A lighthearted weekend reading review…because sometimes Pastors need a break from heavy reading also.
Jason Henderson and Tony Salvaggio. Clockwerx. Los Angeles, CA: Humanoids, September 21, 2016. 112 pp.
4 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
This was a fun graphic novel (comics) to read. The story takes place at London in 1899. For those who enjoy “steampunk” theme graphic novel this is one that readers will enjoy. As one would expect from a steampunk genre Clockwex mixes the nineteenth century time period with technology that’s ahead of its time and yet it does this without feeling like a sci-fi.
The two main character in this story is Matt a former disgraced detective and Molly Vane the former beloved machinist under Lord Oak. Though Matt is no longer a detective nevertheless he is trying to figure out the mystery of the disappearances of many people around London’s port area. Molly Vane on the other hand have traveled far to arrive at the port of London on what the story would later reveal would be a mission with her incredible machines called “clocks.” These “clocks” were robot suits; one can think of it as a less advance “Iron man” suit. Apparently she left her former employer Lord Oak and the company called Golden Shell. She left because she discovered that Lord Oak and company were rather sinister. She comes back to London to stop them from mining and acquiring Lucifernium, a powerful element which Golden Shell seeks to exploit for power. This brings Matt to team up with Molly and her crew. There’s twists and turn as the story progress and also one finds out the main character’s back story. The twists and turn also reveal some background of some of the other character’s background.
I love the illustrations immensely in this graphic novel. The paintings are well done. The details are incredible. The colors gives it a sunset and sunrise kind of feel that’s so fitting of what people might think of as the “golden age” of Steampunk yet we also know this era was the sunset of the nineteenth century. The international scope of the plot while also featuring a cast of interesting characters makes this even more of a delightful read. I recommend this story.
The Domain for Truth 
I wonder if there’s a part two to this story…sounds like a fun adventure.
[…] Clockwerx […]
Thanks for the review! Looks like a fun read. Your review prompted me to do two things: I pulled up some of Clockwerx’s pages via the internet and the artistry of Jean-Baptiste Hostache is amazing. As I read a comic, I often think about the hours of painstaking work it took to create the panels. The LSH’s illustrations were sub-par for so many years, I’m sure that drove down readership. You also taught me a new word, steampunk, and I dug into that a little bit more. Good stuff.
Wow good observation and point you made in the comment. The painting is incredible and I can’t imagine how long it took to paint all that details and good colors and shadows! The story itself was also good. On top of that I thought it was good clean fun. I appreciated that in a world in which entertainment often feel compelled that they have to bring in sin, and a lot of sin to entertain and amuse. And the characters were interesting! I’m a fan of steampunk but according to the comic book store near me its not really as popular these days. By the way wondering if you got the Black Beetle? I purchased the second work on the Black Beetle titled Kara Böcek. It seems after this title it died down and there was nothing more. Shame.
My hold on Black Beetle is still “pending” which means it was stolen as you surmised.
The cover looks awesome if the rest of the artwork is the same. Seems like a lot of work with painting!
Sometimes comics are not consistent with the artwork of the rest of the panels. But this one is the exception where the cover’s artwork is an accurate representation of the artwork with the rest of the comics from beginning to end! You will enjoy it, along with the plot.
Sounds good
The plot and story is of course important too
Reblogged this on RG's 2 Cents Studios and commented:
I am a big fan of steampunk!
FYI…Looks like the tease is coming to an end. The article below says DC is reintroducing the LSH via a two-part special series in Sept. & Oct. which will be followed by a regular monthly series.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/io9.gizmodo.com/batman-beyond-and-supergirl-are-part-of-dcs-next-legion-1835493389/amp
Yup, I will definitely be following and reviewing. Works out well because my Silver Age reviews will be coming to an end just about the time the new stuff begins.