Ravine OGN volume 1
Publisher: Image/Top Cow
Writers: Stjepan Sejic & Ron Marz
Artist: Stjepan Sejic
Letters: Troy Peteri
To be the creative team behind an ongoing comic book probably has its ups and downs, no doubt. Editors, years of continuity, the characters themselves that are either loved or hated, fresh or stale. All this adds up to a tough task ahead, but to start something from scratch, and create an entire new universe, that’s saying something. This is exactly what Stjepan Sejic and Ron Marz have done with Ravine.
The story is about a few characters amongst a vast world of people that are seemingly going to shape the future of this kingdom. A mage, a dragon rider, an evil man who was once a beloved king, and a couple of others that are trying to see that good triumphs over evil. There seems to be political mistrust and a ton of mystery surrounding that, plus you have a young girl that must make a decision between becoming a ruler and her true destiny, being a dragon rider! This girl, Lynn De Luctes, is a beautiful girl that seems very pure of heart, but also inexperienced in being a leader.
OK, this book is quite a read. Of course, most will expect the recycled stories that are floating around, but when you actually read this from cover to cover, you’ll be amazed. To think that all of this is pretty much original is nothing short of fascinating and awe inspiring at the same time. The depth of the story, characters, and scenery is unprecedented! Marz and Sejic really out did themselves with this one. Their run on Artifacts has been reviewed and given high marks by our own Infinite Speech for a long time now, so definitely check that out, too.
Anyone that has had their head in the sand for the last few years needs to buy some of Sejic’s books. This guy is nothing short of spectacular with his painted style of artwork. Although he’s mostly noted for his work on Witchblade, Angelus, and Artifacts, he has done some fantastic covers for Marvel, Zenescope, and Radical, as well. This style is certainly more for the cover artist type, but the entire book having this artwork is amazing. Each panel must be painstakingly tough, but also something that must be very edifying when it’s published.
The book is a lengthy read compared to the typical single issue of twenty-some pages, and it’s definitely better read in one shot instead of a few different installments. Again, it is a lot to digest, but in the end you’ll be more than satisfied. This book will remind you of Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Conan, Dragon Age, Star Wars, and more! You’ll be impressed by the magnificence of this epic tale! Rating 5/5
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
