GOLEM by Lorenzo Ceccotti

3 STARS

Gorgeous cover, and while I didn't expect 280 pages of that quality illustration, I had hoped for more. 

Opening sequence is an overview, unimpressive, but I think in the context of the story it is reflects the plastic and propaganda of the new Itally, paternalistic and fascist.

Second sequence is character introduction and elaboration of the world. There's this social commentary that not being Italian is probably lost in translation, but needless to say the Euro controversy and Italy's tenuous financial position makes the story's dismissiveness towards money and waste interesting from the contemporary political and economic point of view.

In the third sequence the action and conflict developed with Steno, the young hero pulled into the fight following his friend, Rosabella. The resistance is revealed, the ragtag team and the enemy is given a face.

The last two sequences deal with the conflict and the resolution.

Quality of the art varies greatly. The opening frames of each section are very detailed, atmospheric and spectacular, much like the cover. The subsequent frames are much less developed, sketchy and raw looking. It's fine, but the cover image is not indicative of the illustrations throughout the book. 

Is the story complicated? No.

Is it interesting? Yes.

I enjoyed the comic, but not enamored with it. First, there are some translation errors that are simple and surprising. They take away from the experience if not the comprehension. Second, the symbolism in this story is undoubtedly masterful in the artist's mind, but it gathers and plucks from too many sources to make it easily grasped. 

The visual symbology listed at the end that discusses images choices, names and concepts is useful. Some will be more readily comprehendible and probably picked up on during the story while others are more obscure. The strong basis in Pre-Christian symbols is apparent, though the choices made are somewhat confusing when compounded by the political themes of anti-capitalism, socialism and democracy. It's clearly got some complicated thoughts, but the mishmash muddied the message.

Overall, post-apocalyptic comic features disillusionment with modern European politics and environmentalism with savior overtones.