Ravages

Orbital #4

by Sylvain Runberg, Serge Pellé (Illustrator)

The unexplained deaths in the mangrove have not deterred The ceremonies will go on as planned in Kuala Lumpur, despite Mezoke's resistance and growing disagreement with Caleb. But the official optimism is soon dampened by news of further destruction, closer to the city. And when Nina and Angus return with the identity of the killer, an old enemy of the Confederation, the agents will be forced to act in desperation-and, maybe, to pay the ultimate price.

Genres: Comics, Science Fiction, Bande Dessinée, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics

56 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2010

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading through this series at a rate as to be honest I am impatient to get to the latest volume no. 8. It is such a challenge as I do not want to miss a think but at the same time all of this feels so family although I do not believe it was 2 years ago (where has the time gone!).

One thing that I find fascinating and I guess I have time to digress a little here - is that reading this book my opinions still hold firm over what I think as I turn the pages. On one had that is great since it shows that my tests and thoughts are the same but at the same time is rather surprising that I can feel the same sense of wonder and excitement second time round - is that a sign of how good a book is?


When you start reviewing a series you quickly realise the benefits of just putting down one review that covers the lot - especially when you realise that these books are not even 60 pages long. However that would be doing the series a huge disservice plus volume 7 has been released and the stories appear to flow in two book arcs.

Okay so my whining out of the way on to the book. As I have just said the stories appear to follow a two book arc with common threads running through the entire series (So far at least).

So limited to my own imposed rule of no spoilers I have to comment about the book. I will admit that the characters and ambience is growing on me through each book. So much so that as you reach the last few panes you instinctively go looking for the next instalment. I will be the first to admit that comics and graphic novels are outside of my comfort zone but these book read so effortlessly that it feels like I have followed this intrepid pair of investigators from their very first assignment together (which technically I have in this format).

For me this just goes to show that there are some great stories out there which do not require you to invest huge amounts of time (and money) to follow what is going on.

[Caro the Helmet Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg, it ended with cliffhanger!... :(

[Diz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume contains the climax and the resolution to the story started in volume 3. The story quickly raises the stakes. The story leaves you guessing as to what will happen and the ending is a shocker. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the series will develop in the next volume. As usual, this series does a really good job of setting the story is an interesting sci-fi setting on Earth.

[Douglas Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Try Ravages, the fourth volume in a series by artist Pellé and writer Runberg, who manage to stretch the “art of the comics format,” smashing together things that don’t ordinarily go together, putting their characters in wild situations, and generally disregarding just enough of what’s “possible” and/or “the story” to be interesting. The war between the humans and the Sandjarr is finally over, and it’s time to celebrate. A lot of political pressure is riding on these ceremonies, and they can’t be stopped by some piddling fatal encounter between lowly human fishermen out of Kuala Lumpur and Rapakuhn, a freaky alien species. Two security agents, one human and one Sandjarr, need to work together to figure this out—and fast. Nearly every finely drawn line and paint panel bleeds action and evinces a level of imaginative detail that recalls New Realism (I think that’s what it’s called, anyway; apologies to my art history professor). The upshot is that whatever Pellé is putting down, it’s worth picking up. As counterpoint, consider Chris Ware’s Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth, David Mazzucchelli’s Asterios Polyp, or Art Spiegelman’s The Complete Maus works, all of which successfully integrate complex ideas, characters, and dialog into intense works of art. VERDICT Sumptuous, imaginative visuals both slow the experience and draw readers deeper into the story.

Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[Svxrt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Väldigt läsvärd

[StrictlySequential · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just don't know what to make of this series...

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This is a combined review of Nomads: Orbital Vol. 3 and Ravages: Orbital Vol. 4)


Just prior to the celebrations marking the end of the Human-Sandjarr wars, an incident occurs between Malaysian fisherman and the nomadic alien species Rapakhun. The Human Caleb and Sandjarr Mezoke, security heads for the big event, must defuse the tense situation before it shatters the newly found peace. Though this story encompasses volumes 3 and 4 of the Orbital series, no prior knowledge of the previous books is required to enjoy this exciting tale. Pellé's delicate, Euro-art shines with its simplicity. He focuses on the important details, choosing to center on the story rather than showcasing his prodigious talents. Runberg clearly and intelligently details the complex alien interactions, while never talking down to his audience. Orbital delivers the all-too-rare comics combination of humanist and alien encounter fiction wrapped in a package of beauty and quality.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly good SciFi series. This would make a terrific TV Show or Film series.

Was shocked by the ending. Great characters. Wide cast of aliens. Smart plotting and pacing.

Flawless science fiction. Classic.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume four closes on such an unexpected note, I would say this is another reason to read Orbital from the beginning.

Great art, pacing, action and narrative.

[Owen Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a keen follower of Cinebooks Franco-Belgian comics output for years and reading any of their works puts me back to beautiful moments at conventions in the past poring over their cavernous library of glorious works. I've been reading Orbital off-and-on for what feels like centuries - which lends the slim volumes an overtly epic quality in my mind. This is the second part of their "second mission" which began in Orbital #3 and overwhelmingly I've decided to take this and the third mission in one sitting which might destroy my brain.

The story of two confederation agents trying to keep the peace at an alien summit on Earth whilst dealing with their own baggage and increasing disillusionment is nuanced, bracingly paced and stunningly gorgeous. Serge Pelle's artwork is the real draw for me here and is frequently jaw-dropping, managing to feel both vibrantly futuristic and mutedly organic all at once. A rain-sodden sequence in the jungle here is a particular highlight and it's magical to read. I still had the same issues with unintuitive lettering (context is everything in terms of figuring out who is speaking) but the story prevails and my enthusiasm to press on, however recklessly, to #5 is overwhelming.

[Tee Cee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murky but.....

This arc, similar to the first arc, is a little hard to follow for me. However, that only serves to enhance the narrative. There are a few elements to this phenomenon. First, with all the different life forms involved, it's sometimes difficult to keep track of who is who. Some of the action takes place in swamps or weather so the visuals can be faint or murky (just like in reality). Finally, there is so much second guessing for the reader to get tangled in trying to spot subterfuge and nefarious conspiracies as well as deal with surprising turns in the main characters. All these elements come together to weave a tale that's an exciting ride.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conclusion to Orbital #3: "Nomads," the source of the strange attacks on the fishermen is discovered, and it's a race to stop it before anyone else gets horrifically killed. Because it's pretty horrific. Sort of a cliffhanger ending, too.

I'm kind of digging this series so far. I get the sense, also, that among all the action resolving this particular plot, there are seeds being sown for the future.

[Václav]

(4,1 of 5 for this climactic episode)
This reminds me of the pariah-heroic climax of modern sci-fi TV like Star Trek Discovery. Very engaging story with a very thrilling ending. And we're only half way trough. How this will continue? I look forward to the next book!

[5greenway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ripping stuff, I like the way it cuts and jumps around to keep things interesting.

[Dean Simons · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series gets better and better. Love the art (I detect a heavy influence of Moebius), love the story, the characters and the political framework of the series. Great stuff

[tivasyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

як, невже? калеб капут?!