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Zed: A Cosmic Tale
When a cute little alien named ZED demonstrates his invention to the Hierarchy of the Galaxy, something goes wrong—terribly wrong! Before long, ZED's universe is thrown into complete turmoil and our little hero must face nearly insurmountable odds trying to survive and save the very fate of his home world.
Imbued with a dark edge, peppered with pure silliness, and wrapped up in a childlike sense of wonder, ZED's adventures will keep readers tickled and captivated from start to finish.
Originally published in comic book form over a period of eleven years, ZED has been completely revised and remastered for this definitive edition.
Imbued with a dark edge, peppered with pure silliness, and wrapped up in a childlike sense of wonder, ZED's adventures will keep readers tickled and captivated from start to finish.
Originally published in comic book form over a period of eleven years, ZED has been completely revised and remastered for this definitive edition.
280 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2013
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69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 20, 2013
I got a copy of this book to review through NetGalley(dot)com. So thanks to Image Comics and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book. I had previously read the Saga of Rex and really enjoyed the beautiful illustration and quirky story. This was an excellent read that was much more violent than The Saga of Rex.
Zed is presenting his invention that will change the way the whole universe uses energy when things go awry and he evaporates the whole planet only to be saved by a spaceship invented by one of the other inventors. In his quest to find out what went wrong he discovers that he wasn’t at fault but was the target of espionage by an energy producing planet. Now he just needs to save his home planet and save the universe...no biggie, right?
This is a cute sci-fi graphic novel that I would recommend for young adult and older ages. The story itself it a bit disturbing and depressing, but in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way. So definitely some dark humor. This is definitely not the light-hearted and all age appropriate book that The Saga of Rex was.
Although this is illustrated in a cutesy and young looking style this is not a read for children. Zed kills off a whole planet of people including his parents and is very upset by the whole scenario. There are also some pretty gory scenes where people lose limbs and life in battle. In addition there is some mild swearing and a somewhat sexually suggestive image of metal rock band groupies. I think it would be okay for young adult and older though.
The illustrations are stunning and the story is well done. Despite all the horrible things that happen to Zed, he is determined to save the day. The poor little guy is really put through the wringer though, so be prepared for the first section of the book to be violent and depressing.
The whole story is full of dark humor. The things that happen are a bit too epic and a bit too out there, this ends up lending the story a darkly humorous edge. I really really enjoyed it. It’s quirky, goofy, and totally off the wall. It is delivered in a way that is high quality and top notch.
Overall I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It’s beautifully illustrate and quirky and crazy. As mentioned above it is definitely not for younger readers. I would recommend this for people who enjoy graphic novels that are quirky and different. If you are offended by over the top epic violence I wouldn’t pick this up.
Zed is presenting his invention that will change the way the whole universe uses energy when things go awry and he evaporates the whole planet only to be saved by a spaceship invented by one of the other inventors. In his quest to find out what went wrong he discovers that he wasn’t at fault but was the target of espionage by an energy producing planet. Now he just needs to save his home planet and save the universe...no biggie, right?
This is a cute sci-fi graphic novel that I would recommend for young adult and older ages. The story itself it a bit disturbing and depressing, but in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way. So definitely some dark humor. This is definitely not the light-hearted and all age appropriate book that The Saga of Rex was.
Although this is illustrated in a cutesy and young looking style this is not a read for children. Zed kills off a whole planet of people including his parents and is very upset by the whole scenario. There are also some pretty gory scenes where people lose limbs and life in battle. In addition there is some mild swearing and a somewhat sexually suggestive image of metal rock band groupies. I think it would be okay for young adult and older though.
The illustrations are stunning and the story is well done. Despite all the horrible things that happen to Zed, he is determined to save the day. The poor little guy is really put through the wringer though, so be prepared for the first section of the book to be violent and depressing.
The whole story is full of dark humor. The things that happen are a bit too epic and a bit too out there, this ends up lending the story a darkly humorous edge. I really really enjoyed it. It’s quirky, goofy, and totally off the wall. It is delivered in a way that is high quality and top notch.
Overall I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It’s beautifully illustrate and quirky and crazy. As mentioned above it is definitely not for younger readers. I would recommend this for people who enjoy graphic novels that are quirky and different. If you are offended by over the top epic violence I wouldn’t pick this up.
March 2, 2013
OMG the dialog....I can't decide if it's for a laugh or not. The art is brilliant but the dialog is so lame. If we were going for an Invader Zim vibe, fail.
February 14, 2013
I got a e-copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a unbiased review.
My first reaction, and the reason why I requested this book, was, "ZOMGHEISSOCUTEWHATISTHIS?" I pretty much had the same reaction while reading the book from frame to frame. The alien Zed is super cute, even when he's traumatized.
Speaking of him being traumatized, this is SUCH a sad story. Sad and violent, probably two moods that describe the human race. You see mob mentality, how easily we can get swept along in rhetoric even when our inner voices are telling us to back up.
The story was fluid and sad; cute and gory. The appearance of God was unexpected seeing as how it's a cosmic tale.
All in all, it was a enjoyable read and one that really needs to be physical to appreciate the artwork. I will be buying this book!
My first reaction, and the reason why I requested this book, was, "ZOMGHEISSOCUTEWHATISTHIS?" I pretty much had the same reaction while reading the book from frame to frame. The alien Zed is super cute, even when he's traumatized.
Speaking of him being traumatized, this is SUCH a sad story. Sad and violent, probably two moods that describe the human race. You see mob mentality, how easily we can get swept along in rhetoric even when our inner voices are telling us to back up.
The story was fluid and sad; cute and gory. The appearance of God was unexpected seeing as how it's a cosmic tale.
All in all, it was a enjoyable read and one that really needs to be physical to appreciate the artwork. I will be buying this book!
November 11, 2024
Okay, after comparing to Zed Collected Volume One, I can give a better review of this than I would have the prior times I had read this (but completely forgot about, since they were prior to signing up with Goodreads). At a not-very-good glance, I thought Gagné had redrawn the entire thing from scratch, but it's more of a refinement of the existing work (and he goes into detail about this in a bonus section), by making certain edits to the dialogue/captions that didn't work in the original and generally tweaking the art to look more consistent and rounded out, like his more recent style for—say—The Saga Of Rex.
The story is still... hmm... an acquired taste. Also, the criticisms I had about the original are mostly still in this version: swearing, Zed's (alien) frontal nudity,* extreme violence... all sort of feel out of place with this otherwise cute style (except for the Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet-style characters and backgrounds). The good thing about this version is the story is COMPLETE! So that by itself gets an extra star, even if I don't exactly adore the story (especially since it's about a narcissistic tyrant who , NO CLUE IF THAT SOUNDS LIKE ANYBODY IN RECENT TIMES, NOPE).
Recommended over the Collected Volume One, for certain. Not sure about recommendations in general... for fans of darker science fiction? "If you liked Don Bluth's The Secret of N.I.M.H., you will like this!"? I don't know. I would probably recommend it more wholeheartedly if the style weren't as cute and backgrounds so pretty, I think—maybe if ALL the characters had been "Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet"-style.
*though there is one part in the original where two female aliens have very exaggerated breasts with human-like nipples, which has been tweaked so their "nipples" are covered up with spikes in vaguely Madonna-style
The story is still... hmm... an acquired taste. Also, the criticisms I had about the original are mostly still in this version: swearing, Zed's (alien) frontal nudity,* extreme violence... all sort of feel out of place with this otherwise cute style (except for the Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet-style characters and backgrounds). The good thing about this version is the story is COMPLETE! So that by itself gets an extra star, even if I don't exactly adore the story (especially since it's about a narcissistic tyrant who , NO CLUE IF THAT SOUNDS LIKE ANYBODY IN RECENT TIMES, NOPE).
Recommended over the Collected Volume One, for certain. Not sure about recommendations in general... for fans of darker science fiction? "If you liked Don Bluth's The Secret of N.I.M.H., you will like this!"? I don't know. I would probably recommend it more wholeheartedly if the style weren't as cute and backgrounds so pretty, I think—maybe if ALL the characters had been "Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet"-style.
*though there is one part in the original where two female aliens have very exaggerated breasts with human-like nipples, which has been tweaked so their "nipples" are covered up with spikes in vaguely Madonna-style
August 2, 2017
Four stars is generous, but when it comes down to it I really did enjoy it and will read again.
For me, this felt like it could have been make by Jack Kirby. The art was really fantastic (in a very different way than Kirby's FYI), the imagination is simply off the charts, the story is enjoyable.. and the writing is, frankly, awful. It's a bunch of simple sentences that feels like was written by a 10 year old. There is no nuance or irony in the writing. Things are presently and bluntly and quickly as possible. Though I think Michel Gagné probably had all the big details planned out before he created this, this blunt style made some of the little reveals feel shoe horned in. There were lots of 'Oh wow! Magically this happens! What luck!' sort of moments. I think all those elements could have been left in had there been some foreshadowing or better explanations leading up to the reveals.
If Michel Gagné had done all of the planning and artwork and plotting etc, and someone else had been brought it for the writing and more literary elements, this would have been an easy five. As such, it's a wonderful story that's beautiful to look at yet crude to read through.
For me, this felt like it could have been make by Jack Kirby. The art was really fantastic (in a very different way than Kirby's FYI), the imagination is simply off the charts, the story is enjoyable.. and the writing is, frankly, awful. It's a bunch of simple sentences that feels like was written by a 10 year old. There is no nuance or irony in the writing. Things are presently and bluntly and quickly as possible. Though I think Michel Gagné probably had all the big details planned out before he created this, this blunt style made some of the little reveals feel shoe horned in. There were lots of 'Oh wow! Magically this happens! What luck!' sort of moments. I think all those elements could have been left in had there been some foreshadowing or better explanations leading up to the reveals.
If Michel Gagné had done all of the planning and artwork and plotting etc, and someone else had been brought it for the writing and more literary elements, this would have been an easy five. As such, it's a wonderful story that's beautiful to look at yet crude to read through.
May 23, 2023
Story: 1 star
Art: 5 stars
It's unclear who the audience is for this book. Despite the cuteness and diminutive stature of the protagonist, I do not recommend this graphic novel for children. Even for adolescents there is some questionable content, and excessive violence is splashed across the pages, including the murders of key characters and the people closest to the protagonist. Also, the concepts of heaven and God are portrayed rather parochially for a story set in outer space.
In fiction it's imperative that the protagonist figures out his/her own issue(s). In this regard, Zed falls far short and only succeeds in the end due to one deus ex machina after another (i. e. the heavy metal band, Macku's spaceship, God - twice, the superpowers mysteriously bestowed upon Zed). The story feels disjointed and the dialogue is stiff and unnatural at times.
But the black-and-white art is pretty spectacular, though it really needs color to do it justice. Creative and accomplished in technique, the illustrations bring the space setting and characters to life. Panel sizes are varied to make the layout interesting, and there are some frame-worthy full-page illustrations.
Art: 5 stars
It's unclear who the audience is for this book. Despite the cuteness and diminutive stature of the protagonist, I do not recommend this graphic novel for children. Even for adolescents there is some questionable content, and excessive violence is splashed across the pages, including the murders of key characters and the people closest to the protagonist. Also, the concepts of heaven and God are portrayed rather parochially for a story set in outer space.
In fiction it's imperative that the protagonist figures out his/her own issue(s). In this regard, Zed falls far short and only succeeds in the end due to one deus ex machina after another (i. e. the heavy metal band, Macku's spaceship, God - twice, the superpowers mysteriously bestowed upon Zed). The story feels disjointed and the dialogue is stiff and unnatural at times.
But the black-and-white art is pretty spectacular, though it really needs color to do it justice. Creative and accomplished in technique, the illustrations bring the space setting and characters to life. Panel sizes are varied to make the layout interesting, and there are some frame-worthy full-page illustrations.
May 8, 2018
Fast paced, good vs evil, cute artwork
March 11, 2020
Cute Alien. The art was beautiful. Story was meh. Too much swearing/violent destruction of other aliens to be for my 11 or 9 year old.
December 14, 2021
The art is fantastic, the dialogue not so much… glad I read it but I wouldn’t pick it up again.
March 9, 2017
Why did I take so long to read this. This is one of those books that I kick myself for not reading when I had the original galley. Now, do not be fooled. While Zed may look like a cute little minx (and he is) this is not meant to be a tale for children. Depending on your feelings about course language will depend on if you will share it with anyone younger than middle school. It’s a fantastic story about outer world galaxy domination. About the powers of good versus evil. At first I was disappointed that the book was all black and white except for the cover, but the more engrossed you get, the more it feels like an old fashioned black and white sci-fi B movie, Like Fantastic Voyage and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. It sucks you in and won't let go. I would love to see further adventures of Zed, but I can live with the story ending here, with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.
#beatthebacklist #flyingcar - Zed’s ship does something very special but I can not tell you what or it gives away the story.
#beatthebacklist #flyingcar - Zed’s ship does something very special but I can not tell you what or it gives away the story.
September 13, 2021
A cute and funny read! It was a quick hour or so of my time that I thoroughly enjoyed. At first, though, I had thought it was for younger readers but that is not so! I highly recommend.
February 25, 2013
Image
When a cute little alien named ZED demonstrates his invention to the Hierarchy of the Galaxy, something goes wrong — terribly wrong! Before long, ZED's universe is thrown into complete turmoil and our little hero must face nearly insurmountable odds trying to survive and save the very fate of his home world.
• Imbued with a dark edge, peppered with pure silliness, and wrapped up in a childlike sense of wonder, ZED's adventures will keep readers tickled and captivated from start to finish.
• Originally published in comic book form over a period of eleven years, ZED has been completely revised and remastered for this definitive edition.
This Graphic Novel/Comic was surprising to say the least and I do wish it was in a Good way.
The overall impression I got from the blurb and the cover was to sway me to think this was a Middle grade, light fun read for kids. And Oh how wrong I was. Do not, I repeat Do not give this to your childhood this book is filled with alot of gore, blood, cursing and oddly misplaced humor.
About the Character
Zed was an Adorable little Alien with a love for science and inventing. i thought his childlike frame and mentally was cute and adorable in the beginning but it was a bit strange when this litle child starting talking about Suicide. I admit I was a little put off but only because I hadn't expected it and Apparently I wasn't the only one. Besides Zed none of the characters were really memorable. I did enjoy Zed's world though I loved how clean and environmentally sound their planet was and how it contracted deeply with the with Maxxus vision he placed on the world.
I liked the Aspect of that world's Heaven or After life because I thought it was cute. I didn't exactly have much fun reading about anyone besides Zed himself. Maxxus was a bit of an overly cruel character. Theirs a balance that needs to be done with Villains. You can't make them all bad and cruel for no exact purpose. Most people say a good ratio for villains would be 70% evil 30% good or at least something that gives them a bit of Humanity. Even the Batman's Joker has his moments with Harley Quin.
About the Plot
The plot was a good idea, I liked the idea of a universal take over but it all wrapped up far too soon for my liking. Even though there was definitely bad things happening to say the least it didn't feel like Conflict because even though Zed struggled he still pulled an easy win. It was like everything was laid out for him.
About the drawing style
The drawing style was the redeeming thing to say about this because I loved it. It was vivid and beautiful yet simple. Black and white suited the dark tone I definitely got from this book.
Overall.
I didn't like it. I wanted to but there was just alot that went against it for me. I do feel a bit bad for any parent who mistakenly buys this thinking it'd be a cute middle grade read for their kids.
But i give this
2 stars
Review Also posted on blog.
http://zoelapeters.wordpress.com/2013...
When a cute little alien named ZED demonstrates his invention to the Hierarchy of the Galaxy, something goes wrong — terribly wrong! Before long, ZED's universe is thrown into complete turmoil and our little hero must face nearly insurmountable odds trying to survive and save the very fate of his home world.
• Imbued with a dark edge, peppered with pure silliness, and wrapped up in a childlike sense of wonder, ZED's adventures will keep readers tickled and captivated from start to finish.
• Originally published in comic book form over a period of eleven years, ZED has been completely revised and remastered for this definitive edition.
This Graphic Novel/Comic was surprising to say the least and I do wish it was in a Good way.
The overall impression I got from the blurb and the cover was to sway me to think this was a Middle grade, light fun read for kids. And Oh how wrong I was. Do not, I repeat Do not give this to your childhood this book is filled with alot of gore, blood, cursing and oddly misplaced humor.
About the Character
Zed was an Adorable little Alien with a love for science and inventing. i thought his childlike frame and mentally was cute and adorable in the beginning but it was a bit strange when this litle child starting talking about Suicide. I admit I was a little put off but only because I hadn't expected it and Apparently I wasn't the only one. Besides Zed none of the characters were really memorable. I did enjoy Zed's world though I loved how clean and environmentally sound their planet was and how it contracted deeply with the with Maxxus vision he placed on the world.
I liked the Aspect of that world's Heaven or After life because I thought it was cute. I didn't exactly have much fun reading about anyone besides Zed himself. Maxxus was a bit of an overly cruel character. Theirs a balance that needs to be done with Villains. You can't make them all bad and cruel for no exact purpose. Most people say a good ratio for villains would be 70% evil 30% good or at least something that gives them a bit of Humanity. Even the Batman's Joker has his moments with Harley Quin.
About the Plot
The plot was a good idea, I liked the idea of a universal take over but it all wrapped up far too soon for my liking. Even though there was definitely bad things happening to say the least it didn't feel like Conflict because even though Zed struggled he still pulled an easy win. It was like everything was laid out for him.
About the drawing style
The drawing style was the redeeming thing to say about this because I loved it. It was vivid and beautiful yet simple. Black and white suited the dark tone I definitely got from this book.
Overall.
I didn't like it. I wanted to but there was just alot that went against it for me. I do feel a bit bad for any parent who mistakenly buys this thinking it'd be a cute middle grade read for their kids.
But i give this
2 stars
Review Also posted on blog.
http://zoelapeters.wordpress.com/2013...
January 13, 2013
I have never read a comic book / graphic novel ever. Ever! Even though I live with a total geek who plays XBox at every opportunity, reads as much sci-fi as possible and has a graphic novel reading history (although not in recent years).
Anyway, apart from worrying about being branded a geek myself, I have had no real desire NOT to read graphic novels, it had just not come about. However, I spotted this one available as an Advance Review Copy while I was looking for something for my OH to read, and how could I resist that cute little alien thing on the cover? And it’s purple! I like purple!
OK, obviously I’m far too intellectual and deep to be swayed by looks, and I would never judge a book by its cover, but…well…
Zed is appearing before the Hierachy of the Galaxy to present his invention, along with nine other young inventors as part of a competition. There’s a huge crowd gathered from planets across the galaxy to see not just the inventions but also Krah, the loudest rock band in the galazy. Zed’s proud that his parents have also made the journey.
But when he starts the demonstration of his invention, something goes wrong. Horribly, horribly wrong, and our poor little hero ends up having to battle not just for his own life, but also the fate of his home planet.
I loved this. Don’t be swayed by the cutesie little alien, it covers some deep and dark events, and there seem to be a few missing heads within its pages.
Me and my OH read this together last night – it only took us about an hour, and my daughter has just read it. Like me, it was her first graphic novel, and she also loved it! She did say “Ewww!” at a couple of points, but I knew she could deal with it – she is 13! (There were only 2 minor swear words within.) She was more traumatised by the frame where Zed was getting changed and you see what is obviously his little alien willy. When I say traumatised, it wasn’t quite like this moment.
I believe that this book was pulled together from existing stories that Gagné had written over 11 years, and I felt that there were moments that the story didn’t seem to flow very easily but I could forgive it almost anything as the drawings are wonderful! They are a mixture of cutesie, amusing and dark. There were a couple of frame comparisons at the end too which showed an original drawing and how much detail Gagné had added for the final product, which was really interesting.
I will now actively look for more graphic novels – it was great to have something that all three of us could enjoy and discuss.
my OH with his graphic novel experience would give it a good 3.5/5, me 4/5 and my daughter 5/5! Give us more Zed!
Anyway, apart from worrying about being branded a geek myself, I have had no real desire NOT to read graphic novels, it had just not come about. However, I spotted this one available as an Advance Review Copy while I was looking for something for my OH to read, and how could I resist that cute little alien thing on the cover? And it’s purple! I like purple!
OK, obviously I’m far too intellectual and deep to be swayed by looks, and I would never judge a book by its cover, but…well…
Zed is appearing before the Hierachy of the Galaxy to present his invention, along with nine other young inventors as part of a competition. There’s a huge crowd gathered from planets across the galaxy to see not just the inventions but also Krah, the loudest rock band in the galazy. Zed’s proud that his parents have also made the journey.
But when he starts the demonstration of his invention, something goes wrong. Horribly, horribly wrong, and our poor little hero ends up having to battle not just for his own life, but also the fate of his home planet.
I loved this. Don’t be swayed by the cutesie little alien, it covers some deep and dark events, and there seem to be a few missing heads within its pages.
Me and my OH read this together last night – it only took us about an hour, and my daughter has just read it. Like me, it was her first graphic novel, and she also loved it! She did say “Ewww!” at a couple of points, but I knew she could deal with it – she is 13! (There were only 2 minor swear words within.) She was more traumatised by the frame where Zed was getting changed and you see what is obviously his little alien willy. When I say traumatised, it wasn’t quite like this moment.
I believe that this book was pulled together from existing stories that Gagné had written over 11 years, and I felt that there were moments that the story didn’t seem to flow very easily but I could forgive it almost anything as the drawings are wonderful! They are a mixture of cutesie, amusing and dark. There were a couple of frame comparisons at the end too which showed an original drawing and how much detail Gagné had added for the final product, which was really interesting.
I will now actively look for more graphic novels – it was great to have something that all three of us could enjoy and discuss.
my OH with his graphic novel experience would give it a good 3.5/5, me 4/5 and my daughter 5/5! Give us more Zed!
February 5, 2013
Read more at blackinkbooks.wordpress.com!
Montreal-born author and illustrator Michel Gagné has worked with well know animation studios such as Pixar, Disney, Warner Bros, and Nickelodeon. But don't let his wholesome resume mislead you into thinking that ZED: A Cosmic Tale is just for children. While some of the drawings are sweet and fun, the storyline broaches dark topics like death, remorse, and some of the most dark emotions we experience as a humanoid species.
The tale begins with the Nob-L Prize ceremony on the planet Xandria, a truly 'cosmo'politan planet that embraces all pursuits of life: economic, religious, cultural, and so on. The first presenter is Macku and his living spaceship Makka, capable of doing incredible maneuvers never seen before. After a brief intermission from Krah, the loudest band in the galaxy, we meet Zed who is there to present the Energizer, a machine that is able to turn ordinary rock into an energy source. The happy faces and pride his parents show as they watch from the audience is so sweet it is unsettling, and you just know that something is about to go terribly wrong. The Energizer explodes, blowing Zed into Macku's spaceship as the audience is obliterated and the planet ultimately goes supernova.
I was struck by how effective the art was at conveying nonverbal cues about plot development and emotional scale. I instantly loved the Gallosians and their sea-monkey appearance. In the space scenes you really get a sense of dimension as the contrast and shading turn simple shapes into the halo around a sun, or the speckled star dust of a nebula. Gagné's use of panels without captions or words was well paced, letting the art speak for itself (this is an improvement from the single issues of ZED, about which Gagné comments in his afterword). When the “true kings of metal”, Krah, come onstage during intermission, suddenly the stick figure-like drawings of the species in preceding panels come to new life, the single strands of hair banging out over the audience with musical notes dancing between, creating bars of sheet music.
READ THE FULL REVIEW AT:
blackinkbooks.wordpress.com
http://wp.me/s345dm-146
Montreal-born author and illustrator Michel Gagné has worked with well know animation studios such as Pixar, Disney, Warner Bros, and Nickelodeon. But don't let his wholesome resume mislead you into thinking that ZED: A Cosmic Tale is just for children. While some of the drawings are sweet and fun, the storyline broaches dark topics like death, remorse, and some of the most dark emotions we experience as a humanoid species.
The tale begins with the Nob-L Prize ceremony on the planet Xandria, a truly 'cosmo'politan planet that embraces all pursuits of life: economic, religious, cultural, and so on. The first presenter is Macku and his living spaceship Makka, capable of doing incredible maneuvers never seen before. After a brief intermission from Krah, the loudest band in the galaxy, we meet Zed who is there to present the Energizer, a machine that is able to turn ordinary rock into an energy source. The happy faces and pride his parents show as they watch from the audience is so sweet it is unsettling, and you just know that something is about to go terribly wrong. The Energizer explodes, blowing Zed into Macku's spaceship as the audience is obliterated and the planet ultimately goes supernova.
I was struck by how effective the art was at conveying nonverbal cues about plot development and emotional scale. I instantly loved the Gallosians and their sea-monkey appearance. In the space scenes you really get a sense of dimension as the contrast and shading turn simple shapes into the halo around a sun, or the speckled star dust of a nebula. Gagné's use of panels without captions or words was well paced, letting the art speak for itself (this is an improvement from the single issues of ZED, about which Gagné comments in his afterword). When the “true kings of metal”, Krah, come onstage during intermission, suddenly the stick figure-like drawings of the species in preceding panels come to new life, the single strands of hair banging out over the audience with musical notes dancing between, creating bars of sheet music.
READ THE FULL REVIEW AT:
blackinkbooks.wordpress.com
http://wp.me/s345dm-146
January 31, 2013
Zed is a young Gallossian who has found an energy source and is displaying it to all the rulers of the universe on planet Xandria for the Nob-L celebration. While giving a demonstration of how his Energizer something goes drastically wrong and a chain reaction which annihilates planet Xandria with his parents on the planet.
Zed returns back to his home planet of Gallos to plead his case to the Gallossian emperor. In the meantime, Maxuss from the planet Metalia leads all the other inhabitants of the universe to get retribution for Zeds crimes.
The story continues with Zed receiving help from Krah - The loudest band in the universe - the true kings of metal, to ultimately help Zed be found innocent of the annihilation of Xandria.
This story is very cute with extremely sad undertones. The art was very effective in conveying the plot without words. The target audience is for teens and older. I do not recommend this for younger children as there are some adult situations in the story. The story was overall very enjoyable and gets a very good recommendation from me.
Zed returns back to his home planet of Gallos to plead his case to the Gallossian emperor. In the meantime, Maxuss from the planet Metalia leads all the other inhabitants of the universe to get retribution for Zeds crimes.
The story continues with Zed receiving help from Krah - The loudest band in the universe - the true kings of metal, to ultimately help Zed be found innocent of the annihilation of Xandria.
This story is very cute with extremely sad undertones. The art was very effective in conveying the plot without words. The target audience is for teens and older. I do not recommend this for younger children as there are some adult situations in the story. The story was overall very enjoyable and gets a very good recommendation from me.
January 20, 2013
A NetGalley first reads
The author of this review received an advance copy for an honest review
I picked this up for the combination of story and art. It begins with a simple introduction to a beautiful utopia, where all philosophies, religions, and so forth all exist in harmony. That doesn't mean diddly when an explosion rocks the universe and Zed is at the epicenter of the catastrophe.
The tone varies wildly from simple tale to "Heavy Metal"-esque tone. NOT A STORY FOR SMALL CHILDREN In fact I'd say about 12 or 15 and up, but I'm not sure they'd enjoy it. The allegory is so heavy I kept expecting Aslan to show up with Christian to carry the burden of destiny. I'd recommend it to Christians, but its so graphic I don't know they'd get to the parts they'd enjoy.
The art is awesome, it kept me reading the volume after God showed up, but overall I'd recommend passing this one by.
The author of this review received an advance copy for an honest review
I picked this up for the combination of story and art. It begins with a simple introduction to a beautiful utopia, where all philosophies, religions, and so forth all exist in harmony. That doesn't mean diddly when an explosion rocks the universe and Zed is at the epicenter of the catastrophe.
The tone varies wildly from simple tale to "Heavy Metal"-esque tone. NOT A STORY FOR SMALL CHILDREN In fact I'd say about 12 or 15 and up, but I'm not sure they'd enjoy it. The allegory is so heavy I kept expecting Aslan to show up with Christian to carry the burden of destiny. I'd recommend it to Christians, but its so graphic I don't know they'd get to the parts they'd enjoy.
The art is awesome, it kept me reading the volume after God showed up, but overall I'd recommend passing this one by.
January 25, 2013
A glance at the cover of ZED, A Cosmic Tale by Michel Gagne will probably make most people think "oh look, a cute little tween book about an adorable alien! Let me get this for my 8-year old." This reaction will prove a mistake.
Please do not get me wrong. Zed is a WONDERFUL graphic novel. I enjoyed it tremendously. It's just not a book for young kids. There are some genuinely disturbing and tragic moments here. There is also a full-frontal alien shot, some drug use and scary groupies with large (and multiple) breasts. Zed is a tale about so many things: the environment, religion and spirituality, the importance of family, truth, justice, fighting for what you believe in and of course EXTREMELY loud rock and roll.
Full version of this review will post to http://www.shutupandreadsomething.blo... on 1/29/13
Please do not get me wrong. Zed is a WONDERFUL graphic novel. I enjoyed it tremendously. It's just not a book for young kids. There are some genuinely disturbing and tragic moments here. There is also a full-frontal alien shot, some drug use and scary groupies with large (and multiple) breasts. Zed is a tale about so many things: the environment, religion and spirituality, the importance of family, truth, justice, fighting for what you believe in and of course EXTREMELY loud rock and roll.
Full version of this review will post to http://www.shutupandreadsomething.blo... on 1/29/13
April 21, 2013
Find this review and more at The AP Book Club
***I was provided an ecopy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.***
Don't be confused by the Seusslike artwork. This is not a children's book. It is a complex story involving religion and politics. There are some brutal death scenes and a bit of gore.
The story is a fun read. There are so many different types of alien species. The spaceships also are so unique. The details in the artwork keep you from paging through this graphic novel too fast.
Although there are some adult situations and a little gore, the story is very light. It is overall a fun read with excellent art. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys comics about galaxywide conflicts with childish art that is in no way for children. I give this graphic novel a 4/5.
***I was provided an ecopy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.***
Don't be confused by the Seusslike artwork. This is not a children's book. It is a complex story involving religion and politics. There are some brutal death scenes and a bit of gore.
The story is a fun read. There are so many different types of alien species. The spaceships also are so unique. The details in the artwork keep you from paging through this graphic novel too fast.
Although there are some adult situations and a little gore, the story is very light. It is overall a fun read with excellent art. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys comics about galaxywide conflicts with childish art that is in no way for children. I give this graphic novel a 4/5.
March 15, 2015
Michael Gagné’s Zed: A Cosmic Tale is an artistic wonder that was over a decade in the making. It’s a fast read, but it’s one you’ll want to look through multiple times because the art is unique and stunning: It doesn’t look anything like what you think of when you hear the words “comic book.” Gagné’s art is extremely stylized with a large number of full-page panels or pages with only a few large panels. Though it’s in black-and-white, I hardly even noticed: It felt like it was in color because there were so many shades of gray used.
The story is seemingly simple, yet compelling because we are led to feel compassion for our you... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The story is seemingly simple, yet compelling because we are led to feel compassion for our you... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
January 12, 2013
I enjoyed this graphic novel thou it is a pretty odd read... It's still enjoyable and funny. And the graphics are awesome / adorable!! ((: if you like odd/cute/ silly tales about aliens you should decently pick this up. ((:
Warning there is a gory in this graphic novel, lot's of dark humor, but that doesn't stop it from being an enjoyable read.
Shall definitely check out the rest of the series!!((:
Warning there is a gory in this graphic novel, lot's of dark humor, but that doesn't stop it from being an enjoyable read.
Shall definitely check out the rest of the series!!((:
February 2, 2021
This books dark edge and deep storyline may not be for everyone, but I can guarantee that Zed: A Cosmic Tale is still a well put together story that has a great atmosphere, likable charcters, and a sense of Sci-Fi adventure that is hard to deny. Michel Gange has done it again and my hope is that whatever comes next will be just as bold and likable as before.
May 15, 2014
A wonderful heartwarming story about a what happens when you really believe you can fix things, you usually end up doing just that! I really enjoyed the illustrations and love all of Michel Gagne's work.
December 31, 2014
It's only slightly better than the Last Battle. Bletch. What a preachy downer. Giving it two stars because I did manage to finish it, but it wasn't a pleasant experience.
August 5, 2015
absolutly loved this book. such a cute little guy with an adventure so big he doesnt think he wants to do it. but you know how stories go if course he did it
February 12, 2016
Kind of cute, though the story was fairly predictable.
March 6, 2016
Art is OK. Writing is not good. It's like primary level but the content is more adult so you're either left with a poorly written teen/adult book or an inappropriate children's book.
January 2, 2017
3.5/5
it was really cute and the art was cute.
it was really cute and the art was cute.
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