Heaven's War

Rating:
Summary: A Graphic look at the Inklings
Review: I was ecstatic when I first caught wind of Heaven's War, a graphic novel depicting the fictional adventures of the Inklings, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Charles Williams in a fight against the plots of the infamous Aleister Crowley. It's one of the few times I pre-ordered a book, based on some preview pages I was able to check out over at artist Michael Gaydos' site.
I'm a fan of all three of these writers, with a special place in my heart for Williams' as he is the least known of the three. The best way to describe Williams' writing is as the precursor to urban fantasy, or perhaps horror, although his writing rarely crosses over into graphic violence or shock value. Appropriately then, it is Williams who is the true protagonist of "Heaven's War." The book opens with a quote from T.S. Eliot, who once stated that if he ever had to spend a night in a haunted house, he would have asked Williams to stay with him. Writer Michah Harris obviously thought the same thing, and creates a Charles Williams who, rather than merely writing about people who have a foot in both the real world and the spirit world, actually does.
The premise is nothing new, but the use of historical characters brings a nice twist and a very different flavor, due largely to the book's surreal approach. The book's villain is Aleister Crowley, a man who identified himself with the Great Beast 666 from the Book of Revelation and was a self-proclaimed drug and sex addict. The Inklings discover that Crowley has somehow found the gateway to Heaven itself and means to enter there. Their quest, while grounded in actual events from their lives, takes them on a fantastical journey.
In what is probably a first for graphic novels, Heaven's War contains a series of annotations to the storyline in the back of the book. These annotations will serve as guideposts for those unfamiliar with the trivial facts about the Inklings, Crowley and other characters. Micah Harris is obviously a very intelligent and well-read writer, which serves Heaven's War very well. For fans of these writers, something more spectacular and senstational would have been crass. Harris' writing, while at times esoteric, honors the memory of these amazing creative powers. The annotations actually give one the sense at times that this story could actually have taken place.
Heaven's War is definitely worth a read, for a certain type of fantasy fan. If you're one of the millions caught up in Tolkien fever and are thinking this sort of graphic novel will include moments of John Ronald Ruel wielding a two handed mock-up of Narsil, stay away from this book. If you're a childhood fan of Lewis' Narnia chronicles and love a whimsical fantasy involving talking animals, stay far, far away from this book. If, however you have had the distinct pleasure of reading one of Charles Williams' fictional pieces and enjoyed it immensely, then you need to pick up Heaven's War.

Rating:
Summary: Slow, deep and enriching
Review: I was looking forward to an active, meaningful discourse on the war between Heaven and Hell for control of existence. I mean, that is what it's all about, isn't it? Instead, I found myself reading a rather stilted, artistically static, lackadasical story which didn't do much to enlighten, or entertain. The annotataions at the end of the book are interesting; but, since they didn't do anything for the story as I read it, weren't that meaningful to me. To be honest, I wasn't impressed. I guess I'm a Tolkien fan and want orcs, goblins, and demons spewing blood. This book just didn't do it for me.

Rating:
Summary: hohum
Review: I was looking forward to an active, meaningful discourse on the war between Heaven and Hell for control of existence. I mean, that is what it's all about, isn't it? Instead, I found myself reading a rather stilted, artistically static, lackadasical story which didn't do much to enlighten, or entertain. The annotataions at the end of the book are interesting; but, since they didn't do anything for the story as I read it, weren't that meaningful to me. To be honest, I wasn't impressed. I guess I'm a Tolkien fan and want orcs, goblins, and demons spewing blood. This book just didn't do it for me.

Rating:
Summary: Slow, deep and enriching
Review: Reviewer Mike Perschon has given a good overview of the story and great guidance on its best audience. To it, I should like to add the recommendation that those readers who pick it up settle down with Heaven's War somewhere quiet, with time to devote to it. Those who are seeking quick entertainment will do neither it nor themselves justice. Some may find this story a slow starter, but there are rich depths that will reward the persistent, and those who go back for a second read will find elements have taken on new levels. If readers aren't familiar with the persons and philosophies involved, they can keep one finger in the notes at the end of the book, which should clear up much of the mystery. Even if the reader is familiar, its worth investigating the notes after reading the novel. They offer depths of their own.

My only real criticism of this work is its format. I think the author would have better served the material to present it in novel form, which would have allowed a little more exposition and a little less redundant imagery. While Gaydos seems to be a fine illustrator, the story appeals less to the senses than to the mind and the soul.