Comic Review: The Complete Clive Barker’s Great And Secret Show

Issue: The Complete Clive Barker’s Great And Secret Show
Writer: Clive Barker
Adapted: Chris Ryall
Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez
Colors: Jay Fotos
Letters: Neil Uyetake, Robbie Robbins
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Release Date: December 2007
Pages: 300
Price: $55 – hardcover, $35 – Softcover

“Collected here in one deluxe edition is the complete 12-part saga that comprises the comic book adaptation of master of horror Clive Barker’s epic journey into the fantastic, The Great and Secret Show. Adapted by Chris Ryall (Zombies vs. Robots) and artist Gabriel Rodriguez (Land of the Dead), this collection presents the ultimate battle between good and evil that spans many decades and dimensions. Also featuring complete cover galleries by Gabriel Rodriguez and Clive Barker, full issue-by-issue annotations by Ryall, and more!“

Artwork: 5.0 out of 5
Flawless from start to finish. I know it is just my opinion but when Rodriguez and Fotos work together you get nothing but an amazing looking comic, just look at Locke & Key. I like Rodriguez’s style because of how boxy it can be, with so much detail. But when you add the coloring style of Fotos you get a book that shines. By shines, I mean find a page with some neon green on it, and just enjoy how well Jay makes it pop off that page. Great looking characters throughout, I like how Gabe interpreted the monsters created in Clive’s story. One other minor artistic thing that I have to point out, mostly because I work in the printing business, is the vanish touch that was added to the cover. It gives it that extra pop that just makes me say this book is Gore-geous!

Story: 4.0 out of 5
For me the only Clive Barker I know is movies. I am not a novel reader, so the original story wasn’t something I knew of before seeing this trade. So adaption wise I can’t really comment on, however I was really into this story. My only downside was having to re-read pages to make sure I understood exactly what was going on. In trying to invent another look on reality, you need to get into detail so it is believable. While that is achieved here, to me it was at times complex, so having to go back was well worth it. I really want to say it took me 2 hours or more to read this whole thing. So if I loved this book so much how come only a 4 out of 5? Well I found the ending lacking. It seemed a little rushed and I didn’t think some plot points from earlier in the story were touched on. The very end left open the possibility for more, and I would love to see what else can be come from this universe.

Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
It may be unfair for me, a big Rodriguez/Fotos fan, to review this book because of how well I think they work together. But I don’t often see books with this much glow to them. It’s just a great looking collection. Story wise I love the concept but would have preferred a more solid ending. While looking at it as a whole it’s great from start to finish and well worth reading. The horror elements are more dream/nightmare based, but as you get into the story they play with your mind. Check this one out, I know I was really happy I did.

If you would like to know more about or purchase a copy of The Complete Clive Barker’s Great And Secret Show please go to http://www.idwpublishing.com

Comic Review: The Complete Clive Barker’s Great And Secret Show