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The Red Star - SDCC07
My introduction to The Red Star came by way of the awesome game for the PS2. I knew it was based on the comic series of the same name, but had never picked up an issue. I'm not entirely sure why. I know one reason is that I don't think I ever really saw it in the comic stores I shopped at. Maybe I had missed it or glanced past it, I dunno. The story of an alternate war-torn and currently warring Russia that has cool technology and sorcery was something that sounded right up my comic alley. Once I completed the game, I wanted to know more about the world of The Red Star. Since Comic-Con was only a few months away when I finished the game, I had planned that one of my missions there would be to find and purchase whatever trades of the series were out. I didn't have to look any further than The Red Star booth. I was actually kind of surprised that The Red Star had its own booth. Well, it was more a section of the huge Gentle Giant Studios booth, probably because of their busts of the characters, but The Red Star's section was a very nicely sized portion. Since The Red Star section was also right next to an entrance, they had some prime real-estate on the 'con floor. At the booth they were handing out slips of paper that looked like Red Star currency which was a little ad thing for a free gift with a $25 purchase. It sure as hell beat out the usual flyer cards most booths had and was something good enough to keep and not throw out after the 'con. At the top of the booth was an enormous version of the Gentle Giant's Kyuzo statue, almost guarding that doors the booth was next to. The three trade paperbacks were available there, along with a bunch of single issues. I went the paperback route and bought all three, which turned out to be quite a bit cheaper than buying them separately. My books were also signed right away by Christian Gossett, the creator, penciller, and writer of the series who was on-hand to sketch up some artwork and sign fans' stuff. I've been reading the books since we got back and am severely disappointed I didn't start reading these sooner, especially considering the series began back in 2000. I have been sorely missing out all these years. The Red Star is a phenomenal series. The storytelling, art, and coloring are all great stuff. I also now see where the game fits into the overall storyline in the books. When looking back now, the game doesn't go into the relationships and nuances of the characters or have the sweeping epic feel of the storyline. The books also have a ton of cool things that the game lacks, so if you are like me and have played The Red Star game, do yourself a favor and pick up at least the three trades. Or if you're a comic fan that has not read it, it is well worth a read. I'm sure The Red Star will be a series you will love. - Shawn - 08/08/07 |
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