Monday, February 24, 2014

Comic Review: Age of Reptiles Volume 1 by Ricardo Delgado

If you are a fan of dinosaurs then you owe it to yourself to check out Ricardo Delgado's Age Of Reptiles comic series. I read the omnibus Volume 1 (so far) which contains the first 3 works in one graphic novel along with sketches and essays from Ricardo Delgado.

Ricardo also includes essays about his artistic influences. These were interesting to me since I also enjoyed some of his influences such as Ray Harryhausen of The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad fame. This is the guy that made those great stop motion monster films. As well, Desai Arnaz who made King Kong, the 1933 version, who also taught Ray Harryhausen.

Ricardo's drawings are amazing in their ability to convey emotion and communication between the dinosaurs he depicts. A surprise, fear, love, a parental rebuke, and more emotions are all expressed with such clear distinction. Studying his style would go a long way to showing one how emotion can be conveyed with the correct eye formation, head turn, or mouth display.

I found myself tearing through the book quickly to take in the story, occasionally slowing to try to take in all the subtle details. Then coming back again to study in more detail the composition and character design.

There are no words in this world, since dinosaurs did not talk, but that means this is no less a thrilling set of stories. This is like watching a nature show. One does not need to explain that a croc is lying in wait and then pouncing on an unsuspecting soul. It is clear as day when you can see it with your eyes.

This might be a bit too graphic for younger kids that like dinosaurs. You'll have to judge for yourself.

If you like dinosaurs you'll enjoy this series.

Amazon: Age of Reptiles Omnibus Volume 1

No comments: