PROPHET

[Perry]

Okay, I was never, never-ever a fan nor buyer of the original series PROPHET as I am ... shall we say not the biggest fan of it's creator. That being said, while this is not a totally different take on that title, it is a 1000% better product.

Each month this series forces me onto a table, slices my head open with a band-saw, reaches into my skull and scoops out the grey matter, throws it into a blender, adds ice and a little rum and churns that puppy around for about 10 minutes or so and then pours that concoction back into my cranium, stitches me up and sends me on my way.

This is brain-freeze Sci-Fi to the extreme and I just flat out love it.

I can't recommend this as a "Perry Buy" because it is just so damn different that not all will like it nor appreciate it for the grandiose mind-freak it is, but if you are ever in your LCS and you are just browsing, make sure you pick up a copy off the shelves, open the pages and just take a peek. Try to follow at your own discretion but just go ahead, take a peek.

Just don't be surprised if you wake up in a strange place with a little trickle of blood running down the side of your face.

EDIT - And while your there, you may want to check out GLORY also. Though I am losing steam a little on that title, it is worth a look just for it being so different as well.

 

[Jeff]

So a Prophet trade just released as Vol 1 but only collects issues 21 - 26.  I was thinking about picking it up but confused why they started with such later issues. 

Thoughts?

[Perry]

Well, first off, the issue 21 is the start of the "retooled" PROPHET book. It, along with all of the Liefeld creations, were brought back and given to different creators to revamp. Why they didn't start off with a new #1 is stupid, but I think they were taking the fact that everyone hates it when companies just renumber things and decided to just run with the old numbering ... even though it is almost totally a different story.

Issue 21 is the first issue in this new direction, and boy ... it is new. It is probably the most 'out-there' book I have read, or at least it comes close. The gist is ... one clone of John Prophet has been buried for centuries under the Earth and has now been activated to try and ... well, you will have to read.

You come into this book, if you've never read any of the old Prophet stories, totally out of the loop. Truth is, even if you read the old Prophet stuff this is so different it doesn't matter.

This is not a straight forward sci-fi book. You will not get your Star Trek feel here. This is like reading the old issues of HEAVY METAL. Items and plots are not pointed out to you. You have to both leave your brain at the door and use it more than ever or you will just explode.
 

I found it utterly fascinating and invigorating for it's unusual take and art that stretches out and takes chances. It is certainly not a book for everyone. Honestly, I would suggest going to CBR and checking out their 4 page previews of past issues to see if you can even enjoy the art before plopping down trade money.

I do know this, as soon as a deluxe sized hard cover comes out, it will be on my shelf!!!!!!

EDIT - HERE is a preview of the current issue. This is not the regular artist however. I will try and find one with him.

EDIT 2 - HERE is a preview of #22. Love the unfinished, hectic look of the art in this environment.

[Jeff]

I went ahead and ordered it as it was only $5.99 on Instock Trades.  I was already ordering 3 other HC's so I was already paying for the shipping and thought for 6 bones I'd give it a try.

I looked at those previews and not sure its going to be my cup of tea but I'll give it a shot.  I sometimes surprise myself when I try something outside my norm of purchase.

[Perry]

Oh no, it is certainly not for everyone. But for us that enjoy the 'holy sh ..., what the hell?" type of sci-fi, it is a true gem.

It is like that movie GALAXY of TERROR. You either enjoy it for it's craziness or you hate it for the same.