Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Rasputin #1
Image Comics
Grecian, Rossmo, Plascencia & Mauer
Rasputin launches with an oversized issue for $3.50. The comic book starts off with the beginning to the evening in which the lead character is killed off but then goes into a flashback for the remainder of the comic book. There isn't much story in this comic book as it relies heavily on the artwork, which delivers perfectly. The idea for the comic book is an interesting one but I am not sure there is enough in here to draw me back for more. This is worth checking out.
Rasputin is a fantastic historical figure from the early twentieth century. His death is the stuff of legends and the Russian regime he is tied to is as infamous as they come. However, this book doesn't dive into that personality, but instead into the one of Rasputin the boy.
The comic focuses on an abused mother and an abused boy and how he overcomes the abuse. Through this process we get an understanding of his powers as well, which will serve him down the road presumably.
This is an okay first issue as a result. I think framing up the twisted personality of the character at the time of his death would have a much better read for the first issue than showing us another boy that overcomes a troubled childhood. Outside of containing special powers, his childhood could be something you've read or seen dozens of times over. As a result, the comic book doesn't stand out story-wise at all.
The artwork brings this book someplace special. There are panels and pages that contain no dialogue and no caption boxes and the story is no less powerful. The art captures the cold of Siberia, the callousness of the conspirators and the brutality of the abuse in tremendous visuals. This comic book is definitely a work of art and one that should draw in plenty of readers on its own merits. The fight sequence with the bear is particularly memorable. This is a fantastic visual book.
Rasputin might be a niche character. Perhaps only history buffs would like this kind of story. However, the personality and the intrigue of the character is not explored at all in this comic book. Sure, we get a taste of the fateful night but for the most part we get an origin story that we've seen many times over. As a result, the character doesn't quite stand out the way he should based on the history books. I'm curious about the second issue, but I know the artwork will dazzle my eyes.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
