Hip Flask: Concrete Jungle (The Big Here & the Long Now, 2)

Once you know how the characters came about (read Hip Flask: Unnatural Selection first), then this will make sense.Starkings definitely tells a great story and the artistry is amazing.

on a whim some time last year i picked up issue #1 of the apparently new series by the title of Elephantmen. i was at once enthralled by a dark, mysterious, bladerunner-esque pulp-laden world of the future, full of mercenaries, monsters and a sense of nightmarish magic. the art drew me in, and refused to let me go.i fervently searched for any and all traces of prior work, and then found a notification for the release of hip flask; concrete jungle.let me once again say... wow. absolutely amazing. the art, the words, the characters, the sense of wonder and horror that strikes you all at once. even if you've never read a Starkings story before, the beautiful art work by ladronn will draw you in long enough fir the words to hook you completely.in case you hadn't noticed, i am smitten with hip, and hope to see more of his adventures in a world gone horribly wrong.buy it now!

This European-style album, written by British comic book font-master Richard Starkings, illustrated by Mexican artist Ladronn, and released by American publisher Image, is a genuine international effort. In the years since it first appeared, Ladronn's reputation has grown considerably, primarily on the basis of his incredible artwork on the recently completed 'Final Incal'. It was 'Hip Flask' that was his true breakthrough, however, his epic, meticulously detailed linework and signature blue-green palette earning him an Eisner Award for 'Best Painter' on Concrete Jungle (the second volume in the series). Unfortunately, the story doesn't meet the high standards set by Ladronn's artistry. Starkings' tale of genetically-engineered half man, half animal soldiers, created for times of war and forgotten in times of peace, is by no means awful. But the familiar premise and plots fail to pull the reader in, never managing to create the vital connections with the characters necessary for emotional involvement. Even with the story serving as little more than a framework for the beautiful, fully-painted pages, 'Concrete Jungle' is highly recommended for anyone who appreciates comic art.