Customer Reviews

Chimpanzee Complex, The Vol.1: Paradox

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yet another superb publication from Cinebook, who are fast taking the graphic novel to new heights. I've only had a chance to read the first in this spellbinding series by writer Richard Marazano and artist Jean-Michel Ponzio so far, but already I'm hooked. Cinebook always tag their products for reading-age suitability but please don't let the 12+ designation put you off. This is science fiction at it's very best. A mature, intelligent thought-provoking storyline whose heroine, astronaut Helen Freeman, a single mother, must balance the emotional traumas of separation from her highly dependant young daughter; with her unavoidable destiny at the forefront of mankind's journey into space. As if the storyline wasn't fascinating enough, the artwork, in keeping with most Cinebook publications, is simply stunning. As always, you get plenty of real quality for your money too with a heavyweight, durable cover, large format pages and all action (not a single advert) throughout. From what I've seen so far this promises to be a compelling series, well worth the attention of even the most discerning sci-fi enthusiast.

Far from the space operas sci-fi that tends to be the only sci-ci genre people know about, this is intriguing and targeted towards a more grown up type of readers. If you liked the film Moon, you'd love this. if you loved Sunshine, this is a story you'd get into and want to finish. As for the art work, it's top-class. The faces are highly expressive and do remind me of Francois Bourgeon's style in the Passagers du Vent.

This is the first of three books which make for a complete story and this is an overview of all three.

There are two intertwined strands with a single connection, that of the protagonist and leading NASA astronaut Helen Freeman. The first strand concerns the love of single-mother Helen for her daughter 12 year old Sofia who feels constantly abandoned by her mother and, although they are only briefly together in the story, their link is of paramount importance. Then there is Helen's story which takes her from Earth to space, to the Moon, Mars, and beyond on a journey that is literally one of discovery of the nature of the universe and long-hidden government secrets, it's also a metaphysical journey. There are many completely unexpected surprises in this challenging and highly original science fiction graphic novel with its detailed photo-realistic (photo-shopped?) artwork which perfectly suits the story.

The Chimpanzee Complex trilogy is a very satisfying piece of work that, while being completely different, compares to Arthur C Clarke's 2001 A Space Odyssey. Remarkable, unforgettable, and highly recommended.

This item needs returning. The pages are detaching themselves like dead leaves as the glue is of poor quality it appears. I'd suggest you go for the hardbacks instead.
Volumes 1,2 and 3 have all been swiftly refunded by Amazon. Although I was initially disappointed with my items, I must take my hat off to Amazon UK who once again delivered an excellent service!!