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Army of One #1
Army of One Vol. 1
Could one girl be the key to uniting a world split by an ages-old prophecy spurred by Brother Havoc and Sister Fortune?
A thousand years ago, a mighty battle pitched two of the greatest sorcerers against each other, Brother Havoc and Sister Fortune. In the end Brother Havoc won, shattering his rival into a thousand shards.
Now, a millennia later, teenager Carrie Taylor not only learns that she is one of these shards, but that each shard created an alternate universe, with multiple versions of her out there—and a great evil is bent on destroying them all.
Carrie must team with a handful of “alternate” Carries from across the universes to fulfill a prophecy that will bring Sister Fortune back from limbo to defeat this evil, but the more Carrie travels from broken universe to broken universe, she realizes she might not be working for the “good guys”—nor, perhaps, is she one of these shards after all.
If that is indeed the case, then who is she ?
A thousand years ago, a mighty battle pitched two of the greatest sorcerers against each other, Brother Havoc and Sister Fortune. In the end Brother Havoc won, shattering his rival into a thousand shards.
Now, a millennia later, teenager Carrie Taylor not only learns that she is one of these shards, but that each shard created an alternate universe, with multiple versions of her out there—and a great evil is bent on destroying them all.
Carrie must team with a handful of “alternate” Carries from across the universes to fulfill a prophecy that will bring Sister Fortune back from limbo to defeat this evil, but the more Carrie travels from broken universe to broken universe, she realizes she might not be working for the “good guys”—nor, perhaps, is she one of these shards after all.
If that is indeed the case, then who is she ?
128 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2024
1 person is currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Tony Lee
522 books47 followersA New York Times Best-selling Graphic Novelist, Tony Lee was born in West London, UK in 1970. Informed by a teacher that he had a comic book style of writing, (a comment meant more as an insult), Tony decided that one day he would write for comics.
Tony has written for a variety of mediums including Radio 4, The BBC, commerical television in both the UK and US, magazines and both local and national newspapers. He has also written several award winning local radio campaigns. In 1991 he wrote for a small press comics publisher, of which only one project, The Cost of Miracles in Comic Speculator News was ever printed, and remains his first printed commercial comic work.
Moving away from comics, he went back into trade journalism and media marketing/creation. His small press magazine Burnt Offerings was a minor seller on both sides of the Atlantic, and was the first esoteric magazine to interview mainstream creators like Terry Pratchett and Pat Mills.
Since returning to comics in 2002, he has written for a variety of publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics/Zuda, Games Workshop, Panini Comics, Titan Publishing, AAM/Markosia Enterprises, Rebellion/2000ad and IDW Publishing amongst others, writing a variety of creator owned titles and licenses that include X-Men, Spider Man, Doctor Who, Starship Troopers, Wallace & Gromit and Shrek.
He is the writer of the ongoing Doctor Who series of comics from IDW, beginning in July 2009, and his award nominated, creator-owned miniseries Hope Falls was collected by AAM/Markosia in May 2009. His next book with them, From The Pages Of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula': Harker, was released in November 2009 to critical acclaim.
Added to this, Tony adapted Pride & Prejudice & Zombies into a graphic novel for Del Rey Publishing, with art by Cliff Richards - this was a New York Times #1 Bestselling Paperback Graphic Novel for May 2010 - he is also adapting Anthony Horowitz's Power of Five series into graphic format for Walker Books, the first - Raven's Gate is due out in late 2010, and he has adapted four Horowitz Horror books with Dan Boultwood for Hachette Children's Books.
His other book with Walker Books, Outlaw: The Legend Of Robin Hood (drawn by Sam Hart) was released in 2009 and has already been awarded a Junior Library Guild: Fall 2009 Selection, and 'best for 2010' awards from both the American Library Association and the New York Public Library in the USA, among others. In March 2010 it was announced that it was also a finalist for the Children's Choice Book Awards. The next in the 'Heroes & Heroines' series, Excalibur: The Legend Of King Arthur by Tony Lee & Sam Hart is scheduled for March 2011.
Outside of comics he is writing several books for children.
Tony is represented by Julian Friedmann of the Blake Friedmann Literary, TV and Film Agency.
Tony is also an accomplished Bard and performer, and has held the High Bard chair of the East Sussex Broomstick Rally on several occasions. His lecture Creating Gods for fun and Profit and his series of lectures on Bards and Ritual Magic were received to critical acclaim, and he still lectures occasionally in London, the Midlands and Sussex. As a Covent Garden Street Performer in the 90's, he performed 'The Scarlet Blade' Street Theatre show at the Edinburgh Festival and at locations across the UK, convincing members of the public to act out an insane pantomime for his amusement.
Added to this Tony is an accomplished storyteller and lecturer on writing, and has performed at libraries, events and schools around the world including the 2009 Edinburgh International Book Festival, a 2009 tour of India for the British Council, and in 2003 around the Wadi Rum bedouin campfire in Jordan.
Tony currently lives in London with his fiancée, Tracy.
from: http://www.tonylee.co.uk
Tony has written for a variety of mediums including Radio 4, The BBC, commerical television in both the UK and US, magazines and both local and national newspapers. He has also written several award winning local radio campaigns. In 1991 he wrote for a small press comics publisher, of which only one project, The Cost of Miracles in Comic Speculator News was ever printed, and remains his first printed commercial comic work.
Moving away from comics, he went back into trade journalism and media marketing/creation. His small press magazine Burnt Offerings was a minor seller on both sides of the Atlantic, and was the first esoteric magazine to interview mainstream creators like Terry Pratchett and Pat Mills.
Since returning to comics in 2002, he has written for a variety of publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics/Zuda, Games Workshop, Panini Comics, Titan Publishing, AAM/Markosia Enterprises, Rebellion/2000ad and IDW Publishing amongst others, writing a variety of creator owned titles and licenses that include X-Men, Spider Man, Doctor Who, Starship Troopers, Wallace & Gromit and Shrek.
He is the writer of the ongoing Doctor Who series of comics from IDW, beginning in July 2009, and his award nominated, creator-owned miniseries Hope Falls was collected by AAM/Markosia in May 2009. His next book with them, From The Pages Of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula': Harker, was released in November 2009 to critical acclaim.
Added to this, Tony adapted Pride & Prejudice & Zombies into a graphic novel for Del Rey Publishing, with art by Cliff Richards - this was a New York Times #1 Bestselling Paperback Graphic Novel for May 2010 - he is also adapting Anthony Horowitz's Power of Five series into graphic format for Walker Books, the first - Raven's Gate is due out in late 2010, and he has adapted four Horowitz Horror books with Dan Boultwood for Hachette Children's Books.
His other book with Walker Books, Outlaw: The Legend Of Robin Hood (drawn by Sam Hart) was released in 2009 and has already been awarded a Junior Library Guild: Fall 2009 Selection, and 'best for 2010' awards from both the American Library Association and the New York Public Library in the USA, among others. In March 2010 it was announced that it was also a finalist for the Children's Choice Book Awards. The next in the 'Heroes & Heroines' series, Excalibur: The Legend Of King Arthur by Tony Lee & Sam Hart is scheduled for March 2011.
Outside of comics he is writing several books for children.
Tony is represented by Julian Friedmann of the Blake Friedmann Literary, TV and Film Agency.
Tony is also an accomplished Bard and performer, and has held the High Bard chair of the East Sussex Broomstick Rally on several occasions. His lecture Creating Gods for fun and Profit and his series of lectures on Bards and Ritual Magic were received to critical acclaim, and he still lectures occasionally in London, the Midlands and Sussex. As a Covent Garden Street Performer in the 90's, he performed 'The Scarlet Blade' Street Theatre show at the Edinburgh Festival and at locations across the UK, convincing members of the public to act out an insane pantomime for his amusement.
Added to this Tony is an accomplished storyteller and lecturer on writing, and has performed at libraries, events and schools around the world including the 2009 Edinburgh International Book Festival, a 2009 tour of India for the British Council, and in 2003 around the Wadi Rum bedouin campfire in Jordan.
Tony currently lives in London with his fiancée, Tracy.
from: http://www.tonylee.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 21, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Could one girl be the key to uniting a world split by an ages-old prophecy spurred by Brother Havoc and Sister Fortune?
Army of One Volume 1 is a fast-paced series starter in the format of a graphic novel. We follow a teenage girl called Carrie Taylor who has discovered that she is a shard of a sorcerer destroyed a thousand years ago in a battle. Buy not only is she a piece of the sorcerer destroyed ( Sister Fortune) but she discovers that each shard has not only created multiple universes out there but that there are also multiple versions/doppelgangers of her out there too.
As Carrie teams up with various versions of herself she is set on a path of not knowing whom among these versions to trust and what to expect next.
The artwork and color pallet used is very detailed and engaging however I did find I got lost afew times within the story. This however won't put me off from reviewing the next volume as I'm sure once they advance more and more will piece together and make sense.
This book is perfect for lovers of multiverse stories and the Orphan Black TV series.
Could one girl be the key to uniting a world split by an ages-old prophecy spurred by Brother Havoc and Sister Fortune?
Army of One Volume 1 is a fast-paced series starter in the format of a graphic novel. We follow a teenage girl called Carrie Taylor who has discovered that she is a shard of a sorcerer destroyed a thousand years ago in a battle. Buy not only is she a piece of the sorcerer destroyed ( Sister Fortune) but she discovers that each shard has not only created multiple universes out there but that there are also multiple versions/doppelgangers of her out there too.
As Carrie teams up with various versions of herself she is set on a path of not knowing whom among these versions to trust and what to expect next.
The artwork and color pallet used is very detailed and engaging however I did find I got lost afew times within the story. This however won't put me off from reviewing the next volume as I'm sure once they advance more and more will piece together and make sense.
This book is perfect for lovers of multiverse stories and the Orphan Black TV series.
February 18, 2024
Actual rating: 3.5
I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a pretty solid graphic novel and I'm definitely interested in reading the next volumes! It has cool characters and well-illustrated action scenes and the plot itself is intriguing. The only thing that didn't quite work for me is how info-dumpy it can get and how fast the plot moved, but other than that this was pretty enjoyable ride.
I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a pretty solid graphic novel and I'm definitely interested in reading the next volumes! It has cool characters and well-illustrated action scenes and the plot itself is intriguing. The only thing that didn't quite work for me is how info-dumpy it can get and how fast the plot moved, but other than that this was pretty enjoyable ride.
December 12, 2023
This wasn't too bad. I actually would've liked it a bit more if there weren't so many subplots running loose. And the way those subplots tied up by the end of the story felt very abrupt and very last minute.
I really liked the idea of this story because it features some of my favorite tropes: multiverse, chosen one, morally grey villains, hidden powers, etc. Combined together, they created a decent story that felt very teen Marvel, so there's definitely an audience for this.
I'm not sure if I'll continue on because it was very tropey and predictable. There weren't really any surprising twists or questionable character choices that compels me to read the second volume.
Also, the ending gave me major Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong vibes. Even though this is a very YA graphic novel, there's a big ethical question there that's definitely being overlooked.
Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for this arc.
I really liked the idea of this story because it features some of my favorite tropes: multiverse, chosen one, morally grey villains, hidden powers, etc. Combined together, they created a decent story that felt very teen Marvel, so there's definitely an audience for this.
I'm not sure if I'll continue on because it was very tropey and predictable. There weren't really any surprising twists or questionable character choices that compels me to read the second volume.
Also, the ending gave me major Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong vibes. Even though this is a very YA graphic novel, there's a big ethical question there that's definitely being overlooked.
Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for this arc.
December 3, 2023
The good:
- the overall concept is pretty interesting
- fast-paced plot (occasionally almost too fast)
The bad:
- Carrie says/thinks “My name is Carrie Taylor and…” way too often
- I was pretty confused about what’s going on a couple of times
- too many characters with too little personality traits to get attached to any of them
[I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]
- the overall concept is pretty interesting
- fast-paced plot (occasionally almost too fast)
The bad:
- Carrie says/thinks “My name is Carrie Taylor and…” way too often
- I was pretty confused about what’s going on a couple of times
- too many characters with too little personality traits to get attached to any of them
[I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]
January 8, 2024
EDIT: I was given an ARC of this by the NetGalley in exchange for a review
Army of One was a solid first entry to this story.
While this was a bit heavy on the dialogue/text for me to consider this fast-paced (for a YA graphic novel), I appreciate that this volume had a lot of grunt work to do in setting up the worlds and the story. A what a story it was!
I enjoyed the characters, and the complexity that was given to the shard characters. It was interesting to see glimpses of their lives in the alternate worlds, and how their worlds shaped them. The creators also manage to go pretty into the horrors of espionage and war, and how ethics often go out the window in situations where you think you’re fighting for the greater good.
There was one minor plot point I was uncomfortable with, and that was where the father of one shards didn’t seem to care about serving the Nazi’s until his daughter was directly affected by the cruelty of there regime. I know it echos the real world, where many people don’t care about the suffering of an entire group, and I don’t think the creators meant anything by the addition of this. In truth, without further reflection on my part, it would have merely been a touching moment of a father saving his daughter, doing anything for her. I do wish that we could have seen the father truly come face to face with what he had done, condemning his action, or in some cases, his inaction. And perhaps we will in future books.,
Overall, I think this was a soild first entry. The characters were easily relatable and interesting. The main character is compelling and has a funny inner dialouge. There is great potential to build this intp a truly epic graphic novel series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Into the Spiderverse, V.E. Schwab, or Tamsyn Muir.
Spider-man for the shattered worlds and character variants. Who doesn’t want to know what their other selves are up to.
V.E. Schwab for the character design and dialouge moments. It reads a lot like her YA stuff in terms of humour and dynamics.
Tamsyn Muir for the sci-fi, body hoping, doppelgänger schenanigans. Or I suppose, like that one movie with Emily Blunt and Tom Cruise I watched on an airplane years and years ago.
Army of One was a solid first entry to this story.
While this was a bit heavy on the dialogue/text for me to consider this fast-paced (for a YA graphic novel), I appreciate that this volume had a lot of grunt work to do in setting up the worlds and the story. A what a story it was!
I enjoyed the characters, and the complexity that was given to the shard characters. It was interesting to see glimpses of their lives in the alternate worlds, and how their worlds shaped them. The creators also manage to go pretty into the horrors of espionage and war, and how ethics often go out the window in situations where you think you’re fighting for the greater good.
There was one minor plot point I was uncomfortable with, and that was where the father of one shards didn’t seem to care about serving the Nazi’s until his daughter was directly affected by the cruelty of there regime. I know it echos the real world, where many people don’t care about the suffering of an entire group, and I don’t think the creators meant anything by the addition of this. In truth, without further reflection on my part, it would have merely been a touching moment of a father saving his daughter, doing anything for her. I do wish that we could have seen the father truly come face to face with what he had done, condemning his action, or in some cases, his inaction. And perhaps we will in future books.,
Overall, I think this was a soild first entry. The characters were easily relatable and interesting. The main character is compelling and has a funny inner dialouge. There is great potential to build this intp a truly epic graphic novel series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Into the Spiderverse, V.E. Schwab, or Tamsyn Muir.
Spider-man for the shattered worlds and character variants. Who doesn’t want to know what their other selves are up to.
V.E. Schwab for the character design and dialouge moments. It reads a lot like her YA stuff in terms of humour and dynamics.
Tamsyn Muir for the sci-fi, body hoping, doppelgänger schenanigans. Or I suppose, like that one movie with Emily Blunt and Tom Cruise I watched on an airplane years and years ago.
March 5, 2024
A great start for a multiverse, LGTBQ, chosen one, good vs evil graphic novel story to those who enjoy multiverse stories like Everything Everywhere All at Once.
What I liked most about this one is that we get an insight into the past where the conflict between brother and sister begins, that Carrie has many versions of her with different personalities, some are fun to follow and see, that we don't know at the start who are the evil ones, and that the artwork is very good and the coloring is exquisite.
This is the start so this volume is to throw us along with Carrie into all the novelty of her mission, including plot twists, learning the truth, discovering other worlds, and setting on a path to start the story that is larger than her. Great action with a feminist vibe.
Thank you, Publisher and Netgalley for this e-ARC.
What I liked most about this one is that we get an insight into the past where the conflict between brother and sister begins, that Carrie has many versions of her with different personalities, some are fun to follow and see, that we don't know at the start who are the evil ones, and that the artwork is very good and the coloring is exquisite.
This is the start so this volume is to throw us along with Carrie into all the novelty of her mission, including plot twists, learning the truth, discovering other worlds, and setting on a path to start the story that is larger than her. Great action with a feminist vibe.
Thank you, Publisher and Netgalley for this e-ARC.
December 30, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was so awesome!! The cover, the illustrations, the girlpower, the epic fantasy, the amazing characters,.. I could go on and on!
Carrie is just a normal teenager or at least she thinks she is, until her life gets flipped upside down! She literally just goes to math class when time stops, creepy strange bloodthirsty men appear and a kick-ass group of woman wo are alternate hers, show up to help her! These women have guts, interesting powers and take her on the most insane adventure and maybe even save the world eventually! There’s morally grey characters, alternate worlds, a true love story, revelation after revelation and you honestly feel like you’re in an action/sci-fi movie until the end. This was impossible to put down and there’s clearly a lot left to cover in volume two, which I need right now!
This was so awesome!! The cover, the illustrations, the girlpower, the epic fantasy, the amazing characters,.. I could go on and on!
Carrie is just a normal teenager or at least she thinks she is, until her life gets flipped upside down! She literally just goes to math class when time stops, creepy strange bloodthirsty men appear and a kick-ass group of woman wo are alternate hers, show up to help her! These women have guts, interesting powers and take her on the most insane adventure and maybe even save the world eventually! There’s morally grey characters, alternate worlds, a true love story, revelation after revelation and you honestly feel like you’re in an action/sci-fi movie until the end. This was impossible to put down and there’s clearly a lot left to cover in volume two, which I need right now!
December 26, 2023
Though I enjoyed the plot line and I think the summary had really good potential, I think this book suffered from a lack of flow in the storytelling. Don't get me wrong, this graphic novel was really good and I think future volumes are going to be really good, but this first one was just kinda meh for me? This might be a me thing, or
The series starts out very quickly, making me think that I missed a prologue or something beforehand. You don't really spend a lot of time with the characters before they're thrust into the plot of the story, making it difficult to really relate to the characters that are there. Hopefully in future volumes, the pacing problem is fixed to make the volume more sensible.
The series starts out very quickly, making me think that I missed a prologue or something beforehand. You don't really spend a lot of time with the characters before they're thrust into the plot of the story, making it difficult to really relate to the characters that are there. Hopefully in future volumes, the pacing problem is fixed to make the volume more sensible.
December 2, 2023
When young Cassie is thrown into the chaotic fued between two siblings. She begins to uncover and learn secrets of who she is and what the future holds for her.
This graphic novel has a strong plot as much as distinct strong characters that leave an impression on you.
A Speculative story that incorporates fantastical elements as much as advanced technologies.
I really enjoyed discovering new worlds alongside Cassie.
The panels are beautiful and they captivated me into the story as much as the plot. The art style is unique and incredibly done.
This graphic novel has a strong plot as much as distinct strong characters that leave an impression on you.
A Speculative story that incorporates fantastical elements as much as advanced technologies.
I really enjoyed discovering new worlds alongside Cassie.
The panels are beautiful and they captivated me into the story as much as the plot. The art style is unique and incredibly done.
February 11, 2024
I think the thing that stood out to me first was the art. The art is dynamic and pulls you in to this kind of modern fantasy world. The story was difficult to follow at times with drastic turns but overall the concept is new and fun. The end had a way of wanting you to continue reading as well. There were good twists. I am hoping to see more character development but overall I found myself wanting more.
December 27, 2023
there is so much going on here that it makes the plot hard to follow; but bonus points for punching nazis!
(thank you netgalley for the ecopy)
(thank you netgalley for the ecopy)
November 26, 2023
1,5/5. I love the beginning of it, but right after the prologue, it became clear that it wasn't what it would be. We found ourselves in a story full of clichés and déjà-vu, not original at all and quite generic. i lost interests really fast and won't read more from it.
January 23, 2024
Really liked this book. It was fast-paced, a good story with a twist of fantasy. I really liked the drawings, they fitted the story well! I look forward to read more of it.
February 14, 2024
This was a great story, the art was really well drawn and the story was unique and drew you in from the beginning till the end. If you like mutiuniverse, magic and an interesting story with some great art to go along with an amazing story. This is the book for you!
June 23, 2024
DNF @45%
I didn´t like this book very much. From the childish Gen-Z writing style to the Main character repeating on every page that she is now travelling through dimensions with her alternative selfs. Also the aspect with the dimension where the Naz*s won WWII?? Didn´t like that.
I didn´t like this book very much. From the childish Gen-Z writing style to the Main character repeating on every page that she is now travelling through dimensions with her alternative selfs. Also the aspect with the dimension where the Naz*s won WWII?? Didn´t like that.
September 25, 2024
"Army of One Vol. 1" autorstwa Tony'ego Lee, z ilustracjami Yishan Li i kolorystyką Bryana Valenzy, to porywający komiks, który zabiera czytelników w niezwykłą podróż przez wieloświaty pełne akcji, magii i moralnych dylematów.
Fabuła skupia się na Carrie Taylor, na pozór zwykłej nastolatce, której życie zostaje wywrócone do góry nogami podczas zwyczajnej lekcji matematyki. Nagle czas się zatrzymuje, a wokół niej pojawiają się przerażający, krwiożerczy mężczyźni. Z opresji ratuje ją grupa niezwykłych kobiet — alternatywnych wersji jej samej z innych wszechświatów. Razem wyruszają w misję, która może zadecydować o losach wszystkich rzeczywistości.
Historia osadzona jest na tle tysiącletniej przepowiedni o dwóch potężnych czarodziejach: Bracie Havocu i Siostrze Fortune. Po epickiej bitwie Brat Havoc zwycięża, rozbijając Siostrę Fortune na tysiąc odłamków. Każdy odłamek tworzy alternatywny wszechświat, a Carrie dowiaduje się, że jest jednym z nich. Jednak w miarę podróży między światami zaczyna kwestionować swoją prawdziwą tożsamość oraz intencje tych, dla których pracuje. Czy rzeczywiście jest jednym z odłamków? A może stoi za tym coś więcej?
Jednym z największych atutów komiksu jest jego warstwa wizualna. Ilustracje Yishan Li są dynamiczne i pełne detali, a kolorystyka Bryana Valenzy dodaje głębi i intensywności scenom akcji. Postacie są wyraziste, a ich różnorodność podkreśla bogactwo wieloświata, w którym rozgrywa się akcja.
Postacie alternatywnych wersji Carrie są fascynujące. Każda z nich pochodzi z innego świata, co wpływa na ich osobowość, doświadczenia i zdolności. To pozwala na eksplorację tematów związanych z tożsamością, przeznaczeniem oraz wpływem środowiska na jednostkę. Widzimy, jak różne życiowe ścieżki kształtują te same osoby w odmienny sposób.
Komiks porusza również trudne tematy etyczne. Twórcy nie boją się pokazać, jak w obliczu większego zagrożenia bohaterowie mogą przekraczać moralne granice, wierząc, że działają dla "większego dobra". Wątek związany z ojcem jednej z alternatywnych Carries, który służy nazistom i dopiero po tragedii dotykającej jego córkę zaczyna kwestionować swoje działania, dodaje historii głębi i skłania do refleksji nad naturą zła i odpowiedzialności.
Jednakże komiks nie jest pozbawiony wad. Momentami fabuła może wydawać się zbyt szybka, a ilość informacji przytłaczająca. Niektóre wątki i linie fabularne są wprowadzane, ale nie do końca rozwinięte, co może zostawić czytelnika z poczuciem niedosytu. Niektórzy mogą odczuć, że akcja rozpoczyna się zbyt gwałtownie, bez odpowiedniego wprowadzenia do świata i bohaterów, co utrudnia pełne zaangażowanie się w historię od samego początku.
Mimo to, "Army of One Vol. 1" to solidny początek serii z ogromnym potencjałem. Historia pełna jest ulubionych motywów fanów fantastyki: wieloświaty, wybraniec, moralnie niejednoznaczni antagoniści i tajemnicze (super)moce. Dla miłośników takich dzieł jak "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse", powieści V.E. Schwab czy Tamsyn Muir, ten komiks będzie prawdziwą gratką.
Dialogi są pełne humoru, a wewnętrzne monologi głównej bohaterki dodają jej uroku i czynią ją bardziej przystępną. Relacje między postaciami są autentyczne, a ich interakcje napędzają fabułę do przodu. Twórcy z powodzeniem balansują między intensywną akcją a momentami refleksji, co sprawia, że komiks czyta się z zainteresowaniem.
Warstwa graficzna komiksu zasługuje na szczególne uznanie. Dynamiczne kadry, wyrazista mimika postaci i bogata paleta kolorów sprawiają, że każda strona przyciąga wzrok i zachęca do dalszego czytania. Sceny walk są choreograficznie dopracowane, a przedstawienie różnych wszechświatów jest kreatywne i zróżnicowane.
"Army of One Vol. 1" to wciągająca opowieść o poszukiwaniu siebie, moralności i przeznaczeniu, osadzona w fascynującym świecie wieloświatów. Mimo pewnych niedociągnięć w narracji i tempie akcji, komiks oferuje świeże spojrzenie na znane motywy i z pewnością zainteresuje czytelników poszukujących nowej, ekscytującej lektury. Z niecierpliwością czekam na kolejne tomy, by dowiedzieć się, dokąd zaprowadzi nas ta niezwykła podróż.
Przyjemność 4,1/5
Styl: 3,5/5
Historia: 3,6/5
Ocena: 3,75/5
goodreads - 4/5
thestorygraph - 3,75/5
lubimyczytac - 7/10
Fabuła skupia się na Carrie Taylor, na pozór zwykłej nastolatce, której życie zostaje wywrócone do góry nogami podczas zwyczajnej lekcji matematyki. Nagle czas się zatrzymuje, a wokół niej pojawiają się przerażający, krwiożerczy mężczyźni. Z opresji ratuje ją grupa niezwykłych kobiet — alternatywnych wersji jej samej z innych wszechświatów. Razem wyruszają w misję, która może zadecydować o losach wszystkich rzeczywistości.
Historia osadzona jest na tle tysiącletniej przepowiedni o dwóch potężnych czarodziejach: Bracie Havocu i Siostrze Fortune. Po epickiej bitwie Brat Havoc zwycięża, rozbijając Siostrę Fortune na tysiąc odłamków. Każdy odłamek tworzy alternatywny wszechświat, a Carrie dowiaduje się, że jest jednym z nich. Jednak w miarę podróży między światami zaczyna kwestionować swoją prawdziwą tożsamość oraz intencje tych, dla których pracuje. Czy rzeczywiście jest jednym z odłamków? A może stoi za tym coś więcej?
Jednym z największych atutów komiksu jest jego warstwa wizualna. Ilustracje Yishan Li są dynamiczne i pełne detali, a kolorystyka Bryana Valenzy dodaje głębi i intensywności scenom akcji. Postacie są wyraziste, a ich różnorodność podkreśla bogactwo wieloświata, w którym rozgrywa się akcja.
Postacie alternatywnych wersji Carrie są fascynujące. Każda z nich pochodzi z innego świata, co wpływa na ich osobowość, doświadczenia i zdolności. To pozwala na eksplorację tematów związanych z tożsamością, przeznaczeniem oraz wpływem środowiska na jednostkę. Widzimy, jak różne życiowe ścieżki kształtują te same osoby w odmienny sposób.
Komiks porusza również trudne tematy etyczne. Twórcy nie boją się pokazać, jak w obliczu większego zagrożenia bohaterowie mogą przekraczać moralne granice, wierząc, że działają dla "większego dobra". Wątek związany z ojcem jednej z alternatywnych Carries, który służy nazistom i dopiero po tragedii dotykającej jego córkę zaczyna kwestionować swoje działania, dodaje historii głębi i skłania do refleksji nad naturą zła i odpowiedzialności.
Jednakże komiks nie jest pozbawiony wad. Momentami fabuła może wydawać się zbyt szybka, a ilość informacji przytłaczająca. Niektóre wątki i linie fabularne są wprowadzane, ale nie do końca rozwinięte, co może zostawić czytelnika z poczuciem niedosytu. Niektórzy mogą odczuć, że akcja rozpoczyna się zbyt gwałtownie, bez odpowiedniego wprowadzenia do świata i bohaterów, co utrudnia pełne zaangażowanie się w historię od samego początku.
Mimo to, "Army of One Vol. 1" to solidny początek serii z ogromnym potencjałem. Historia pełna jest ulubionych motywów fanów fantastyki: wieloświaty, wybraniec, moralnie niejednoznaczni antagoniści i tajemnicze (super)moce. Dla miłośników takich dzieł jak "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse", powieści V.E. Schwab czy Tamsyn Muir, ten komiks będzie prawdziwą gratką.
Dialogi są pełne humoru, a wewnętrzne monologi głównej bohaterki dodają jej uroku i czynią ją bardziej przystępną. Relacje między postaciami są autentyczne, a ich interakcje napędzają fabułę do przodu. Twórcy z powodzeniem balansują między intensywną akcją a momentami refleksji, co sprawia, że komiks czyta się z zainteresowaniem.
Warstwa graficzna komiksu zasługuje na szczególne uznanie. Dynamiczne kadry, wyrazista mimika postaci i bogata paleta kolorów sprawiają, że każda strona przyciąga wzrok i zachęca do dalszego czytania. Sceny walk są choreograficznie dopracowane, a przedstawienie różnych wszechświatów jest kreatywne i zróżnicowane.
"Army of One Vol. 1" to wciągająca opowieść o poszukiwaniu siebie, moralności i przeznaczeniu, osadzona w fascynującym świecie wieloświatów. Mimo pewnych niedociągnięć w narracji i tempie akcji, komiks oferuje świeże spojrzenie na znane motywy i z pewnością zainteresuje czytelników poszukujących nowej, ekscytującej lektury. Z niecierpliwością czekam na kolejne tomy, by dowiedzieć się, dokąd zaprowadzi nas ta niezwykła podróż.
Przyjemność 4,1/5
Styl: 3,5/5
Historia: 3,6/5
Ocena: 3,75/5
goodreads - 4/5
thestorygraph - 3,75/5
lubimyczytac - 7/10
January 7, 2024
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley
~
Army of One, by Tony Lee, Yishan Li, Bryan Valenze
★★★★☆
128 Pages
Themes: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Chosen One, FF Romance, Multiverse
Triggers: assault, violence, kidnap, homophobia, Nazis, mentions of the Cuban Missile crisis
Army of One is an intriguing story wrapped up in gritty but well-done artwork to make a truly interesting graphic novel. It manages to tackle a lot of issues and a fairly well-expanded and well-explored storyline within one volume.
The main plot is about Cassie, a high school student, whose live is suddenly turned upside down. In one day, she experiences instinctive fight skills, the world freezes around her, she sees a person who isn't there, and her high school principal is killed by the Stranger Men, a group of zombie-esque creatures. Suddenly, Cassie is 'rescued' by a group of women who not only look like her, but claim to be her, from various alternative universes.
While that plot could be cheesy, it's really well done. I liked the way the multiverse was explained, the prologue that helped pull it all together, and the fact that we never lost sight of the important plot points. We spend the whole volume not knowing who to trust. We have an unreliable narrator – or rather, two of them, since Brother Havoc and Sister Fortune are both unreliable – and follow a flawed MC who hasn't got the first clue why she's the Chosen One.
The complex plot weaves in multiple versions of Cassie – thankfully all with different names and appearances, so that we can visually keep track of them. But, they also all have their own personalities. Since we visited Ada's world in this book, I imagine we might end up visiting all the alternative worlds throughout the rest of the series?
The volume does end on an almost-cliffhanger, but it's one that fits the story that was told throughout. I'd definitely read the next volume or chapter, and continue the story.
~
Downsides?
I felt the Stranger Men concept was weird and cheesy, with the characters themselves looking like they were the Silence, dragged from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Every time they popped up, it felt like a weird excuse to give the characters a reason to leave the scene.
It took me a little while to become truly engaged with the plot. While I found it interesting from the beginning, it took about a third of the volume for me to become truly invested in what was happening to Cassie.
The trip into an alternative world where the Nazi's won WWII was quite interesting, especially the way it was portrayed, however it all felt a little too “obviously pro-Nazi”. I'm not sure that if they had won WWII, their rule would be quite as totalitarian as it was shown in the comic. This is especially true since the story claims they've been in power for 60 years. I'd imagine that a Nazi-run world or country would look much like Russia rather than North Korea. I mean, the first panel in this world literally contains SIX swastikas, three arm-salutes and two Nazi flags (the eagle and swastika together). Then, just in case you missed that this was Nazi territory, the second panel reinforces that with ANOTHER three swastikas and two more flags symbol (the eagle and swastika). It's a little overkill.
Copy received through Netgalley
~
Army of One, by Tony Lee, Yishan Li, Bryan Valenze
★★★★☆
128 Pages
Themes: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Chosen One, FF Romance, Multiverse
Triggers: assault, violence, kidnap, homophobia, Nazis, mentions of the Cuban Missile crisis
Army of One is an intriguing story wrapped up in gritty but well-done artwork to make a truly interesting graphic novel. It manages to tackle a lot of issues and a fairly well-expanded and well-explored storyline within one volume.
The main plot is about Cassie, a high school student, whose live is suddenly turned upside down. In one day, she experiences instinctive fight skills, the world freezes around her, she sees a person who isn't there, and her high school principal is killed by the Stranger Men, a group of zombie-esque creatures. Suddenly, Cassie is 'rescued' by a group of women who not only look like her, but claim to be her, from various alternative universes.
While that plot could be cheesy, it's really well done. I liked the way the multiverse was explained, the prologue that helped pull it all together, and the fact that we never lost sight of the important plot points. We spend the whole volume not knowing who to trust. We have an unreliable narrator – or rather, two of them, since Brother Havoc and Sister Fortune are both unreliable – and follow a flawed MC who hasn't got the first clue why she's the Chosen One.
The complex plot weaves in multiple versions of Cassie – thankfully all with different names and appearances, so that we can visually keep track of them. But, they also all have their own personalities. Since we visited Ada's world in this book, I imagine we might end up visiting all the alternative worlds throughout the rest of the series?
The volume does end on an almost-cliffhanger, but it's one that fits the story that was told throughout. I'd definitely read the next volume or chapter, and continue the story.
~
Downsides?
I felt the Stranger Men concept was weird and cheesy, with the characters themselves looking like they were the Silence, dragged from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Every time they popped up, it felt like a weird excuse to give the characters a reason to leave the scene.
It took me a little while to become truly engaged with the plot. While I found it interesting from the beginning, it took about a third of the volume for me to become truly invested in what was happening to Cassie.
The trip into an alternative world where the Nazi's won WWII was quite interesting, especially the way it was portrayed, however it all felt a little too “obviously pro-Nazi”. I'm not sure that if they had won WWII, their rule would be quite as totalitarian as it was shown in the comic. This is especially true since the story claims they've been in power for 60 years. I'd imagine that a Nazi-run world or country would look much like Russia rather than North Korea. I mean, the first panel in this world literally contains SIX swastikas, three arm-salutes and two Nazi flags (the eagle and swastika together). Then, just in case you missed that this was Nazi territory, the second panel reinforces that with ANOTHER three swastikas and two more flags symbol (the eagle and swastika). It's a little overkill.
January 20, 2024
Plot:
Like real siblings, Brother Havoc and Sister Fortune are in a never ending battle. That is until Sister Fortune is shattered into shards and spread across different universes. Now the shards, all alternate versions of Carrie, join together to create a Rebellion and bring back Sister Fortune. While this is a battle between Rebellion and those who follow Brother Havoc, it was interesting to see Carrie sway on both sides. The novel just moves incredibly fast, which I love, but it would probably do better with more pages.
Just as a head’s up, there is a plot line where we are in an alternative world where Nazi’s won. It makes sense in a multi-universe, but it’s still there.
The romances were pretty rushed and undeserving. Carrie’s love interest spends more time with someone else, which, if in the future does have a bigger role, then I’d be more interested. I don’t know why a certain femme fatal gets emotional after meeting a Fred from Mystery Inc knockoff.
Characters:
Carrie - The “original” was probably the least interesting as she is more interested in dating and wanting a normal life.
Then we have characters like TR-8 (Trait), Fortitude (Twin sister of Patience), and Ada. Not sure how I feel about them because while they are interesting, it felt like their loyalty was shifting.
Lady C and Tempest – A combat killer pair who is best described as Loki and Sylvie… if you know what I mean.
Art:
Art was pretty good, but nearly every panel had a speech bubble with a bold letter word that didn’t need to be emphasized. Just way too many bold words.
Overall: Thank you to #NetGalley and Oni Press in exchange for an honest review. 3.75/5 Graphic Novel was approximately 130 pages.
Like real siblings, Brother Havoc and Sister Fortune are in a never ending battle. That is until Sister Fortune is shattered into shards and spread across different universes. Now the shards, all alternate versions of Carrie, join together to create a Rebellion and bring back Sister Fortune. While this is a battle between Rebellion and those who follow Brother Havoc, it was interesting to see Carrie sway on both sides. The novel just moves incredibly fast, which I love, but it would probably do better with more pages.
Just as a head’s up, there is a plot line where we are in an alternative world where Nazi’s won. It makes sense in a multi-universe, but it’s still there.
The romances were pretty rushed and undeserving. Carrie’s love interest spends more time with someone else, which, if in the future does have a bigger role, then I’d be more interested. I don’t know why a certain femme fatal gets emotional after meeting a Fred from Mystery Inc knockoff.
Characters:
Carrie - The “original” was probably the least interesting as she is more interested in dating and wanting a normal life.
Then we have characters like TR-8 (Trait), Fortitude (Twin sister of Patience), and Ada. Not sure how I feel about them because while they are interesting, it felt like their loyalty was shifting.
Lady C and Tempest – A combat killer pair who is best described as Loki and Sylvie… if you know what I mean.
Art:
Art was pretty good, but nearly every panel had a speech bubble with a bold letter word that didn’t need to be emphasized. Just way too many bold words.
Overall: Thank you to #NetGalley and Oni Press in exchange for an honest review. 3.75/5 Graphic Novel was approximately 130 pages.
September 16, 2024
My library doesn't have the greatest selection of graphic novels, so when I see something that looks interesting, I tend to snatch it up. This fit the bill, and was pleasantly surprising.
This reminded me a bit of Paper Girls, although we haven't (or haven't yet) starting moving between times--we're moving between universes. Also, instead of four main characters there is one: Carrie Taylor. (Although since there are several multiversal variants of Carrie Taylor, we do still have a Paper Girls-like central group.)
This rather frantically paced story takes place over twenty-four hours (or less) and thoroughly upends Carrie's life: instead of a misfit high school girl worried over her best-friend-sans-crush, and glum over the anniversary of her parents' deaths, she is thrust into a horrifying new reality of ancient sorcerers, alternate universes, several different versions of herself, and being pursued by bald shambling zombie-like creatures. She finds out she is a "shard"--one of several reborn remnants of a sorceress that died centuries ago--or is she? And her beloved grandmother is not really her grandmother, but is perhaps another grown-up "shard" set to watch over her. And Carrie sees the ancient sorceress she supposedly splintered from as a blue ghost following her, and meets the sorceress's brother, who may or may not be her mortal enemy. Also, she gets killed at the end, shot in the head, and is reborn into the brain-dead body of one of her fellow "shards."
This is quite the interesting setup, frankly. The art is bright and vibrant and easy to follow (although the one drawback is that the sorceress Sister Fortune's word balloons are red on black, making them incredibly hard to read). I hadn't heard of this series before, but I'm definitely going to follow it now.
This reminded me a bit of Paper Girls, although we haven't (or haven't yet) starting moving between times--we're moving between universes. Also, instead of four main characters there is one: Carrie Taylor. (Although since there are several multiversal variants of Carrie Taylor, we do still have a Paper Girls-like central group.)
This rather frantically paced story takes place over twenty-four hours (or less) and thoroughly upends Carrie's life: instead of a misfit high school girl worried over her best-friend-sans-crush, and glum over the anniversary of her parents' deaths, she is thrust into a horrifying new reality of ancient sorcerers, alternate universes, several different versions of herself, and being pursued by bald shambling zombie-like creatures. She finds out she is a "shard"--one of several reborn remnants of a sorceress that died centuries ago--or is she? And her beloved grandmother is not really her grandmother, but is perhaps another grown-up "shard" set to watch over her. And Carrie sees the ancient sorceress she supposedly splintered from as a blue ghost following her, and meets the sorceress's brother, who may or may not be her mortal enemy. Also, she gets killed at the end, shot in the head, and is reborn into the brain-dead body of one of her fellow "shards."
This is quite the interesting setup, frankly. The art is bright and vibrant and easy to follow (although the one drawback is that the sorceress Sister Fortune's word balloons are red on black, making them incredibly hard to read). I hadn't heard of this series before, but I'm definitely going to follow it now.
March 16, 2024
Nature vs. nurture is a fairly good explanation of this story. Our protag, Carrie, has just discovered that she’s one in a million. No…wait…not “in.” OF. One OF a million. Across the multiverse, each world has one of her, and they are engaged in a civil war. On one side are Carrie’s new saviors. On the other are the forces of Lord Havoc, her brother from another lifetime. He’s going to rule everything, and to do that, there can be no other claimants to the throne.
Sadly, I just wasn’t feeling this one at all. There’s this grand premise at the beginning, but I didn’t feel connected enough with Lord Havoc and his Sister Fortune to care who won, nor did I feel enough for Carrie to care about her endangerment OR be interested in the plot twists about her past. Everything just feels very flat.
Also, not a fan of exploring a world where the Nazis won so early in the story. A bit like blowing their wad, trying to get interest in a shock setting, rather than with their plot. And, like, it’s also just the IMAGERY of such a society, and not any intellectual thought of what life is like in such a world. It’s like…Nazi wallpaper.
And, look, I don’t have a good transition to go from talking about THAT to my next big complaint, but…
With all the alternate girls that exist, why is every single one of them skinny with a flawless face? There wasn’t a single one who has some chub or who is ACTUALLY scarred in some way by the literal WAR being fought? Like, there’s a few of them who either transitioned or were born male, and THEY have more variation than any of the MANY women we see!
I don’t see myself continuing this series. There’s just no depth, despite having infinite dimensions to delve into.
Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
Sadly, I just wasn’t feeling this one at all. There’s this grand premise at the beginning, but I didn’t feel connected enough with Lord Havoc and his Sister Fortune to care who won, nor did I feel enough for Carrie to care about her endangerment OR be interested in the plot twists about her past. Everything just feels very flat.
Also, not a fan of exploring a world where the Nazis won so early in the story. A bit like blowing their wad, trying to get interest in a shock setting, rather than with their plot. And, like, it’s also just the IMAGERY of such a society, and not any intellectual thought of what life is like in such a world. It’s like…Nazi wallpaper.
And, look, I don’t have a good transition to go from talking about THAT to my next big complaint, but…
With all the alternate girls that exist, why is every single one of them skinny with a flawless face? There wasn’t a single one who has some chub or who is ACTUALLY scarred in some way by the literal WAR being fought? Like, there’s a few of them who either transitioned or were born male, and THEY have more variation than any of the MANY women we see!
I don’t see myself continuing this series. There’s just no depth, despite having infinite dimensions to delve into.
Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
March 5, 2024
(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review)
The art style was great and really fit with the themes and genre of the graphic novel, which just added to the sci-fi atmosphere. The plot itself had a lot of potential but I think it was just a little rushed. The concept is super strong and unique but there was a lot of info dumping as well as a lot of questions left unanswered. I know this is the first volume in the series so lots of the unknowns will get revealed in later volumes, but I feel like the basics of how magic parts work and even the history between the sorcerers should have been developed more in the first volume so that the reader at least has a decent understanding of what is happening.
I liked all the side characters and versions of Carrie and whilst we only got to start to get to know them, it will be interesting to find out more about them all and their own worlds. There was also a bit of a romance but it’s kinda set up before the book started and we never really see much of it or of the love interest. Again, I know it’s only the first volume and there will be more time in the future to dive into the relationship but it would have been nice to have a bit more time at the beginning to properly set up the relationship, as well as getting to know the dynamic between Carrie and her friends/love interest (especially because it turns out that the love interest has a big part to play in the prophecy).
Overall though, it was fun and action-packed with a super unique plot but it could have done with being a little slower-paced and having a bit more depth and development.
The art style was great and really fit with the themes and genre of the graphic novel, which just added to the sci-fi atmosphere. The plot itself had a lot of potential but I think it was just a little rushed. The concept is super strong and unique but there was a lot of info dumping as well as a lot of questions left unanswered. I know this is the first volume in the series so lots of the unknowns will get revealed in later volumes, but I feel like the basics of how magic parts work and even the history between the sorcerers should have been developed more in the first volume so that the reader at least has a decent understanding of what is happening.
I liked all the side characters and versions of Carrie and whilst we only got to start to get to know them, it will be interesting to find out more about them all and their own worlds. There was also a bit of a romance but it’s kinda set up before the book started and we never really see much of it or of the love interest. Again, I know it’s only the first volume and there will be more time in the future to dive into the relationship but it would have been nice to have a bit more time at the beginning to properly set up the relationship, as well as getting to know the dynamic between Carrie and her friends/love interest (especially because it turns out that the love interest has a big part to play in the prophecy).
Overall though, it was fun and action-packed with a super unique plot but it could have done with being a little slower-paced and having a bit more depth and development.
November 30, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
This graphic novel moves along at a breakneck pace, which is both good and bad. Carrie, the protagonist, finds out that she's a Shard. A shard of a famous sorceress called Sister Fortune who died a millennia ago. She meets other shards and finds out the truth about her past, and what awaits her in the future. This plot moves very fast, and at some points a bit too fast. For the most part, the speed is fine. It manages to keep you fully engaged the entire time. But certain plot points are only touched on and then shoved to the side way too quickly. It felt like the plot beat was dropped because the writer got bored of it. I loved the multiverse and how both sides of the conflict are portrayed. The story highlights how a single event can drastically change the world, and shows you how big the fallout of those changes can be. I also enjoyed that while most of the characters are technically the same person, they all felt unique and completely their own characters. Some of the character's designs left a bit to be desired, but in a story where the villain is literally called "Brother Havoc", it's par for the course. I enjoyed the art! The way portals are drawn is so pretty and looks amazing. I'm really looking forward to a second volume!
This graphic novel moves along at a breakneck pace, which is both good and bad. Carrie, the protagonist, finds out that she's a Shard. A shard of a famous sorceress called Sister Fortune who died a millennia ago. She meets other shards and finds out the truth about her past, and what awaits her in the future. This plot moves very fast, and at some points a bit too fast. For the most part, the speed is fine. It manages to keep you fully engaged the entire time. But certain plot points are only touched on and then shoved to the side way too quickly. It felt like the plot beat was dropped because the writer got bored of it. I loved the multiverse and how both sides of the conflict are portrayed. The story highlights how a single event can drastically change the world, and shows you how big the fallout of those changes can be. I also enjoyed that while most of the characters are technically the same person, they all felt unique and completely their own characters. Some of the character's designs left a bit to be desired, but in a story where the villain is literally called "Brother Havoc", it's par for the course. I enjoyed the art! The way portals are drawn is so pretty and looks amazing. I'm really looking forward to a second volume!
February 20, 2024
Thankyou to Netgalley and Oni Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
Army of One follows Carrie as her world is turned upside down by alternate versions of herself, the reincarnated "Shards" of an ancient and powerful being; Sister Fortune. A prophecy foretelling the return of Sister Fortune and the defeat of Brother Havoc propels her forward into a conflict where nothing is as simple as it appears.
Army of One is bursting at the seams with great ideas; alternate realities, shards with different abilities, ancient magical beings, reincarnation... But with all these ideas and so much lore trying to squeeze into a single volume, I felt none of the ideas really came to full fruition. The narrative is interesting, but I found myself still struggling to follow who was who, and what their motivations were for joining a particular side of this conflict. And spending so much time in an alternate reality where the Nazis won World War Two felt a little unoriginal, so much media that features alternate history goes down that road.
The art and design was great, and I especially loved the designs of Sister Fortune and Brother Havoc.
Overall, a fun read, but not one I am in a rush to read the next volume of.
Army of One follows Carrie as her world is turned upside down by alternate versions of herself, the reincarnated "Shards" of an ancient and powerful being; Sister Fortune. A prophecy foretelling the return of Sister Fortune and the defeat of Brother Havoc propels her forward into a conflict where nothing is as simple as it appears.
Army of One is bursting at the seams with great ideas; alternate realities, shards with different abilities, ancient magical beings, reincarnation... But with all these ideas and so much lore trying to squeeze into a single volume, I felt none of the ideas really came to full fruition. The narrative is interesting, but I found myself still struggling to follow who was who, and what their motivations were for joining a particular side of this conflict. And spending so much time in an alternate reality where the Nazis won World War Two felt a little unoriginal, so much media that features alternate history goes down that road.
The art and design was great, and I especially loved the designs of Sister Fortune and Brother Havoc.
Overall, a fun read, but not one I am in a rush to read the next volume of.
November 24, 2023
Omg! Give me the second volume already!!!!
I have never read a comic book so fast and that too in the e-ARC format. I seriously cannot believe I would love it so much!
I like the plot. I love the world building and I believe a lot more is coming up in the upcoming volumes. There are different strong, weak, unlikeable and amazing characters which make the story really interesting and compelling.
Yes, there are some scenes of violence and conflict but I really appreciate that it’s not entirely bloodbath from all the tension and the sophisticated weapons used. You will know how tense the book becomes as you go on reading!
The blurb is exactly what the story is about which I usually do not include in my reviews when what I read and understand is almost similar with what the blurbs describe.
The art work and the dialogue presentation is just perfect and so accessible for all kinds of readers. It’s much better than most of the comics I have read so far.
I love the cover and everything else about this one!
Thank you, Oni Press, for the advance reading copy.
I have never read a comic book so fast and that too in the e-ARC format. I seriously cannot believe I would love it so much!
I like the plot. I love the world building and I believe a lot more is coming up in the upcoming volumes. There are different strong, weak, unlikeable and amazing characters which make the story really interesting and compelling.
Yes, there are some scenes of violence and conflict but I really appreciate that it’s not entirely bloodbath from all the tension and the sophisticated weapons used. You will know how tense the book becomes as you go on reading!
The blurb is exactly what the story is about which I usually do not include in my reviews when what I read and understand is almost similar with what the blurbs describe.
The art work and the dialogue presentation is just perfect and so accessible for all kinds of readers. It’s much better than most of the comics I have read so far.
I love the cover and everything else about this one!
Thank you, Oni Press, for the advance reading copy.
November 19, 2023
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Army of One is a comic series in the vein of Paper Girls- a twisty science fiction adventure with a fun dose of alternate reality hijinks.
Teenager Carrie Taylor is having a normal, if somewhat blah, kinda day when she discovers that she is one of many alternate versions of herself and may be key in the battle between good and evil. Cue the music, start the intro, and sit back and enjoy the story!
Army of One does a good job of introducing a complicated, plot-driven, milieu and a host of characters. Some of the characters are more archetypes than people, but that kind of fits in with the plot. I found the story fun and inventive, with just enough plot twists to keep it interesting. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Army of One is a comic series in the vein of Paper Girls- a twisty science fiction adventure with a fun dose of alternate reality hijinks.
Teenager Carrie Taylor is having a normal, if somewhat blah, kinda day when she discovers that she is one of many alternate versions of herself and may be key in the battle between good and evil. Cue the music, start the intro, and sit back and enjoy the story!
Army of One does a good job of introducing a complicated, plot-driven, milieu and a host of characters. Some of the characters are more archetypes than people, but that kind of fits in with the plot. I found the story fun and inventive, with just enough plot twists to keep it interesting. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
December 27, 2023
This graphic novel drew me in with its cast of very cool characters. It was fast-paced and mostly kept me engaged until the vey end.
Despite the fact that it’s a short read, I felt the main characters were the strongest point of the book, they have very different personalities and complement each other well. The plot itself didn’t always flow very well, and the different subplots were sometimes a bit frustrating to follow, making it hard to connect with some secondary characters because we didn’t have enough time to get to know them.
It felt like a very YA graphic novel, almost marvel-esque with the multiverse that we explore alongside Cassie.
I am not sure I would continue with the second book, but the art style might push me to take a look at it.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
Despite the fact that it’s a short read, I felt the main characters were the strongest point of the book, they have very different personalities and complement each other well. The plot itself didn’t always flow very well, and the different subplots were sometimes a bit frustrating to follow, making it hard to connect with some secondary characters because we didn’t have enough time to get to know them.
It felt like a very YA graphic novel, almost marvel-esque with the multiverse that we explore alongside Cassie.
I am not sure I would continue with the second book, but the art style might push me to take a look at it.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
January 24, 2024
I really got the Paper Girls feeling, but it differs from that series in that I could feel the progress towards the goal from the first volume. We get alternate worlds here too, but in addition to that, time manipulation plays a big part. It can get a bit bloody in places and the ending is a bit chaotic, but there's plenty of potential in the badass ladies. I really liked the style of the main character, Carrie, whose inner monologues and commentaries are very funny. I also found the basic premise quite intriguing (if you don't want to know about it, don't read the blurb), and I'm very curious to see where the plot will go. The main villain is suitably subtle and for him the end justifies the means.
February 8, 2024
Army of One es uno de esas novelas gráficas donde comienzo leyendo y no entiendo absolutamente NADA y luego poco a poco se va armando el rompecabezas.
La historia en general me pareció interesante, tiene idas y vueltas y eso hace que uno quiera seguir leyendo porque claramente tenes más dudas que respuestas. Los plot twist que tiene me parecieron copados y que estaban bien enlazados con la trama y con la manera en que se iba contando la historia.
Más alla de eso, sentí tambien que no había gran conexión entre las protagonistas, me hubiera gustado ver un poco más de relación entre ellas, pero supongo que esto se irá desarrollando en el proximo tomo.
Gracias Oni Press por el ARC que leí en NetGalley a cambio de una reseña honesta.
La historia en general me pareció interesante, tiene idas y vueltas y eso hace que uno quiera seguir leyendo porque claramente tenes más dudas que respuestas. Los plot twist que tiene me parecieron copados y que estaban bien enlazados con la trama y con la manera en que se iba contando la historia.
Más alla de eso, sentí tambien que no había gran conexión entre las protagonistas, me hubiera gustado ver un poco más de relación entre ellas, pero supongo que esto se irá desarrollando en el proximo tomo.
Gracias Oni Press por el ARC que leí en NetGalley a cambio de una reseña honesta.
March 4, 2024
Army of One Vol. 1 introduces us to Carrie, caught up in a whirlwind of alternate realities and ancient prophecies as she discovers she's a Shard of Sister Fortune. The plot is a labyrinth of intriguing concepts like time manipulation and parallel universes, woven with Carrie's sharp wit. Despite its rapid pace and dipping into alternate history, the story's heart lies in the unique identities and struggles of the Shards. The artwork shines, particularly in its portrayal of otherworldly elements, setting a vibrant backdrop for this complex tale. While navigating its quickly paced but dense plot can be a bit of a scramble, Carrie's journey and the moral dilemmas it presents keep you hooked, making this first volume a promising start to an ambitious series.
June 16, 2024
Extra points for a certain amount of ambiguity in just how evil Brother Havoc actually is. The character kind of makes me think of Logan from Fable 3, as dated of a reference as that is. That aside, all of the characters feel really flat. None of them had enough personality to make me feel any attachment towards them. I get that it was a challenge to design a bunch of characters who all have exactly the same face as a plot point but still remain distinct, but not every character design was a smart one. I'm thinking particularly of the Lady C character, someone who goes into battle in a backless red gown with a thigh high slit and heels. Why? Every single time she launched herself into action, I could only think how much better she'd be able to fight in just about anything else.
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