Title:
Shidima, Vol 1, Chapter 1: Outlaws Return |
Format:
Monthly comic |
Production:
Image Comics
Dreamwave Productions |
Comments:
A samurai by any other name would kick as much butt. |
| Overall Rating: |
B |
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Animefringe Reviews:
Shidima, Vol 1, Chapter 1: Outlaws Return
By Jake Forbes
When Pat Lee and Dreamwave Studios introduced Warlands last year, it created
quite a stir in the otaku community. As Pat and his associates are quick to
admit, their style is very heavily influenced by the "anime look," or more
specifically, by the work of Nobuteru Yuuki (Lodoss Wars), Katsuhiro Otomo
(Akira), and Capcom games. Their formula of muscular anime characters in
naturalistic environments caught on like wildfire, and now the Dreamwave
look is helping to change the face of American comics. This month Warlands
splits off in a new direction with the side story Shidima, and despite some
initial similarities, it's a very separate entity.
First of all, the inspiration for Shidima is entirely different.
Essentially, it's a samurai story, although the term samurai is never used.
Aside from a couple of periphery uses of magic, the story thus far could
easily have been a Kurosawa film. A corrupt emperor has been oppressing his
people for years. Now, a wandering warrior named Aldaran, who once helped
the rebellion, has found evidence of a new insurgence (Alaran, Rebellion,
evil Empire. wasn't that in a movie?). Will this one fail like the last
one? Aldaran's determined to find out. So far the story is a little
clichéd, but if Warlands is any indication, writer Adrian Tsang will take
the story in some very interesting and unexpected directions.
Visually, Shidima is also differentiates itself from its parent series. The
colors are much earthier and the characters much more realistic. Clothing
and weapons are an interesting mix of feudal Japan and western fantasy art.
The village where the first episode is set looks like a well-researched,
historical setting. Very appropriate for the samurai story.
Like in Warlands, Dreamwave productions uses a simulated out-of-focus
technique for fast moving objects and to show perspective. Usually this is
very effective and adds a bizarre realism to the very stylized characters,
but occasionally it can be a confusing blur. When they get the effect
right, especially to show lighting effects, the technique can be quite
beautiful.
While some critics have called the Dreamwave look a soulless imitation of
anime, I believe they have created something new and unique. Like the Spawn
animation, the PS2 game Oni, and the Matrix movies, Warlands and its ilk are
a uniquely Western interpretation of Japanese themes, which were in turn
interpretations of western styles. As the anime look spreads throughout
comics, new artists interpret things differently and soon the style will
become so removed from its original roots that American readers won't see
any Asian influence at all.
Despite a rather cliché introduction, I heartily recommend Shidima. Just as
Warlands brought back epic fantasy to mainstream audiences, Shidima will
introduce a new generation to the Samurai tradition. With this, and the
upcoming vampire themed Warlands: Banished Nights, Pat Lee and his team show
that there is a lot of life left in the Warlands saga.
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