Black Pearl

by Eric Johnson, H.M. Baker (Illustrator), Eric Johnson

Mark Hamill's The Black Pearl was all over the news during the release of the Star Wars Special Edition trilogy, causing fans to hunt for the sold-out series. Now the entire story is available in one package, "remastered" to make it appropriate for all ages. The Black Pearl explores the differences between reporting the news . . . and creating it.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels

117 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 1997

Reviews

[Jake Kilroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reads like an old pulp comic that takes place in the '90s. It seems accidental, almost. The entire narrative bounces with the change in pop culture that America saw during Clinton. The strange moves toward altered reality shows, the consumerism as a religion angle, the shock jock has high-power influencer, all that. In the '90s, America became seriously larger than life. There was so much money in so many hands, and everything went through the roof. We wanted more. In all instances, we wanted all of it. So here's a campy story about a loner weirdo who kind of becomes a hero. It's been told many times since then, but it's done so earnestly here.

[J Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a novelty item. The artwork is pretty good, but the writing - by Mark Hamill - is hurried and has quite a few rather large plot holes. The whole thing is probably worth the 30-60 minutes it takes to read it and, if you enjoyed The Dark Knight or Watchmen comics, you may find it to be good.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very unconventional story.After reading the first issue and knowing it was a 5 issue limted series i didnt know if everything would come together but it certainly did.Both the story and the artwork were excellent.A little racy in spots but i thoroughly enjoyed it.Have to credit my step son Tommy for getting it for me for my birthday.As soon as he found out Mark Hamill created it he made up his mind i had to have it.Love that young man.

[Sandy Lender · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing storyline in a quick graphic novel...but...the cliche characters and preponderance of big-busted "ladies of the night" knocks at least one whole star off the rating for me...
I did like the "mystery" behind whether The Black Pearl would turn out to be a good guy or a bad guy...or a little of both...

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ambitious and interesting book with some solid insights into media exploitation, although the characters are thin, the pacing choppy, and the art weak. Good high concept, mediocre execution.

[Kamil Henri · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/10

[Gonzalo Oyanedel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tributaria de Watchmen y adelantada a la más vendedora Kick Ass, esta aproximación temprana y muy poco conocida al vigilante enmascarado en clave hiperrealista suma puntos gracias a un muy buen guión y personajes tridimensionales, no faltando los dardos contra la indolencia policial o el mercantilismo mediático. Quizás un mejor dibujante habría ayudado a generar más impacto.