AMORY WARS SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH 3 HC ULT ED (The Amory Wars) by Claudio Sanchez

by Claudio Sánchez

The epic tale…in its entirety for the first time. New York Times bestselling author Peter David joins Coheed & Cambria front man Claudio Sanchez for this science fiction franchise beloved by many diehard fans! A gripping story for both new and old fans. As revolution thunders throughout The Keywork, Claudio Killgannon hears his calling as a hero. So why does he not answer it? This is space opera like you’ve never seen before!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics

Unknown Binding

First published August 2, 2011

About the author

Claudio Paul Sanchez III (born March 12, 1978, in Suffern, New York, United States) is an American writer and musician of Puerto Rican and Italian descent best known for being the lead singer and guitarist for the alternative/progressive rock group Coheed and Cambria. He is the creator of the comic book series The Amory Wars, as well as Key of Z and Kill Audio, both co-written with wife Chondra Echert. Sanchez co-authored the novel Year of the Black Rainbow with Peter David.

From Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudio...

Reviews

[Wes · Rating 5 out of 5]

They finally got it right. This is Sanchez telling "the story" right and in the right way. It was absolutely absorbing from start to finish. It was well-paced, well-structured, and leaps and bounds above and beyond The Second Stage Turbine Blade. It feels like Sanchez finally worked out all the kinks from the beginnings of his story and wrote the album lyrics with this graphic novel in mind, so the story was allowed to unravel in a proper, smooth fashion.

The lyrics are in there, sometimes spoken, and sometimes just in the settings, but they felt quite a bit more subtle this time around. The pacing was much better too. There was the proper amount of foreshadowing and character buildup that allowed the reader to actually get involved in the story, understand the settings, and care about the outcomes. It felt like they could take their time and get it out there without feeling like it was all being thrown at you like in SSTB. The art was consistently superb with awesome battle scenes and gruesome violence.

All in all, to me this is Sanchez's crowning achievement. Hohenberger's wonky decision-making process in the Year of the Black Rainbow novel and the confused and turbulent plot and characters of the Second Stage Turbine Blade graphic novel were all worth it to get to this point.

To me it is so cool that this story has been so fully-realized in such an incredible fashion, not only because it is a great graphic novel, (with that same excellent hardcover binding as SSTB) but also because it began it's life as a rock album. It's a true testament to Sanchez's creative ability.

I know that there is a first attempt at making Good Apollo, Vol. 1 floating around out there, but I also know that it was similar to the first attempt at SSTB in that it wasn't fully fleshed out properly. If enough time passes without the next Amory Wars version I may pick it up, but I'm REALLY hoping Sanchez knuckles down and starts churning out the conclusion to this story, because this book has me VERY excited to see where it goes from here.

[SheRa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm no expert in reading graphic novels. Upon completion, I can now bring my total up to three: Watchmen, Second Stage Turbine Blade, and now this.

I'll be the first to admit that my love for the band may be influencing my opinion of this graphic novel. I like to think I can be unbiased enough to recognize virtue when it's present regardless of my feelings on other aspects. For example. I can tell you I hated the last Harry Potter movie, but the last Harry Potter book is my absolute favorite in the series. You see? Little things like that.

With In Keeping Secrets, I felt an awe for it that I'm sure I would've appreciated even without the references to the music. Because you know what? It's a damn good story. There's depth and complexity. Real, raw emotions. The best of what living beings have to offer and the worst. Anyone with a love for science fiction can see that this is a quality piece of work, and it's something to be proud of.

Of course, I won't deny that I really loved the references to songs. I'd get all excited and start tapping my boyfriend annoyingly on the shoulder and say, "Look!! Faint of hearts!" or "GOOD APOLLO HE SAID GOOD APOLLO" and he's laugh at me and say, "I know I read it already."

Let me make one thing clear. I was the one who found Coheed and Cambria. Not my boyfriend. I was the one who purchased the two books on Amazon. I was the one who was nice enough to let him read them first. Because he was just itching to open the cover and hear that little crack of a hardcover being opened for the first time. It's always a bit of a magical feeling, only made more so from knowing that it was into the depths of Claudio's mind we were going.

I'm truly impressed with this. It was theatrical and cinematic in a way I'd never expect from print work. I only wish it wasn't so dark for so long, but the story is so damn good I really don't have a leg to stand on with that complaint.

[Dallas Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and packed with page after page of beautifully illustrated action, this graphic novel, which tells the story that my favorite Coheed and Cambria album is based on, is quite incredible. 5/5.

“You cannot blame the tidal wave for the fate of those foolish enough to swim against it.” - Wilhelm Ryan

“There are lessons to be learned from the past, of course, but you can only use them as a means to inform you how to move forward.” - Claudio Kilgannon

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not nearly as amateur and indecipherable as I was worried the series might be. The artwork has taken a big step up from the previous instalment and was much more detailed and vibrant. The story was entertaining sci-fi fare and such a sick companion to the music.

The events in the story weren’t at all how I pictured from the music. I only noticed 3 or 4 direct song lyrics, other references were subtle. It was cool to see the Faint of Hearts as a seedy bar. Al the Killer’s part was pretty much what I expected.

I loved Apollo the dog patiently listening to Claudio’s story (“Hello, Apollo. Where should I begin?”). I noticed Coheed’s early incarnation ‘Shabutie’ have a song called Star Cecil, who was a tragic character here, but am not sure how or if the song ties in.

It was rewarding to listen to the music again afterwards, though even after reading the story I have trouble deciphering the lyrics. I appreciate that it’s cryptic and that there is room for interpretation.

I could notice elements from Star Wars, Dune, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, even the Holocaust and the Bible. On the music side you can hear over the band’s history elements of Tool, Iron Maiden, Rush, Rage Against the Machine, Bad Brains, Queensryche, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, At The Drive-In, The Police and Faith No More. Claudio has created his own story by picking at a feast of his favourite subcultures.

I admit I geeked out at the end from the reference to, and in anticipation of, the next in the series “Good Apollo… I’m burning Star IV”, in my opinion the strongest Coheed album.

[David Lovato · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one more than The Second Stage Turbine Blade.

The art was detailed and oddly beautiful in moments of extreme violence. The transition between artists was smooth and almost unnoticeable.

The influence of other prominent works of science fiction are still present, but In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 branches out and becomes its own story, something its predecessor didn't do quite as well. Still, there were moments and scenes referenced in the music and by Claudio Sanchez over the years that never came to fruition or played out differently than what I had expected. Sometimes this was good, other times it was disappointing.

This series has a lot of potential. I hope they continue it, I'd love to see where it goes.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ive been reading the armory comic for i believe 5 years.
Id have to say. this only fueled my obsession with Coheed and Cambria.
and when the comics came out each month I was there at my local comic store to pick them up.

I currently have all the armory comics. 9 signed by claudio , the band, and witers/artist.

if you rare looking for a in your face take on star wars i highly recommend this series. also
lots of cliffhangers and twist.

[Steff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this comic so much more than SSTB. I felt like it made more sense and was better realized, with better character development and a better pace overall. I'm definitely a fan of Claudio's story–telling and I'm looking forward to more!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of the plot line from Second Stage Turbine - this storyline is more cohesive and well-put-together. Amazing character development for Claudio and Inferno. Can't wait to read the next album!

[Mihai Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

better than the first, but the comics still lack a certain depthness that the music has.

[Grant Cousineau · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's definite advancement in this book over Second Stage Turbine Blade, not only in terms of story, but themes and even the artwork. Where as SSTB felt wild with big ideas and melodrama, Silent Earth: 3 has no choice but to be more reflective as Claudio now roams a universe (the Keywork) after he's lost his parents. He recalls recent major events to his dog Apollo, waiting outside the home of his former love. The events here are big, and there are some strong down moments in between the action, but you can sense a little more grounded-ness this time around.

That said, there were still moments that felt derivative of films and other comic books, some moments of predictably trite dialogue, and moments where it felt like the author and artists tried to wow the reader with shock that just didn't pay off. For one, Claudio is learning his powers, of which there continues to be surprise after surprise. I can only wonder what the limits of these powers might be, if any, or if he's closer to a Superman or a god. Also, several times, full-pages scenes were laid out as if to ask the reader to pause and really absorb the moment, but were bookended with little build-up or easing out of the scene, sort of like speeding down the autobahn, hitting the brakes to admire a deer in the woods, then flooring it off down the road again. I've come to learn this hyper back and forth isn't uncommon in comics, as readers' attention spans are typically shorter than of those reading novels. Plus, the artists have to convey so much per page with few words or interiority.

But, in an example that spoils a main plot point, after Wilhelm Ryan has been captured mid-book, I immediately sensed that he would escape. He wasn't simply going to be executed as planned, causing a major shift in narrative. That just doesn't happen in books like this. So there's some lengthy build-up that doesn't really dispel the notion that he'll get away somehow, just a lot of naysayers and "I-can't-believe"-ers. When he essentially evaporates, there is no real shock, not for the reader. Just acceptance of the moment we all saw coming, and a few pages of "Where did he go?" that we have to wait through before we get to the next major plot point of, "What next?" It's the biggest thing in the book, and it loses any gravity it might possibly hold, mostly due to pacing.

I know I'm being a little harsh. Overall, I did enjoy the book. With what I assume is an expected caveat: I love Coheed and Cambria. They've been hands-down my favorite band for 15-20 years. The connections between these stories and the lyrics create really cool moments. And of course, reading the story helps me appreciate the music that much more. You can absolutely enjoy the music without knowing anything about the graphic novels, but I doubt there's anyone reading the graphic novels without listening to the music. And those connections that enhance the music experience I already love will always hold a place in my heart. As standalone stories, I don't know that I'd love these books all that much. But joined by the music, I could feel that connection before reading the first page, and hear that hum between the two enough to make this an enjoyable dual experience.

Now, onward to Star IV.

[PatrickCS · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a casual Coheed fan since the album "In Keeping Secrets..." (IKS) was released in 2004. Not being someone who frequents comic shops, I haven't made much effort to collect the comic series based on the band's storyline that has been released in fits and starts over the last several years. I've read enough (primarily the first volume of "Second Stage Turbine Blade") to know the basics of the story and understand the quasi-tenuous relationship the comics' story have to their respective albums.

But I wasn't well-acquainted with SSTB (the album) at the time I read SSTB (the book, or at least the first half), whereas IKS is both nostalgic and a just plain solid album. I was excited to get my hands on its true story so I could theoretically unlock the story behind this band's strongest and most-loved effort.

The results are Meh. The storyline of the Amory Wars is not particularly creative. It reeks strongly of 'hero's journey via prophecy' sci-fi tales like Dune and Star Wars. Is it terrible? No. But like a lot of sci-fi, it's just a bunch of stuff you've seen elsewhere reorganized and recycled and re-named. The 'concept album on crack' gimmick on which both the comics and band are hinged- while a refreshing one and one that certainly perks the ears up on fans of concept albums like myself - is really the one element that saves these stories from being kinda forgettable.

I also wish there were more connections between the music and the story. I've yet to go back and listen to the album in full with the story in mind (I'll probably do so tonight), but from my knowledge of the album, it seems like there aren't many direct correlations. I'm not confident that having read this will give me some profound new understanding of the album, even though I recognize how unrealistic that expectation was to begin with. Characters whose names are mentioned in songs are definitely present here, as well as a few other elements. And the occasional song lyric will pop up in the form of dialogue. It all comes together to paint a neat picture as a thematic backdrop while listening to the music, but I doubt it'll unlock much else.

IKS (the comic) gets three stars just cuz it's an interesting experiment. If there is, or ever was, another band whose entire purpose was to tell a sci-fi story, and who was releasing comic book versions of those albums to reveal the full story, I'm yet to have heard of 'em. Claudio Sanchez isn't hitting it out of the park - not by a long shot. But he's doing something conceptually unique here and, as a music fan, I'm happy to be able to experience it.

[Ian Hrabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a shame this didn't come out with the album in 2003. I vividly remember buying that CD at Best Buy and obsessing over it, trying to suss out the story. I've always been a big concept album nut, and while I could see the threads in Coheed & Cambria's albums, I was never able tie them together (no matter how many forum posts I read). Paired with the graphic novel, the album finally has context and it's a much improved experience (and we're talking about an album I loved and still love here). While the Amory Wars series hasn't been without its growing pains and has a bit of a tolerance curve in regard to the cringey dialogue and miscalculated humor, it really hits its stride in the middle of In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3. The art is more professional, and the story starts to really feel like a big sci-fi fantasy epic. Claudio Sanchez's excellent world building finally gets its just due, and Wilhelm Ryan is established as a true all-timer of a super-powered, insurmountable villain.

[Taylor Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is such an improvement over Second Stage Turbine Blade. Every single element is better - the art is great, the story actually makes sense, and the characters are given a chance to develop. Even the way the song lyrics translated to the story is executed better than in SSTB, where every song reference was either clunky, cheesy, or both.

The only thing keeping me from giving this a full five stars is the fact that In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 is my favorite Coheed & Cambria album, and as nicely as this comic follows the songs for most of the story, it kind of falls apart near the end. Everything from the Velourium Camper trilogy and A Favor House Atlantic goes down differently here, and as epic as the comic is, I prefer the idea of the story that I get from the album.

Now I just have to eagerly await the completion of Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV!

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than the original volume as the story is much easier to follow, especially for people not familiar with the music. Where the first volume spent a lot of time trying to explain the world Claudio has built in the music, this volume was a straight ahead action packed story. Told looking back after events occurred by the main protagonist (named Claudio just like the author) this book makes listening to the 2nd Coheed album a complete package. The art was extremely colorful, and despite having two artists, felt more seamless in art than the first book. Overall I would give this a 4.5 with my only real complaint being that the dialogue still feels a little forced at times, especially when being comedic. Looking forward to the third book in hardcover, and loved the fact that Claudio's last line was the title of that album/book.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now THIS is what I wanted to see.

Going into this series, my expectations were undoubtedly high. After being somewhat underwhelmed by SSTB, I wondered if they were, in fact, too high. Perhaps the diehard Coheed fans were inflating the series beyond its own scope. After all, every franchise has that kind of people among its fanbase. Maybe all the raving is just overzealousness for a mid-level series.

I now understand why they rave about the Amory Wars.

In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 is what I had expected - what I needed - to see from Claudio and company. The bizarre worldbuilding heightened by vibrant and stylish art, all capturing a story that, while derivative, is nonetheless deeply fun and engaging. I'm excited to read the next one!

[Jorge Luis Rojas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things that were better than in TSSTB:
- The characters (behavior, arcs, motivations, dialogue, interactions)
- The pacing is fast but comprehensible
- The action is gripping
- The villain still has his all-time cringe name but manages to be extremely compelling. In TB he literally had no characteristics except for "being evil."
- The side stories align excellently
I am completely convinced that the only people who love TSSTB are C&C shills who can't see ahead of their nostalgia for one of C&C's inferior albums. IKSoSE3 actually works as a story, not just a collection of cool concepts vaguely united by empty and confusing characters

[Kevin Mathews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the band, not so much of the comics. This is bad science fiction with a convoluted plot and poor dialogue. Characters are stock at best and at worst nothing beyond a cool design. Villains are beyond generic. Song lyrics are tied into the story in ways that feel forced. Ultimately, this is not a story that stands on its own.

If you're a fan of the band, do yourself a favor and stick to the music. Song writing and story telling are not equivalent skills and that's painfully obvious while reading the Armory Wars.

[Peter Zackowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vast improvement in both artwork and writing over the the second stage turbine blade book. You can sense Peter David's hand helping Claudio to plot and pace the book. The artwork, while an improvement still isn't my favorite. I look forward to seeing how Rags Morales does in the next "act"/book. A good read for any Coheed and Cambria fan who cares to learn the story. For regular comic readers and people who have no idea who that band is, it is recommended you pass on this book.

[Brett Crabtree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than 2nd Stage Turbine Blade. The packing is still light-years fast and you still get info dumped and re-info dumped but the character development is so much better. Problems are resolved much more quickly than I thought they would be but that's ok. My burning desire to know what Coheed and Cambria have been singing about all these years is being sated and for that I'm happy, and entertained in the process. onward to the final two entries in the Amory Wars, Burning Star IV.

[Ross Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, it’s a step up from Second Stage Turbine Blade. I enjoyed it more, but not necessarily because it’s good. It’s very silly, but takes itself super seriously.

Also, while I realize that comic book art is completely subjective, the two artists that draw this one just aren’t my cup of tea. Everyone looks like a King of the Hill character.

[Phil Fillinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claudio’s masterpiece, hands down. For fans of Coheed & Cambria - this is what you want. For fans of sci-fi epics - this is what you want. For fans of original & unique storylines - this is what you want. I have a hard time finding any issue with this collection. The deluxe edition looks as great as it reads. Highly recommended.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! IKSSE3 was my first Coheed and Cambria album, so it holds a special place in my heart. I loved seeing the songs put to page. This comic edition is a vast improvement from the SSTB one. Easy to follow storyline with much better transitions.

[Jang · Rating 5 out of 5]

All my head is saying is, "Cecil? Cecil? CECIL!!!"

[FunkMaster General · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave the 1st book "5" for, well, the audacity as much as the delivery.

this is enjoy6able & dark.

Soooooooo dark.

[Brandin Titanich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started out pretty good, then got even better. Very dark/gruesome, but much better than the Second Stage Turbine Blade. Artwork has improved as well. Looking forward to reading Good Apollo.

[Trenton Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great adaptation, it was amazing to see Sanchez's characters brought to life from music to novel.

[James P. Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

I really enjoyed this and diving right in to the next in the series. Highly recommend this to all readers.

[atlas · Rating 5 out of 5]

ambellina...save me ambellina...

[Amanda Frederico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Infinitely more readable than Second Stage Turbine Blade, this collection actually has a clear plot line and feels less like trying to read the ravings of a madman.