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Cowboys and Aliens (Graphic Novel, 2006)
Cowboys and Aliens (Graphic Novel, 2006)

The graphic novel that is set to become a film in 2011

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Not the least bit impressed by this old western War of the Worlds.

  • Aug 17, 2011
Rating:
-1
Taking place in 1873, Zeke and his female partner Verity are aiding a convoy heading to Silver City, Arizona. They're attacked by Apache Indians who make their mission difficult to carry out. A flying object appears in the sky and crash lands in the area their battle is taking place. When a squad of Indians investigate, they are killed on sight by an alien race who's mission is to takeover the planet. -summary

Well, I'll just come right out and say, had I read this before watching the live action film which was recently released. I more than likely would have ignored it and moved on to something else. And it's sad too, because I enjoyed the movie, plus I kind of have an interest in Fred van Lente's work (Marvel Zombies 3) in which, he does play a role in writing this story along with Andrew Foley. Created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, Cowboys & Aliens is a sci-fi action romp that features the usual man vs. monster, but it also places mankind in sort of a role reversal, by giving those who think they are superior to another culture a taste of their own medicine. Unfortunately, the story really doesn't take any steps to be more than a "us vs. them".

Simplicity isn't always the best approach, this is clearly what was going on in my head the entire time I sat through this by the numbers plot. The pacing and writing gave off this feel as if there was no imagination whatsoever. Despite the sneak attack from the alien threat, everything felt way too convenient for the human forces. They were able to obtain small pieces of weaponry here and there, and use these advanced weapons against their attackers. I had a hard time buying into the story because everything felt too easy for the resistance, and this band of aliens came off looking rather inferior. It hardly ever felt like an uphill battle and this damaged the drama for me a great deal. The plot has at least one interesting twist towards the end, but this one creative moment sure as hell doesn't make up for the total blandness that came before it. This goes the same for the few thought provoking themes here and there; such as bitter enemies uniting against a common threat, and what goes around comes around. They simply can't seem to hold together this story which is apparently being held together on a prayer alone.

The characters are so forgettable that I've forgotten most of their names already, and I just got done with this book ten minutes ago. No one stood out to me in any way, shape, or form. The entire cast is only meant to move the plot, and there isn't the slightest amount of depth to any of them. Moreover, the antagonist are every bit as bland, and they come off as mere stock bad guys. The plot which follows the resistance making plans to prevent the alien race from contacting more of their fleet never gripped me. Van Lente is not a writer I would dare say is great, but this feels like a new low even for him.

The artwork has some good character designs for the humans. However, the enemies felt like something I seen in many other stories; such as little big head aliens with big eyes, and green men with the appearance of a minotaur. It's just so lackluster and I wasn't the slightest bit impressed by the action panels either. I will give the dialogue credit, since it seems to fit with that particular time period rather well.

This is one of those rare cases where the movie out did the original source material. The movie is quite different, and I think it used some of its themes better. In the film, it really felt like the humans had very little chance and the action was better. I recommend skipping the graphic novel altogether unless you're a serious comic fan.

Also see:

Cowboys & Aliens(Film)

Pros:
-A good idea somewhere towards the end

Cons:
-Completely bland story and characters, by the numbers plot

What did you think of this review?

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Thought-Provoking
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Fun to Read
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Post a Comment
August 17, 2011
I don't know -- the art was fair at best but I did like how the aliens were so overconfident and then got their asses handed to them by a bunch of bows and arrows. I gave it points for the story and writing; I agree that the characters should have been better developed. Great review thanks.
August 17, 2011
It really didn't seem like to me they were over confidant, because if they were then their attacks wouldn't have been so lethal. They attacked with intentions on taking no prisoners at all, so in my eyes, they seemed anything but over confidant, and their technology was inconsistant too. One panel they're blocking projectiles, the next they aren't. The writing, action, and the characters was very weak. And you're welcome, this is my offer for adding the movie in hype.
August 17, 2011
OK, maybe I'll reread it then. :) Sure, Hype is fine thanks.
August 17, 2011
I downgraded my review to three stars since you made some points I hadn't thought of. Thanks.
August 17, 2011
You didn't have to do all that. What ever you gave it, that's what you saw. At the end of the day, this is all just one guy or gal's opinion.
August 17, 2011
Very true; three stars is still an average piece. :)
 
August 17, 2011
So I guess you are not a big fan, great review man.
August 17, 2011
heh. Not even a little bit. Thanks for the compliment.
 
1
More Cowboys and Aliens (Graphic No... reviews
review by . April 18, 2011
posted in Speech Bubbles: Comics & Graphic Novels
The Graphic Novel That has Become a Major Motion Picture....
I know there has been a lot of ‘hype’ surrounding the upcoming film “Cowboys and Aliens” so I figured perhaps it is time for me to review the actual graphic novel written by Fred Van Lente and Andrew Foley, with art illustrated by Luciano Lima. When I first saw the trailers for the film, I have to admit I wasn’t very excited since the source material created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg (the chairman of Platinum Studios and co-producer of the Jon Favreau film) needed …
Quick Tip by . April 18, 2011
posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More
Caption
A Little Too Juvenile and Uninspired for my tastes, but I have to admit it can find its audience. However, veteran comic book fans will be better off looking elsewhere. Good News is: it gives the movie a lot of room to improve on the concept and premise. So the movie can be better....
see all Cowboys and Aliens (Graphic No... reviews (3)
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About this book

Wiki

Cowboys & Aliens is a 100-page Platinum Studios 2006 graphic novel created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg and written by Fred Van Lente and Andrew Foley, with penciler Luciano Lima.

Cowboys and Aliens: Worlds at War (or Cowboys & Aliens II)[2] is a 2007 online-only extension of the graphic novel. It is written by Alana Joli Abbott.

Inspired by a Gary Larson cartoon[citation needed], the title matches that of a 1995 16-page ashcan, published by Tom Arvis and Sureshot Comics. In 1998 Platinum Studios trademarked the name, and in 2004, through a separate agreement, negotiated all rights to the title from Arvis, who changed the name of his book to Wayout West
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Books, Book, Cafe Libri, Comics, Comic Books, Fantasy Action Adventure, Comics & Graphic Novels, Western Comics
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Details

Genre: Western, Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic novel

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"The Graphic Novel That Has Become A Major Motion Picture...."Hype ON"!!"
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