Norma Editorial presents us with Bendis and Araújo’s latest work, Phenomena, a world in which the stories told during travel are the most important thing
Editorial standard publishes the latest series of Brian Michael Bendis Yes André Lima Araújo, Phenomenaa world where magic and science fiction come together to show a truly curious universe. In this series, personal stories play a central role and also serve as currency. The series of these comic book stars was planned with great care and care. Editorial standard is responsible for publishing the three-volume series in Spain and inside His House We bring you the review of the first two volumes.
tell me your story
The story of the first volume, Phenomena. Book One: The City with Golden Eyes puts us in the shoes of three protagonists, young people Boldone Yes Matilda and the alien Harpoon. The legendary city of Golden eyesthe capital of imagination and hope, has fallen into darkness. At the same time, young people Boldone and the alien Harpoon they are chasing Matildaa young woman whose dagger he stole Harpoona weapon that hides a secret and a power that none of them can understand.
In the second volume, Phenomena. Book Two: Matilda’s Searchthe protagonist trio is already making a name for themselves after all their adventures. They decide to travel Valenza Vernona (ex London) to help Matildaas this was originally his home from which he had to flee. Determined to help, Boldone Yes Harpoon They travel with their partner to face what forced her to leave. With this little summary it seems that we are faced with yet another fantasy and science fiction story, something true and at the same time not. Bendis Yes Araújo They create a unique and very original universe, something rare to see.
I recognize a certain resentment towards Brian Michael Bendis after his time as Superman (I feel like he left us with no more Superkids because of it), but I recognize his great work when he is given total freedom and there are no retroactive continuity conflicts. In Phenomena It seems that all this comes together and creates a unique world, where for example the “stories” are a currency or use “futuristic” expressions typical of said universe. The sentences and way of speaking are also different, which confused me at first and I thought it was a translation problem (great job by Sergio Colomino respecting this strange way of speaking).
Bendis It forces the reader to draw their own conclusions, as there are many things that are barely explained and it is the reader’s job to figure things out, making this not a light read. He takes his time to explain his universe, he wants the reader to enjoy the journey, forgetting the destination, but even this goes against him a bit. Between the weird writing and the time taken for the narrative, it can get confusing. Reading the first volume separately is difficult, but reading the first two makes the viewer start to get an idea of what is happening in this world. I look forward to the third and final volume to conclude this strange but wonderful journey.
Aside from its universe, what needs to be highlighted are its three protagonists. Phenomena It is a strange comic, with particular protagonists, but to whom it is easy to become attached and who represent the best of this comic, capable of moving us and making us laugh at the same time. He manages to give the characters a naturalness that few authors manage to give. Furthermore, the “history” of the protagonists remains a mystery, but the little hints of their past make you want to know more about them. Boron, Harpoon Yes Matilda They are characters that, if they came out of a publishing house, we would like A.D or Wonderthey would have had more recognition and amazed many more people.
I’ve talked about the writer for a long time, but now it’s time to talk about the great protagonist Phenomenathe cartoonist André Lima Araújo. With a style reminiscent of shonen (not only because the drawing is in black and white), Araújo recreates a spectacular universe. It’s clear that he had complete freedom to create an original world, the landscape design and characters attest to this, but it’s also clear that he took time to draw, each panel is filled with details large and small that look wonderful. The character designs, as well as their expressions, are very well done. There is no flaw in the design, only praise. I wish we had more comics with this much work behind them.
The edition of Phenomena 1 and 2 by Norma Editorial
Norm the series brings us Phenomena in softcover format with dust jacket. The covers of the volumes, as well as the dust jacket, contain a spectacular drawing of the work Araújo. There isn’t much extra content beyond the comic itself, just information about the authors and a series of credits. The quality of the volume and the paper is remarkable and there are few drawbacks in this regard. Perhaps the only negative aspect is the price of the volumes, €25.00, I say this because since it is a new fantasy saga, many people might hesitate to give it a chance, perhaps this would have changed by adjusting the price a little more.
While it has its issues, I highly recommend Phenomena. It’s a strange comic that requires an effort on the part of the reader and can be a little frustrating at first because you don’t understand many things, but in my opinion it’s worth it. It is a series in which you have to enjoy the journey and what is told, seeing how the characters, with their peculiarities and their past, end up coming together to form an even bigger story, because every story counts and they are special. A comic where hope is the most important thing, even when everything is in ruins.
Author: Brian Michael Bendis | André Lima Araújo
Editorial: Editorial standard
Format: Soft cover with dust jacket
Measure: 17 x 26 cm
Pages: 144 black and white pages
Price: €25.00
ISBN: 978-84-679-6107-2
Synopsis: A NEW FANTASY SAGA IN SHONEN STYLE CREATED BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS AND WITH THE SPECTACULAR DRAWING INSPIRED BY MOEBIUS AND OTOMO BY ANDRÉ LIMA ARAÚJO
The legendary Golden-Eyed City has fallen. Literally. It collapsed after dark forces took control of this capital of imagination and hope.
You’ll meet our heroes Spike and Boldon on a chase to capture Matilda, a mysterious young mercenary who has stolen Spike’s dagger… a dagger that hides a secret the importance of which none of them can imagine.
Phenomena will transport you to a world of unprecedented imagination and adventure, brought to life by the master of illustration and storytelling André Lima Araújo in collaboration with Brian Michael Bendis (the creator of Miles Morales).
The city with golden eyesthe first book in this new series, it is a magical experience for readers of all ages and for a new generation of comic fans seeking a new generation of heroes.
