Reviews

Rai, Volume 1: Welcome to New Japan by Dave Lanphear, Clayton Crain, Matt Kindt

olsenc's review against another edition

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5.0

A great mystery that hooks its reader from the beginning. I was fully immersed in this new world.

speljamr's review against another edition

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5.0

I think this may have just become my favorite Valiant comics hero.

squidbag's review

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4.0

Crain's artwork is phenomenal to look at, somehow more real than real (and sometimes more real-looking than Alex Ross, which is a challenge) and totally sells the idea of a human/A.I. samurai/ninja enforcer who lives 2000 years from now and can travel across spaceborne New Japan in an eyeblink. Kindt's writing is excellent as always, managing to introduce a complex universe with elements of everything from Blade Runner to Demolition Man incorporated without making it ponderous and expository. Really, the only arguable shortcoming here is that it's a jumping-off point for the rest of the story, so it leaves you wanting more.

yonnyan's review

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3.0

⚔️ Story takes place in 4001 A.D on the island of Japan, which is now in geosynchronous orbit around Earth, with heavy cyberpunk atmosphere & future noir elements to plot & setting.
⚔️ The main character's motives are quite reminiscent to Sephiroth's motives, particularly in a psychological way. Depending on how it's developed, could lead to amazing character growth in future instalments.
⚔️ The artwork is absolutely stunning. Details can be quite overwhelming, & at times very jumbled.
⚔️ The introduction to the world & plot set-up is jarring & confusing, with disorienting action sequences & dialogue. Begins to smooth out about mid-way through the volume.
⚔️ Follows some conventional tropes: unreliable & deceptive leader/deity, betrayed hero with identity crisis, vengeance.
⚔️ The first volume was pretty mediocre in its execution, but the series does have potential to become something really great.
⚔️ 3.5 livewires outta 5!
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