Issue: The Complete Clive Barker’s Great And Secret
Show
Writer: Clive Barker
Adapted: Chris Ryall
Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez
Colors: Jay Fotos
Letters: Neil Uyetake, Robbie Robbins
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Release Date: December 2007
Pages: 300
Price: $55 – hardcover, $35 – Softcover
“Collected here in one deluxe edition is the complete 12-part
saga that comprises the comic book adaptation of master of horror Clive
Barker’s epic journey into the fantastic, The Great and Secret Show.
Adapted by Chris Ryall (Zombies vs. Robots) and artist Gabriel
Rodriguez (Land of the Dead), this collection presents the ultimate
battle between good and evil that spans many decades and dimensions.
Also featuring complete cover galleries by Gabriel Rodriguez and Clive
Barker, full issue-by-issue annotations by Ryall, and more!“
Artwork: 5.0 out of 5
Flawless from start to finish. I know it is just my opinion but when
Rodriguez and Fotos work together you get nothing but an amazing looking
comic, just look at Locke & Key. I like Rodriguez’s style
because of how boxy it can be, with so much detail. But when you add the
coloring style of Fotos you get a book that shines. By shines, I mean
find a page with some neon green on it, and just enjoy how well Jay
makes it pop off that page. Great looking characters throughout, I like
how Gabe interpreted the monsters created in Clive’s story. One other
minor artistic thing that I have to point out, mostly because I work in
the printing business, is the vanish touch that was added to the cover.
It gives it that extra pop that just makes me say this book is
Gore-geous!
Story: 4.0 out of 5
For me the only Clive Barker I know is movies. I am not a novel reader,
so the original story wasn’t something I knew of before seeing this
trade. So adaption wise I can’t really comment on, however I was really
into this story. My only downside was having to re-read pages to make
sure I understood exactly what was going on. In trying to invent another
look on reality, you need to get into detail so it is believable. While
that is achieved here, to me it was at times complex, so having to go
back was well worth it. I really want to say it took me 2 hours or more
to read this whole thing. So if I loved this book so much how come only a
4 out of 5? Well I found the ending lacking. It seemed a little rushed
and I didn’t think some plot points from earlier in the story were
touched on. The very end left open the possibility for more, and I would
love to see what else can be come from this universe.
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
It may be unfair for me, a big Rodriguez/Fotos fan, to review this book
because of how well I think they work together. But I don’t often see
books with this much glow to them. It’s just a great looking collection.
Story wise I love the concept but would have preferred a more solid
ending. While looking at it as a whole it’s great from start to finish
and well worth reading. The horror elements are more dream/nightmare
based, but as you get into the story they play with your mind. Check
this one out, I know I was really happy I did.
If you would like to know more about or purchase a copy of
The
Complete Clive Barker’s Great And Secret Show please go to
http://www.idwpublishing.com
