Copra: Compendio Uno

Copra #1-3

by Michel Fiffe

This book collects issues #1-3 of Copra for the first time anywhere.

It tells the story of a group of super powered 'throwaways' on a dangerous, even deadly, mission. The story purposefully and openly homages and riffs on the classic Suicide Squad comics from DC, while utilizing sharp dialog and creative line work.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Michel Fiffe is the creator of the action series COPRA, published by Bergen Street Press, and the intimately surreal Zegas, collected by Fantagraphics. He's worked with Marvel, Valiant, and BOOM! and continues to serialize COPRA when he's not writing massive essays on comics of note. Fiffe has produced Bloodstrike: Brutalists (Image Comics) and G.I. Joe: Sierra Muerte (IDW) in their entirety and has recently launched a new title, Negativeland.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't much I can add to Jeppe Mulich's stellar review of the book. Elevator pitch is Suicide Squad vs. the Brotherhood of Dada from Morrison's Doom Patrol. Homage-y but still a stunningly original work.
The art is kinetic and imaginative; the colors largely muted but effective. Characters' histories are alluded to in conversation, giving them added dimensions. Surprises abound; no one is safe.

A bit pricy for 72 pages, but those pages are absolutely packed with Fiffe's imaginative storytelling. Compendia Two and Three are also fantastic reads, and Fiffe continues turning 'em out, to my eternal happiness.

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

COPRA is a fascinating indie superhero book. It reminds me a lot of Secret Six, but with a lot of the absurdity of Scud the Disposable Assassin. Fife does a great job experimenting with odd artistic tricks to help with the storytelling. Some of the things he does works better than others, but the end effect is interesting and a lot of fun. The story is interesting enough, but nothing you haven't seen in late-80s superhero books; and a little nostalgic at that. The craftsmanship of the book itself bears mentioning as well with the hand lettering, the coloring that looks like a lot of it was done with colored pencils and the heavy weight of the paper used for printing the book. Everything comes together in this production very nicely.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful art, playful, experimental, violent... Colored pencils? Sweet. Nice scratchy brushwork. Sadly, the story is pretty thin and the characters are flat. It feels like that will change as the story evolves, but I'm 12 issues and one year into the story so far and I couldn't tell you why most of the characters do what they do. But, GOD!, the crazy wonderful art!

[Cabezas · Rating 5 out of 5]

COPRA es un cómic fresco que usa elementos añejos. El Escuadrón Suicida, El Doctor Extraño, Robot de Invencible… Conceptos metidos en una batidora, talento y frescura. O, dicho de otra forma, cómo hacer una salsa ligera de verano con brandy, mostaza de Dijon y queso muy curado.


Continúa en nuestra web: http://www.cabezascortadas.com/copra-...

[Terry Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew nothing if the book, nor the author before picking it up at a trade show.

Moreover, I had no idea whether this was an acclaimed series before starting.

And while it was tough adapting to Fiffe's storytelling (and art), once that series gets, it is quite unlike anything out there right now.

Equal parts referential homage & gentle satire, the story moves nimbly from threat to threat, and the action sequences are nothing short of chaotic and delirious.

While the plot is far from groundbreaking, it is nonetheless quick and easy fun, and has me hooked already.

[TJ Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't get the super high ratings on this. Maybe I'm missing something?

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second readthrough and yo, Count Compota? That's my dude, my most favorite dude..... I sure hope nothing happens to him.... i.e. becoming evil............. uh oh!! countie!!!!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. It's all those eighties comics wrapped up into one with a little touch of early nineties vertigo to make it just right. Chef's kiss right. This one goes all the way up to 11.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic artwork and layouts, art reminiscent of Jeff Lemire and Matt Kindt. Unique and raw, yet truly beautiful. Love some of the character designs, whacked out and kirbeyesque. Fun stuff.

[Nomad nimrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking forward to reading second part.