Review: The Vision, Volume 2: Little Better than a Beast

The Vision, Volume 2: Little Better than a Beast by Tom King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You probably already know this, but I'm stating it anyway. The Vision is one solid book divided into two volumes. Sure, there is probably a complete hardcover out there, but the two paperbacks is how I read it. There is a divide in the narrative, where the person who directs the story in Volume 1 isn't the same as who does so in Volume 2. But, you should still read 1 before 2. You have been warned.

The first thing I noticed about The Vision, Volume 2 is that it's much more plot driven than Volume 1. Where as 1 is mainly setup and the day-to-day life of Vision and his family, 2 concentrates on the plot of their downfall. Only one character is introduced in all of volume 2, which is a staunch contrast from the first. While this new character is given an entire issue for background and characterization, there is simply too much forward flow of the plot to stop and make room for anyone else. Mind you, this isn't a complaint. It's merely an observation as to the lack of balance between the two volumes and only further supports my comments on how both volumes are one solid story.

As conclusions go, it's very strong. The spiral that began all the way back in issue one just continues to get deeper and darker. For a while, you wonder how Tom King is going to write himself out of this mess. Most writers who corner themselves like this would rely on surprise or some insane coincidence. Instead, we get something well thought out, bittersweet, but, ultimately, satisfying. The structure and the callbacks work so well on both a narrative and emotional level. It shows a writer who is a true master of the craft.

If you have read volume 1 first, and I think I've made it clear by now you should have, than you'll see that the art is pretty much on par with each other. If you liked the art in volume 1, you'll like it in volume 2. There was a different art style employed in volume 1 during flashbacks, but, since volume 2 is so much more forward moving plot wise, that changing in style is far more sporadic. Everything done in that regard is professional and no corners were noticeably cut to get it out by Hanukkah.

If you couldn't tell by the five star rating, I loved this book. Tom King is one of, if not the, best writers in comics right now. His style of writing works perfectly with the comic book format and The Vision shows his deep love and knowledge of the art. A clear example of what happens when a writer focuses on story and characters instead of pomp and circumstance. It also has the advantage of being a limited series comic that can maintain it's own story without worrying about effecting the canon. A crux that ruins so many good comics that shy just under greatness.

Bottom line. Read it. If you're anything like me, you'll find yourself picking it up again for a second or third go around in just a few months.

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Review: The Vision, Volume 1: Little Worse Than A Man

The Vision, Volume 1: Little Worse Than A Man by Tom King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, a couple of disclaimers. This my second read through for The Vision. I don't normally read books a second time, but I'm making an exception for a multitude of reasons. I don't mind though, it's an awesome book. Also, I didn't really know Tom King's work when this first came out, but he has quickly become one of my favorite writers. So please excuse me if I gush all over this review.

Different writers use different techniques in order to deliver their stories to their audience. Some use a strong main character or a clever plot idea. There is also good old fashioned shock, gore, and explosions. But, while this might not be good for a lasting narrative, these latter means always seem to be reliable for sales. However, if I had to truncate the technique used in this book down into one word, it would be: Engagement. The narrative takes a tone as if it's talking to you. Slowly building into its detailed lecture on the humanities. Fully engaging you every step of the way on what it has to say. And, almost by default, makes you care about the characters and plot along with it.

This means of storytelling is helped by it being a graphic novel. This book can tell a story and lecture you on the construction of a vase at the same time. The narration doesn't always seem to be in sync with the action of the panels, but it always finds a creative link even if it sometimes takes the long way around. Also, there is a reason for this story being told the way that it is, as if the telling of it and the happening of it doesn't seem to be one and the same. If this is your first time reading it, I won't spoil it, but the final pages of volume 1 will hit you like a hammer. Most writers don't have the will to wait halfway into their story for such a reveal. Most who do try to fail, but here, it works like nothing I've ever read before.

On a more technical note with a comic book lean, the art is great. Gabriel Hernandez Walta works well with King's writing style and the story flows from panel to panel with no problem. If there is one gripe, it's that the lettering is either too small in most cases or the font isn't working as well as it should. Maybe it's the black words on the dark purple background, maybe this book is wordier than most of King's works, or maybe I'm just getting old and need some reading glasses.

One final note as I wrap things up. Issue #5 is my favorite of the volume. Maybe of the entire 12-issue run. Even though only one thing really happens in terms of plot development, it truly speaks to King's strengths to storytelling. Also with how well he paces the book from issue to issue. I read it a second time before finishing the volume with issue #6. It's that damn good.

While the ending of volume 1 leaves you wanting to dive head first into the second and final book, I say wait for a moment. The Vision isn't something to binge on a free weekend. It's something to savor and think about. Let the words muster like your brain is a slow cooker. I know that's a terrible analogy, but I do my best. If you want great writing, read something by Tom King.

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New Home, Same Rules

For the two people who follow me, I deleted my Wordpress website. There were several reasons, but I mostly just put the cart before the horse. I need a website if I take the plunge into self-publishing, but I don't have a book that's 100% just yet. The website just fell into the space of being a pointless blog that was only ever visited by other Wordpress users. And they would only follow my site in the hopes I would follow them back. It became a waste of time and money. Hence the deletion.

I still feel the need for a blog, so I created this. I doubt anyone will really visit it, but who knows. I just really needed to do a monthly update on my senseless shit. Given my tone of cynicism and self-deprecating humor, there was only one logical choice for this site. The Flog.

For the update part, there isn't much to update. I started a new book a couple weeks ago, but I haven't gotten very far. My plan is to complete the first full chapter and pass it around to a few people to get some feedback. The narrative is experimental, to say the least, so I need someone to tell me if I'm on the right track or if I'm just crazy. At least before I spend the next couple of years writing an entire book that way.

I also have another writing project on the side. Poetry. Yeah, I know, it's probably a bad idea, but I think I have a method to my madness. For the time being, I intend to write a poem a week. That is unless I find a means to expedite the process I'm currently using. I completed my first poem just before writing this entry, and it took me almost two hours. Can't afford to do something like that every day. Not unless I do it during my office hours. Of course, I would never do that. Honest.

As for the future, I have a writing conference to go in May. I sent off a sample of my novel to someone who is going to critique it before I send it off to the people who will actually consider it. It's the most important item on my writing agenda. I don't know it will result in an actual career, but it's better than nothing.

For a note about the blog, I also intend to post reviews of random things I've consumed. Books, movies, and whatever I find the time for. Something to fill up the page in between the monthly updates. A way to keep the juices flowing as it were.

Until the next time.

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