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Reviews
Rise of the Black Flame by Mike Mignola, Chris Roberson, Christopher Mitten, Laurence Campbell
redhairedashreads's review
3.0
Series: Rise of the Black Flame #1-5
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
This is the origin of the Black Flame, who has appeared as an enemy in B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth Vol. 5, Lobster Johnson Vol. 2, and Sledgehammer 44.
This origin story takes place in Siam at a hidden temple dedicated to the Cult of the Black Flame. It follows the journey of two police officers, Sarah Jewell, Marie-Therese Lafleur, and Farang on their way to the temple to rescue some missing children. This was kind of a sad origin story because the Black Flame never really wanted to be what he became but he does end up being a very powerful enemy in the future. I think I liked him more in the previous comics he has shown up in.
The only character that I was really interested in learning more about was Sarah Jewell who has appeared in previous comics like Witchfinder. I like how strong and tough she is and I really want more stories of her fighting monsters.
Overall, this was an ok origin story for the Black Flame.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
This is the origin of the Black Flame, who has appeared as an enemy in B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth Vol. 5, Lobster Johnson Vol. 2, and Sledgehammer 44.
This origin story takes place in Siam at a hidden temple dedicated to the Cult of the Black Flame. It follows the journey of two police officers, Sarah Jewell, Marie-Therese Lafleur, and Farang on their way to the temple to rescue some missing children. This was kind of a sad origin story because the Black Flame never really wanted to be what he became but he does end up being a very powerful enemy in the future. I think I liked him more in the previous comics he has shown up in.
The only character that I was really interested in learning more about was Sarah Jewell who has appeared in previous comics like Witchfinder. I like how strong and tough she is and I really want more stories of her fighting monsters.
Overall, this was an ok origin story for the Black Flame.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
lacee's review
3.0
The Black Flame is one of the most fascinating and bad-a** looking villains I've ever encountered, probably my all time favorite in the Mignolaverse. This trade focused on the Black Flame's origins and even though I love this character I don't think I needed a whole story on how he came to be. Sure I wanted to know how he turned into a walking ball of blue/black flame but that could have been told in a few pages.
The way this plot was lined out is not a good way to tell an origin story. If you cut out a few pieces of dialogue you wouldn't even know this story was about the Black Flame. The major focus is on a seemingly different plot-line, which was a mistake in my opinion. At this point readers are picking up this trade FOR the Black Flame, we want to know more but we need to get to know the character that will come to be the Flame. The side characters (it's not obvious they are side characters while reading) are interesting and I'm kind of looking forward to some of them making another appearance down the line, but they were kind of pointless in general, considering none of them mean much to the Flame. A lot of time and pages was wasted here. Some character development for the Flame would have worked better.
Also, I found the concept of a child being a "spouse" creepy, though considering the appearance of the Flame I think this is more symbolic and not literal, at least I hope so.
The Black Flame is a great character with so much story potential, I hate that this origin didn't quite land. I would recommend this to Mignolaverse completionist only, even if you're a fan of the Flame I don't know if it really contributes much to the character.
The way this plot was lined out is not a good way to tell an origin story. If you cut out a few pieces of dialogue you wouldn't even know this story was about the Black Flame. The major focus is on a seemingly different plot-line, which was a mistake in my opinion. At this point readers are picking up this trade FOR the Black Flame, we want to know more but we need to get to know the character that will come to be the Flame. The side characters (it's not obvious they are side characters while reading) are interesting and I'm kind of looking forward to some of them making another appearance down the line, but they were kind of pointless in general, considering none of them mean much to the Flame. A lot of time and pages was wasted here. Some character development for the Flame would have worked better.
The Black Flame is a great character with so much story potential, I hate that this origin didn't quite land. I would recommend this to Mignolaverse completionist only, even if you're a fan of the Flame I don't know if it really contributes much to the character.
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