater impact. The result was that the relationships between characters were either left to reader assumption or not developed at all. Also, the lack of color and the pencil/ink combination removed some of the depth that needed to be there in certain panels (particularly the action-packed ones). Neither of these complaints ruined the experience for me, though.
Overall, I liked Aetheric Mechanics, despite its flaws. It’s not perfect, and I hope that Mr. Ellis and his artists continue writing in this world (the ending leaves a lot to be told). I think this is one of those graphic novels that can’t be left without sequels; it’s too big to be alone. If you’re a steampunk/detective mystery fan, then you should definitely check this one out.”
“maria e said: 4 stars
Play Book Tag Shelf wrote this review Friday, December 12 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
In this alternate world, Sax Rohmer, a homage Sherlock Holmes double, hunts for the "man who isn't there." In this Steam punk version of London which is under attack, Rohmer and his friends must find the scientist genius who is kidnapping and killing other scientists who are developing Aetheric advancements. Without giving away the plot and the end, things are not what they seem--obviously-- and there is a question as to who the "man who isn't there" really is.
This story moves fast and is intriguing. The ending leaves you wanting more though. Yet, simplicity is sometimes the most effective story line.
To really see the variety of influences that Warren use to create this relatively short story (skip the plot part or you won't have to read it!) check out Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aetheric_Mechanics
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“Set in alternate steam-punk England with a Sherlock-Holmes-esque Sax Rohmer who hunts for the "man who wasn't there", this short story has science and philosophy at heart and an unusual ending. Check out the Wikipedia entry to learn the myriad influences that helped Ellis write this succinct, elegant story.
maria e wrote this review Wednesday, December 10 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aetheric_Mechanics
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