Name: Phoenix Without Ashes
ISBN: 9781600108006

Harlan Ellison

Alan Robinson

When young Devon is forbidden from marrying his beloved by the Elders of the agrarian Cypress Corners community, he begins to question not only their authority, but why the sky is metal and the ground is not, and other troubling questions.

Phoenix Without Ashes

Jessica Nottingham

I'm torn on this one. I honestly didn't realize that this was based on a series that flopped, until I read a few other reviews. I know that this wasn't specifically my cup of tea, but I'll explain what I did and did not like as best I can. 

The illustrations are detailed, and there is a nice use of light vs. dark to depict the overall tone of each page. In terms of setting, I'd relate it most closely to an Amish homestead. I believe John K. Snyder III is the illustrator, if I'm correct. He does a great job of showing the simplicity in which these people live. As the story progresses and things take a turn for the odd, the panels are more and more detailed and lovely. I really enjoyed Phoenix Without Ashes in this respect.

It was the story where things fell short for me. Devon's character wasn't really fleshed out very well at all, and a lot of the story was rushed through so quickly I felt confused. I really didn't get to know Devon at all. Except of course that he was a heretic and in love with a woman he shouldn't want. I know this is a graphic novel and that means there isn't as much room for story, supposedly. Really though, there is. I've read many a graphic novel where the sparse words and beautiful illustrations marry together to form a cohesive and wonderful experience. This one just didn't do that for me.

Final verdict? It was a good read, but not something I'll pursue further into the series. I would still recommend it to those of you who have an interest in Fantasy/Science Fiction graphic novels. It might be more your cup of tea than mine!