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A review by joshgauthier
Cowboy Ninja Viking Deluxe by A.J. Lieberman
4.0
When a graphic novel is called "Cowboy Ninja Viking" how much more is there to say about it, really?
In full honesty, there's a conversation to be had about the story's use of multiple personality disorder and other moments that... well, we'll just say that they're not exactly PC.
But these elements of the story only add to the manic energy of the comic as a whole. Fully embracing its premise, CNV tends to present itself in a relatively serious manner akin to traditional, gritty international spy adventures. However, the somewhat-seriousness tone of the writing is undercut by a sort of twisted humor that occasionally leans into the ridiculous. And whatever reservations I had about the ability of the creative team to blend these different elements into a functioning whole, their willful embrace of the concept has actually yielded a surprisingly coherent graphic novel.
The art throughout this comic is rough, bordering on abstract at times, with heavy lines and shifting use of color. I can appreciate the reasoning of those who state that this style doesn't work for them--but I actually found it to work well with the writing while adding an additional layer to the overall tone. Additionally, the visual techniques used to differentiate between the personalities of the characters is a testament to the way writing and art can be leveraged to great effect.
But the visual style does occasionally present a challenge in keeping track of the characters--due both to the rough style and the fact that many characters have three or four presentations of themselves which alternate frequently throughout. Additionally, the non-linear storytelling and general plot delivery occasionally lead to moments of confusion.
But on the whole, CVN presents a dynamic cast of developed characters enmeshed in a complex and engaging plot. It takes a concept prime for comics and uses it to its fullest capability--with humor, action, and moments of sincere emotion. Overall, the storyline actually offers a well crafted and exciting spy caper, with its own unique twists.
The volume's ending is... interesting, but benefits well from the bonus story included with the collection. And so, "Cowboy Ninja Viking" is a prime example of the fact that comics are willing to go where other mediums might not dare to tread, and the end result is fully realized and more successful than I ever anticipated it would be.
In full honesty, there's a conversation to be had about the story's use of multiple personality disorder and other moments that... well, we'll just say that they're not exactly PC.
But these elements of the story only add to the manic energy of the comic as a whole. Fully embracing its premise, CNV tends to present itself in a relatively serious manner akin to traditional, gritty international spy adventures. However, the somewhat-seriousness tone of the writing is undercut by a sort of twisted humor that occasionally leans into the ridiculous. And whatever reservations I had about the ability of the creative team to blend these different elements into a functioning whole, their willful embrace of the concept has actually yielded a surprisingly coherent graphic novel.
The art throughout this comic is rough, bordering on abstract at times, with heavy lines and shifting use of color. I can appreciate the reasoning of those who state that this style doesn't work for them--but I actually found it to work well with the writing while adding an additional layer to the overall tone. Additionally, the visual techniques used to differentiate between the personalities of the characters is a testament to the way writing and art can be leveraged to great effect.
But the visual style does occasionally present a challenge in keeping track of the characters--due both to the rough style and the fact that many characters have three or four presentations of themselves which alternate frequently throughout. Additionally, the non-linear storytelling and general plot delivery occasionally lead to moments of confusion.
But on the whole, CVN presents a dynamic cast of developed characters enmeshed in a complex and engaging plot. It takes a concept prime for comics and uses it to its fullest capability--with humor, action, and moments of sincere emotion. Overall, the storyline actually offers a well crafted and exciting spy caper, with its own unique twists.
The volume's ending is... interesting, but benefits well from the bonus story included with the collection. And so, "Cowboy Ninja Viking" is a prime example of the fact that comics are willing to go where other mediums might not dare to tread, and the end result is fully realized and more successful than I ever anticipated it would be.