The Red Star by Christian Gossett

Most reviews of graphic novels begin with an apology for the subject matter. Yes, they're books full of pictures and words. Why critics seem so amazed when they're good (and they frequently are) is beyond me. While I consider graphic novels (and comic books) a worthy form of literature, most critics reserve the title for a select few books (Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, Sandman).

The Red Star belongs near the top of this list. Archangel studios has collected the first nine issues into a graphic novel that is simply astounding in its scope and story. The United Republics of the Red Star is a crumbling nation on the brink of civil war. The URRS has been dealt a crushing defeat by a fanatically zealous religious breakaway nation state. They're losing territory by the day, and the western world is encroaching. The armies rely on a combination of magic and traditional weapons, and the leaders rely on the standard of propaganda and greed.

Maya Antares, a URRS spellkaster, lost her husband Urik at the battle of Kar Dathra's Gate. She visits his grave every year, the soldier in her clinging to the idealism of the nation, the widow in her questioning the necessity of her actions. She learns that she is about to be redeployed on the RSS Konstantinov to the breakaway state of Nokgorka to crush a rebellion. She prepares herself for a final battle, convinced this is the place she must die to be reunited with her lost love.

In the army of Nokgorka is largely made up of children, staging a deperate attempt to break free from a government that is crushing them. Makita, a young girl and amazingly adept soldier, is on a mission from her dying father to deliver a letter.

Fates cross, and Maya and Makita's destinies become intertwined, leading to new challenges and a new direction. The crew of the Konstantinov discovers a wicked secret about their nation. They are pawns in a game of war being played out by powers far higher than any human. They are settling a score between the Gods.

The visual style of the book is amazing. Traditional hand drawn art is combined with computer rendering to create truly spectacular scenes. The characters are humanized in a way rarely seen in mainstream comics. Yes, they have idealized body types, but they also have cuts, bruises, dirt, and eyes bloodshot from crying. There are images that stay in the mind long after the book is closed, from the fall of Alexandra Goncharova, to Makita's discovery of the purpose of her mission.

The only disappointment with this book is the cliffhanger ending. Archangel studios is preparing to launch a new run of the Red Star, along with video games, possible movie, and more. Get in on the ground floor while you can!