Asterix and the Great Divide (Asterix (Orion Paperback))

Book Description

The path of true love never did run smoothly—especially when the sweethearts’ fathers have split their town in half. That’s the problem for Histrionix and the beautiful Melodrama, son and daughter of two rival chieftains. So the star-crossed lovers call in Asterix, Obelix, and Getafix to sort everything out. Can the trusty trio persuade the village to reunite? Maybe some magic will help.

Customer Reviews:

What could have been........2007-04-13

Albert Uderzo, Asterix and the Great Divide (Dargaud, 1982)

Another village in Gaul (not that inhabited by our heroes) has elected two chieftains, who have dug a great trench through the center of town, separating it into the left side and the right side, which are at war with one another (except for one house right in the middle, whose inhabitants are, shall we say, not possessed of everything upstairs). Asterix and Co. to the rescue!

This was the first post-Goscinny Asterix adventure, and there has been a great deal of controversy over the years. Personally, I enjoyed it; yes, the politics are a bit closer to the surface than I'd like to see, but Uderzo is flinging brickbats at everyone, at least. Crossing Romeo and Juliet with the Lord of the Rings is wonderfully amusing, as well. Uderzo went back closer to the spirit of the original series after this, but I have to say, this was an interesting glimpse at what could have been. *** ½

Excellent book!.......2002-09-19

This is one of the best Asterix books. In it, Asterix, Obelix, Getafix, and Dogmatix set off to help out another village troubled by a terrible internal division and threatened by the Romans. The reader will be delighted as the heroes of the story work to drive off the Romans, bring the village together, make a romance come true, and teach the villain of the story a good lesson, by Toutatis!

Somewhat dissapointing.......2002-07-30

First published in French in 1980 as `Le Grand Fosse', this album was first published in English in 1981.

Chief Cleverdix sends his son Histrionix to the village by the sea, to call on the aid of Chief Vitalstatistix, to settle a dispute with his rival , Chief Majestix..
Asterix, Obelix and Getafix are as a result sent to the divided village.
This was the first book written by Uderzo alone, and is not one of the best. Much of the humour is recycled from earlier Astérix books, and the attempts at political satire are weak, unlike the superb political satire of `Asterix and Caesar's Gift' for example. Uderzo would later prove that he could however, write, good Asterix comics, with such gems as `Asterix and the Black Gold' and `Asterix and The Magic Carpet'.

I wish I did not have to write this!.......2001-02-16

I love Asterix, I love French and Belgian comics. I grew up reading Tintin and Asterix and Lucky Luke and Spirou and the rest. But this adventure is terrible! Sorry M. Uderzo, I wish it was not so. Everytime I re-read this, I feel like I have read a horror story. Everything is so dark, Codfix is yucky, he is the worst character created. Of course, the death of a genius like Goscinny probably made his old friend very bitter. I give it a two because of the state of the art drawings. I put this one behind all others though. Who said Belgium was bad?

Not their best but still good.......2000-06-06

This book , it must be noted, is one of the later asterix adventures and I would have to say it doesn't hold up to the earlier ones penned by Goscinny (This is written and illustrated by Uderzo). Somehow the plot lacks sharpness. But the rest of the stuff is there: the punch lines and the artwork. If you haven't checked out the earlier ones, it may be better to do that first. Its still a valuable addition to the collection though.

Asterix and the Black Gold (Asterix (Orion Paperback))

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Asterix and Obelix Hunt go prospecting!
What Do Tintin and Asterix Have in Common? Black Gold

Asterix and the Black Gold (Asterix (Orion Paperback))
Albert Uderzo
Manufacturer: Orion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0752847740

Book Description

Without the powerful potion whipped up by the Druid Getafix, Asterix and his fellow villagers would never have the strength to fight Caesar’s legions. Now Getafix has run short of rock oil, an essential ingredient in the concoction. There’s nothing left to do but have Asterix and Obelix prospect for black gold in the Middle Eastern desert. But the Roman secret agent, Dubbelosix, using his amazing folding chariot and new spy gadgets, is determined to stop them.

Customer Reviews:

Asterix and Obelix Hunt go prospecting!.......2007-04-13

Albert Uderzo, Asterix and the Black Gold (Dargaud, 1981)

Ekonomikrisis the merchant has landed at the indomitable Gaulish village, but he's fresh out of rock oil, which Getafix needs to make his magic potion. Asterix and Obelix to another globe-trotting rescue! This time the pair are headed for Mesopotamia, along with the help of Roman-Agent-disguised-as-a-druid Dubbelosix (who bears a remarkable resemblance to a young Sean Connery. These artists are crazy!). There's a great deal of Biblical messing-about, some James Bond punnery, and a good time is had by all (save, of course, the Romans). ***

What Do Tintin and Asterix Have in Common? Black Gold.......2003-02-07

If you read Tintin, you will be aware of one adventure titled 'The Land of Black Gold'. Asterix also has to travel to the land of black gold - oil - so Getafix can continue to make his magic potion. One of the few adventures where we get to know what goes into that fabled magic potion - at least one ingredient!
This adventure is also well worth a read (no, multiple reads) for its send up of 007 and Sean Connery! Seriously, read it to believe it.
There is not much action with the romans, at least not the ones in Gaul - you get so used to them being pummelled in every adventure that when it doesn't happen you actually miss it!

Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion Volume 5 (Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion)

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GOOD books
Good...but could be better!

Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion Volume 5 (Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion)
Sakurako Gokurakuin
Manufacturer: Broccoli Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1932480137

Book Description

The final battle reaches its climax as Mana and Kaoru push their powers to the limit. When Israfel attacks Tsukasa and Tomonori, something dark within Tsukasa is awakened. Meanwhile, Kaname faces off against Ama-Inu, with devastating results. Mana's strength as a Mind Breaker is put to the ultimate test. Can she save those she loves before it's too late? Features a color insert, character profiles, bonus manga, translation notes, a Juvenile Orion Drama CD Transcript, and a voucher for the Limited Edition Dust Jacket.

Customer Reviews:

GOOD books.......2006-01-26

I say read it!! yes it could habe been better, but it's good anough for me!!! I hope they come out with more Juvenile orion books. Over all I think the 5th book rocked. :-D

Good...but could be better!.......2005-10-11

This was a good series and this book did have a pretty good ending..... BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN SOOOO MUCH BETTER!!I mean I really think this series could have pushed a little harder, and if possible gone on for at least 5 or 10 more books! but overall a very good story to make up your own ending to or something. I just hope that the company that sells it comes up w/ another series to it like"Aquarian Age Juvenile Orion ( And then a fancy ending name like the Fushigi Yugi series(Fushigi Yugi: Eikoden))Huhh... oh well maybe if were all lucky it will happen someday, keep your fingers crossed!

Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion Volume 3 (Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion)

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Good!
Some Bad Things
What originality is all about
Absolutely Wonderful
Pretty good

Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion Volume 3 (Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion)
Sakurako Gokurakuin
Manufacturer: Broccoli Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1932480110

Book Description

With the help of Naoya's sister Haruna, Mana and Naoya unlock the mysterious events in Mana's traumatic past. Her repressed memories reveal shocking connections between Tsukasa and the deaths of Kaname's parents. Tsukasa begins to remember too, as broken dreams shake his foundations. Mana and Tsubasa slowly recall their hidden memories, but at what cost?

Customer Reviews:

Good!.......2007-02-14

This manga book was really good. The artwork by the author was superb and I can't believe a person could have that much talent in drawing in this world of art, and literature. This manga book, volume 1 of the series, is HIGHLY recommended. I think anyone would like it.

I think this series goes towards the "female" audience since it has revealing pictures of the characters, so I recommend this book to maybe teenage girls or women in their early 20s.

The story is okay, but the manga focuses more on the artwork than the actual writing and literature of the story. But this book was good overall.

Some Bad Things.......2005-10-04

Juvenile Orion is a very good series, even from the first volume, but there are alot of problems. Yes, the drawings are beautiful and such, but as you read things get a bit odd.

Fighting scenes are almost practically non existent. Which is not bad, but as the series goes on random characters will appear with no reason and random characters will be mentioned but never told about. Things seem to get jumbled up and questions unanswered. The series takes 2 books to explain everything that happened and 3 books to jumble up one big enemy boss. Its ends abruply making you wait for more until you realize theres only 5 volumes.

Its an entertaining series, but if your looking for something more in depth it may not be the best thing for you.

What originality is all about.......2005-08-26

I honestly never really made a connection to Clamp's X with this work until I read reviews. I have read through four of the five books and I must say that I saw several similiarities in these characters with other characters from almost every other manga I have ever read. Mana reminds me of Himeno from Pretear, for example. Their attitudes and mannerisms, even Kaname reminds me of the Leafe Knight Hayate...and those characters remind me so much of others from Blue Seed 9; so really, if you are any kind of manga fan at all, you'll realize that almost ALL manga have some kind of parallel to others out there, and why not? Shakespeare took all his ideas from a lot of mytholgical legends, do your homework on this and you'll see what I mean. And if you want to go talking about ripoffs, take a small glance at RahXephon, see if THAT doesn't make you go "HEY! I know this story! I watched it under the title Neon Genesis Evangelion."

As far as this particular story goes, I would have to say I gave this book a four because the next three are so much better, giving us more into the characters, helping us understand a little better who they are and what exactly they have to give in this tale. Development I think is what they call it. =)

Essentially I see that (as in so many other manga) this whole scenario was created by the life of society as a whole in the book world. Many things come about because of the choices people make, destined for consequence.

I enjoy a whole range of genre when it comes to manga, it really depends on my mood, and I can tell you that this is one that I could pick up at any time and truly enjoy with a smile on my face and an upbeat rhythme in my heart. I can't wait to read the fifth book.

I suppose I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys beautiful artwork, heroine romance, and the possibility of hidden abilities within everyone. And let's face it, is this stuff excellent eye candy or what?!

Absolutely Wonderful.......2005-01-26

I bought volume 1 of Juvenile Orion on a whim from a local Barnes and Noble. I expected an average manga with slightly above average artwork, like so many other series, but I was pleasently surprised. The story is captivating, the artwork is phenominal, and the characters have depth to them, which I find increasingly hard to find in manga. Honestly, I hadn't even thought of the similarities to X until I read the reviews, and I believe that, while slightly reminiscent, the differences are great enough to create a unique and absorbing plot that will keep you reading. I immediately went out and bought the next three volumes after reading the first, and they were even better than the first. I highly suggest this wonderful series to anyone who likes almost any type of manga!

Pretty good.......2005-01-07

To be honest, I thought that Aquarian Age could have been better. True, the art was beautiful (with plenty of bishonen to boot) but I felt that the story was a bit choppy. However, it was still interesting enough to keep the reader flipping the pages, even though its was a bit like X/1999 (which is better by the way)...my main issue was that the main character, Mana, seemed like all the other main shoujo characters. But that is just my personal opinion. Overall, I think that Aquarian Age is a good buy if you have some extra cash or something, but definately not a must-have.

Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion Volume 4 (Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion)

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Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion Volume 4 (Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion)
Sakurako Gokurakuin
Manufacturer: Broccoli Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1932480129

Book Description

After coming to terms with the dark side of both their pasts, Mana and Tsukasa decide to move forward. The power of the Aquarian Age is a double-edged sword. They realize that their powers may harm others, but can also be used to protect those they love. Meanwhile, Kaoru and her group continue their twisted game of hunting those with power, and Mana is their next target. Kaname, Naoya, Isshin, Tsukasa, and Tomonori rush to save her, but Kaoru's men stand before them. The final battle between hatred and love is about to begin.

Asterix and Son (Asterix (Orion Paperback))

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
More Asterix silliness.
Baby Asterix?
Super addition to your comic collection.
The mystery of the foundling

Asterix and Son (Asterix (Orion Paperback))
Albert Uderzo
Manufacturer: Orion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0752847759

Book Description

When someone leaves a little boy in a basket outside Asterix and Obelix’s hut, it’s two Gauls and a baby! Though Asterix and Obelix have more experience whopping legionnaires than diapering infants, they do their best. Also new to childcare: the sneaky Prefect of Gaul, Crismus Cactus, who’s masquerading as a nursemaid. Why do the Romans want this baby? And, what plot is the treacherous Brutus hatching against Caesar? Asterix must find out.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Asterix finds a foundling at his doorstop. Obelix of course thinks the Stork brought him. They make a minor mistake or too giving him a bottle that has some magic potion still in it.

It turns out the child is likely to be a highborn Roman, so they go touring and looking for the father. It takes the arrival of other royalty for them to learn the truth.

More Asterix silliness........2007-04-13

Albert Uderzo, Asterix and Son (Dargaud, 1985)

A bundle of joy appears mysteriously on Asterix's doorstep, and Asterix and Obelix set out to figure out whose he is and why he got dropped off with Asterix. Wagging tongues follow, of course, and the child's parentage turns out to be an even more convoluted question than originally thought. I've really been somewhat surprised by the all-Uderzo books; I expected I wouldn't like them nearly as much as the Goscinny books, but Uderzo seems to have kept the series going quite capably, at least at the beginning. I liked it just as much as most of the previous books. ***

Baby Asterix?.......2007-01-29

"Asterix and Son" is the 27th comic in the Asterix series, written and illustrated by Albert Udzero in 1983. It's a pretty good one, even if it is just set around the Gaulish village where Asterix lives.

Obelix is Asterix's friend, and even though he's old enough to have his own menhir business and grow his own moustache, still believes that babies come from the stork, and is even more convinced when Asterix finds a baby on his doorstep. The Romans seem very interested in the baby, including Brutus, Julius Caesar's friend...

Worth a look for fans. There's a lot of gags and character play, which is interesting since it was written by the illustrator, (both ways a good job, I thought).

Super addition to your comic collection........2003-05-03

For some one 48 and getting older, I thoroughly loved this one. Remarkable ending to the usual Asterix comic. Loved the character of Dogmatix the dog in this issue.

The mystery of the foundling.......2002-07-27

First published in French in 1983 as Le fils d'Astérix, and in English the same year.
Asterix and Obelix must deal with the strange phenomenon of a baby boy, dropped on Asterix' doorstep.
This is one particular challenge they have not dealt with before.
While we puzzle over the mystery of the baby's birth, the villainous, power-hungry, Brutus is hell-bent on getting his hands on the child, whatever it takes.
Meanwhile the cherub-like baby accidentally ingests some magic potion, which gives him super-human strength and a terror to whoever tries to interfere with him.

Customer Reviews:

Another good Asterix adventure........2007-07-05

Albert Uderzo, Asterix and the Black Gold (Dargaud, 1981)
Ekonomikrisis the merchant has landed at the indomitable Gaulish village, but he's fresh out of rock oil, which Getafix needs to make his magic potion. Asterix and Obelix to another globe-trotting rescue! This time the pair are headed for Mesopotamia, along with the help of Roman-Agent-disguised-as-a-druid Dubbelosix (who bears a remarkable resemblance to a young Sean Connery. These artists are crazy!). There's a great deal of Biblical messing-about, some James Bond punnery, and a good time is had by all (save, of course, the Romans). ***

Asterix in the Middle East.......2002-07-30

First published in French in 1981, as L'Odyssée dýAstérix, Asterix and the Black Gold, was first published in English in 1982.
Julius Caesar, at the advice of his spymaster M Surreptitius, dispatches the villainous Druid, Dubbelosix, as a spy, to finally destroy the Gaullish village that has become the bane of his life.

Meanwhile, it happens that the Druid Getafix is right out of rock oil, which is a vital ingredient of the magic potion. So Asterix and Obelix se t out for Mesopotamia with Phoenician merchant, Ekonomikrisis, who our friends met in ýAsterix the Gladiatorý, and unfortunately also, with Dubbelosix.
Their search for rock oil takes them past the coast of Phoenicia, where they come under fire, and to Judea (where they enjoy the hospitality of the only people who have ever to this day been indigenous to that land, the Jews), and sleep over at a little stable in Bethlehem. Then it is into the desert where they get caught in the crossfire of the Akkadians, Hittites, Assyrians and Medes, who are all at war with each other.
After that they have to face the heat and thirst of the desert, in their search.

Dubbelosix is something of a parody of James Bond (and looks like Sean Connery) Perhaps the French author Uderzo, wanted to poke a little fun of this British national hero.
But then he also covers up his evil plans evil plans by pretending to be dedicated to helping the weak and helpless ý which we know was the typical ploy of the Communists in the 20th century and still is today. So what we have here is a mix between Lenin and 007, in the character of Dubbelosix. Asterix albums have a lot of parody and satire in them, which is only apparent to older readers.
After the rather weak ýAsterix and the Great Divideý which was the first Asterix book written solely by Uderzo, ýAsterix and the Black Goldý, is a superb example that like Goscinny, Uderzo too knew how to write good comic scripts.

Asterix is the best!.......2001-03-06

Asterix is a traditional French comic tale, depicting early life with the romans in a funny way. This particular story is certain to be cherished by all that read it! It may not be well known, but it's funnier than some of the other stories that are about a little kid.Asterix is probabaly for the slightly older audience.[10-as long as you can read it]It is funny and at the same time, wild in every imaginable way.

A review by Mr. Entertainment Lover.......1999-08-06

Out of all Asterix books this is a must get. When Getafix runs out of oil (an ingredient for the magic potion) Asterix and Obelix must travel to Asia to get some. However a Roman spy is on their trail (who looks like sean Connery and acts like him) to find out the ingredients of the potion for Julius Caesar. One of the most funny things about this book is that it contains some Bible references to it. Read it and you'll love it!

Funny with a good plot.......1998-01-26

The book was a lot of fun to read, especially when Dogmatix barks at Obelix in the Dead Sea.

Average customer rating:

Super Reader
jacket summary
interesting and disappointing.
A very interesting, fun novel
Great potential, so-so execution

Orion: A Novel (Orion)
Ben Bova
Manufacturer: Tor Science Fiction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0812532473

Book Description

John O'Ryan is not a god....not exactly. He is an eternal warrior destined to combat the Dark Lord through all time for dominion of the Earth. Follow him, servant of a great race, as he battles his enemy down the halls of time, from the caves of our ancestors to the final confrontation under the hammer of nuclear annihilation.

Customer Reviews:

Super Reader.......2007-08-04

Orion is man made more than a man, as he is given superhuman abilities to act as a warrior avatar in the conflict between one god, and another supposedly dark god Ahriman.

His life is lived as he is sent to various periods throughout time, and he quickly has to learn to live and adapt here, as well as overcome Ahriman's influence.

jacket summary.......2006-02-16

from the back cover of the April 1985 Tor paperback edition:
cover art by Boris Vallejo
John O'Ryan is not a god...not exactly. He is an eternal warrior destined to combat the Dark Lord through all time for dominion of the Earth. Follow him, servant of a great race, as he battles his enemy down the halls of time, from the caves of our ancestors to the final confrontation under the hammer of nuclear annihilation.

interesting and disappointing........2005-02-06

It's the second time I am reading this novel, and I got myself the next issues to read them too. There is something that I like about it, and yet I keep ranting about the weaknesses of writing, plot building, soundness of the treated issues etc. It feels like Ben Bova is 1/ cheaply educated, I mean full of prejudices and ignorance although they've probably been acquired in expensive schools anyway, 2/ trained by secret societies (indirectly) in conventional theology and history, 3/ not willing to dedicate much time and energy to build a story, yet willing to use as tricks all the good ideas that he grabbed elsewhere, that were basically told to him by others. The result is kind of annoying, there IS good stuff in there, but to dig it out one must put up with heaps of cheap tricks, and cheap writing. I'll dig them out, but I know this is no litterary masterpiece, just cheap writing with a few good ideas that are not his.
I just wish Mr Ben Bova did some real work with these ideas, or that i found another author who does it. In the end it doesn't matter that much. I'll use this messenger as I'd use another one who would be a real artist.

A very interesting, fun novel.......2004-02-09

Orion is a very interesting fun novel. After a present day incident where Orion (the Hunter) preserves the invention of fusion power, he travels back through time to critical junctures in the development of mankind to foil the plans of Ahriman, who is bent on destroying the human race. Orion seems to have no unearthly powers (he is sent back in time by God or his equivalent), and Ahriman seems to be able to control time and space, but Orion manages to perserver. Between the sequences where Orion travels backwards through time Bova also sheds some light on the god who is managing this process. I actually found that substoryline to be the most compelling part of the story after a while. It appears that this god is convinced the universe will be destroyed should Ahriman succeed and thus he needs Orion to stop him. Sounds kind of trite I know, but the historical and mystery aspects of the novel were very well done. Orion is a real page turner (turns out it is a series also).

Great potential, so-so execution.......2003-09-25

Ben Bova has been a big name in the world of science fiction for a long time. Although he has no truly classic stories, his body of work as both an author and editor has at least carved out a niche for him. In Orion, he takes a bit of a break from his usual hard science fiction to pen a tale of the title character, divinely appointed to fight against an evil entity.

The premise to the book is intriguing enough, even if not completely original. Taking pages from various mythologies, but focusing primarily on Zoroastrianism, Bova puts Orion at war with Ahriman, a Satanic figure intent on destroying humanity. Ahriman has pinpointed certain key points in human history and tries to alter them to his benefit. Orion is out to stop him.

The story is told episodically, with Orion being reborn in different eras but with memories of his past (actually his future, since he is moving back in time) and with the same exceptional physical abilities. In every era, he also encounters a woman who he is in love with but whose true origins are a mystery to him (though not the reader).

Customer Reviews:

The Best Mainstream Superhero Comic Book Ever. Period........2005-09-19

This book collects the early issues of Walt Simonson's Orion series, which depict the character's rise to the throne of Apokilips, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Since the series is over, it's unlikely the rest of the run will be collected in trades, and that's a shame because the next twenty issues or so were as good as comics can get, every bit as "mature and intellectual" as Sandman, but in an all-ages superhero-oriented comic! Sound impossible? I thought so too.

After usurping his father Darkseid, Orion goes on to master the Anti-Life Equation, which makes him the total master of all life. No free will can exist before him. Everyone does his bidding and is happy to do so, no matter what their previous opinion might have been. If he ordered it, you would gladly murder your whole family and be glad for the opportunity to serve.

That kind of ultimate power is a villain's dream come true, but how can a HERO handle it?

The Orion series is Lord Acton put to the test, proving that ANY use of ultimate power leads to ruin. Absolute power corrupts absolutely and the intentions of the wielder are utterly irrelevant. Whether you use absolute power to bring about the most perfect virtue or the worst sin, you are equally corrupt and equally guilty. And it will damn you.

This is what Orion learns the hard way.

Comics have never been smarter. DC Comics, please let the world read this masterpiece in collected form! When the original series was appearing monthly, I was fortunate enough to have several letters printed in the comics, which always featured well-thought opinions by Mr. Simonson. I have always been a Simonson fan, but this book convinced me that he belongs at the top of the heap of creative greats!

The Motherbox indicates that this story is good. .......2005-08-12

This book was quite good. It was shorter then I expected but it didn't make me feel ripped off. I'm a big fan of Orion and Darkseid. There is a Jimmy Olsen and side group twist to the story which I didn't expect and I haven't read any of the other Fourth World books but it was still a good read on its own right.

Better Than Kirby?.......2002-09-13

Dare I say it? Walt Simonson writes and draws Jack Kirby's characters even better than the King himself. Now don't get me wrong, I like Kirby. I wrote a very positive review of the trades that collects the first half of his original New GOds series, but this is even better! In many ways it is a sequel to Kirby's work and also follows a similar style at some points. It is, however, much faster paced, and free of some of the out of date comic book conventions that were prevelant during Kirby's time. Simonson's art is also stunning ... for the most part. Ironically, the cover of the trade is one of the book's worst pieces of art so don't let that turn you off. The other covers, collected inside, are much better. I guess they weren't used because they were not as representative of the whole story.
In this fantastic story Darkseid finally discovers the secret of the anti-life equation and goes about taking over earth. This is one of the paralels that this book has with KIrby's original New Gods, which also featured a Darkseid plot on earth. I totally disagree with one of the other reviewers who critisized the book for having a long fight scene. True, the fight scene took up a whole chapter, but it came at the end of a well written storyline. Taken on its own, it would be boring but as a whole it is a fitting climax to a well written, intellenget story.
This book also features short Tales of the New Gods, which spotlight different New GOds characters. Sometimes it character development and at other times it gives us interesting glimpses into the origins of these classic characters.
In fact, these short stories are even better than the main storyline. This is a brilliant story about ORion's birth and another about Granny Goodness's past. Guest artists on these short stories include FRank MIller, Jon Bogdanove and Klaus Janson.

Orion is awesome.......2001-04-05

...Orion is one of the most powerful and compelling characters in the DCU! What makes Orion so intriguing is his state of conflict between good and evil. Though Orion is a "hero", he's likely to treat his foes with measures as ruthless as the most heartless of evildoers. But though he is a "dark hero" he's no angst-driven crybaby. Orion is a creature of sheer will whose first impulse is to directly attack whatever threatens him. Walter Simonson has captured the spirit and character of Orion beautifully. This collection is a must have for both fans of Kirby's Fourth World and newcomers alike.

This is what comics & Science Fiction are about!.......2001-03-17

This is a magnificent piece of storytelling! Walter Simonson takes these characters and uses them like only Jack Kirby has before. Not only that but he makes you care for characters that you have never seen or liked before and then,(nah, that would be a spoiler!) Suffice it to say unlike most comics things actually change! Characters may live or maybe not! In wars people (and gods)die! Simonson realistically remembers and writes this way. At long last Darkseid is near to achieving ultimate power, as always Earth is involved. The reason is that Earth and it populace gives scale when they interact with the gods. This story surprisingly enough, requires no past knowledge of these characters. As a matter of fact no prior knowledge is a good thing in this case, as many seemed biased against these characters. At long last we have a final(?) resolution to a conflict that started in the early 70's. This is an epic adventure and one that is just beginning! This is one comic that would work better as a novel. It seems it may be much too science fiction like for many comic fans. A pity really since Kirby's characters predate Star Wars and the Luke/Vader and Orion/Darkseid parallels seem so clear! Science fiction fans should give this a chance, those who like Star Wars should enjoy this book.

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