Title: Ralph Azham: Black are the Stars (GN)
Publisher: Papercutz
Story and Art: Lewis Trondheim
Color: Brigitte Findakly
Production: JayJay Jackson
Translation: Kim Thompson, Joe Johnson
Lettering: Emory Liu, Niki FoxRobot, and Wilson Ramos Jr.
Price: $ 14.99 US
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Website: www.papercutz.com
Comments: The first illustration you see is of a tree and it is stunning. It is simple with blue coloring for its leaves and it will leave you breathless.
Chapter 1: Why Would You Lie to Someone You Love?
Ralph lives in a village Astrolia where he is not appreciated. Piatch and his sister Claire seem to both like and dislike Ralph.
A Horde is coming to attack the village and they are getting ready by building a trap. Ralph, is the main part of this story though. He is a pathetic individual yet he still has a moral sense.
It turns out both Ralph and Raoul have certain powers. They are both gifted. So Ralph, Raoul Claire, and another go on a journey.
All the characters are interesting and fun to follow. You do learn a lot about them and more as the story goes on. Now a group is on the road.
Chapter 2: Death at the Beginning of the Road
All those with some kind of power or other are all coming together. Ralph does continue living his life and enjoying it even as he runs into all sorts of trouble. He also meets lots of new people one of whom may be his sister. Ralph does face many dangers and somehow he keeps ongoing. He never gives up and never stops.
Chapter 3: Black are the Stars
The art uses anamorphic animals which are done well and you will accept them as intelligent beings easily. The setting for the story is beautifully rendered in the art.
The story a few times is hard to follow and seems to jump over parts too quickly.
Ralph is a wanted man now. He fights against the King and now plots to overthrow him. The calm cool delivery of the story and art both match up beautifully.
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