Thought Balloon
Zenescope’s ‘Sinbad’ appeals to the sword-and-sorcery crowd
Review by LEE CLARK ZUMPE
| Article published on Monday, March 30, 2009 |
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| “1001 Arabian NIghts: The Adventures of Sinbad,” trade paperback Vol. 1, from Zenescope Entertainment. |
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“1001 Arabian NIghts: The Adventures of Sinbad,” trade paperback Vol. 1, collects the first six issues of Zenescope Entertainment’s adaptation of the world’s greatest sailor.
The tale begins as many classic Sinbad yarns do: The rogue is seen as a hero by the commoners, a criminal by kings. He stands accused of a crime he claims he did not commit.
In the prelude, the reader is introduced to this classic adventurer. Zenescope Entertainment has achieved just the right balance for its mature audience: Swift-paced, action-packed story-telling, lavish artwork and a fusion of traditional components and modern conventions. There’s a good deal of Arab history enriching these pages, for instance. It’s refreshing to see Zenescope’s writers are eager to use accurate place names and to evoke historical figures such as Haroun al-Rashid and Rabia Al-Adawiya in mapping out the ancient world.
At the same time, Sinbad isn’t above uttering a few handy witticisms in the heat of a battle, a trait he shares with most 20th century action figures. For example, when a giant brute who will later become one of Sinbad’s valued crew members hurls him across the deck of the ship claiming he means no harm, Sinbad quips “I can tell by how gentle you’re being.”
Aboard his new vessel, the Al Da’rab, Sinbad and his crew begin their search to recover the scattered artifacts that together make up the Jericho Visor – an implement that can help prove the notorious sailor’s innocence.
This is a sword-and-sorcery lover’s dream: These pages contain brawny swordsman; buxom, scantily-clad women warriors; demonic creatures and exotic palaces.
Writer Dan Wickline is joined by an army of artists. Different issues featured different talents, so while the visual aspect of the tale changes, the story and dialogue remain consistent. Artists participating in the series include Gus Vasquez, Paolo Pantalena, Tone Rodriguez and Ron Adrian. Colorists include Garry Henderson, Nei Ruffino, Kieran Oats and Zac Atkinson.
The art varies from attractive to stunning, with several full page splashes that are meticulously crafted. Easily one of the publisher’s strongest products right now, “1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad” should appeal to any collector who craves high adventure, fantasy and good story-telling.
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Article published on Monday, March 30, 2009
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