At the beginning of the 1900s, 1/6th of the world s wealth vacationed in and around the tiny Georgia island of Jekyll. Captains of Industry like Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Carnegie all called the Jekyll area home. Using this place of grandeur and elegance as a backdrop, an alternate history is explored between the World Wars. A time of great social, political, and technological upheaval. A time of ingenuity and anarchy. A time for some of the most brilliant, and horrible, minds of the 20th century to confront each other. And a time of great new heroes and fantastic new machines. The Jekyll Island Chronicles: A Machine Age War is the first in a series of graphic novels. Part historical fact, part clockwork, and part diesel punk, they span an age of furious advancement in machine technology while exploring the span of man s soul whether evil or good."
Quite promising tale that takes place after World War I when Woodrow Wilson is trying to create the League of Nations. A new criminal organization that is trying to destabilize the world is rising up and Pres. Wilson gathers the Titans of Industry of the era to battle this new threat. From there a team of new pulp heroes arise. The author does a great job of mixing real historical figures in with his own creations. Can't wait to read the next volume.
'The Jekyll Island Chronicles, Vol. 1: A Machine Age War' by Steve Nedvidek, Ed Crowell, Jack Lowe and Moses Nester is an attempt to create a new superhero team that seems a bit more rooted in history. Mostly it works, once the story gets going.
I went into this story without reading anything about it first. The story takes place in the early years of the 20th century in the United States, and features many historical people that called Jekyll Island home. There are rich captains of industry like Vanderbilt, Morgan and Rockefeller. There are also famous inventors like Ford and Tesla. Woodrow Wilson is also featured.
The idea is to create a team to fight off the great evil in the world. They do this by creating an odd team of superheroes to fight. One is a man who has lost his legs, but they get replaced by an odd pair of mechanical legs that help him jump and fight. Another is a woman who uses electricity as a weapon.
It takes a while to set this all up, so at first, I didn't know if this was some kind of historical non-fiction story or something different. Once the supers show up, it gets less dry. The art is fine for the story, and the concept works well enough. It feels like it can't decide if it wants to be rooted in our reality or some kind of clockwork alternate reality. It borders on both, but I wish they had just gone all out and established the clockwork age a bit more strongly. I liked the history aspects as well as the concept of the new superheroes. I feel like this could develop into something more interesting down the road.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Top Shelf Productions, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
I received a free copy of The Jekyll Island Chronicles Book 1: A Machine Age War for my honest opinion.
The Jekyll Island Chronicles Book 1: A Machine Age War (I will just call it A Machine Age War from this point as that is a long title!) is a graphic novel set in 1918. Even though it is called A Machine Age War, it is not in the way that it would be a machine war nowadays (like with drones). By 'machine', it means enhancements to individuals to harness
I am trying to figure out what the point of the story was. I mean I know what the point was, but it just not seem like the point that they were trying to get across. What I took from it is that some of the best heroes are the ones that you would not expect, like that random person that you saw the other day.
For me it jumped around too much. It did not have a logical flow, even though it was written to follow consecutive days. It was only once I had finished reading this graphic novel that I had a vague idea of what was meant to have happened.
I was not a great fan of the art style used in A Machine Age War either. It just seemed to heavy handed and, along with the narrative, made jumps that I had to go and reread to understand what had happened.
Overall I wish that both the art style and the story were easier for me to understand and appreciate what was going on.
Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
On the surface, this reminded me of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. It is set during a historic time period, just after World War I, and there are steampunk elements. It uses historic figures rather than literary characters as some of the major characters and most of the events take place in America instead of England though.
Woodrow Wilson, the president of the United States at the time, feels that there is a growing threat to America and approaches the leading businessmen in the country to help combat it. Using their resources, they gather together a group of unique individuals to help inspire and lead the country against this threat. Meanwhile, terrorist attacks break out in Europe and America.
I enjoyed reading about the exploits of these characters. The book itself felt like a breath of fresh air compared to some of the superhero books I've been reading lately. The characters could use some more depth, although what is presented here is perfectly fine. I would like to see their motivations developed more in future books.
The illustrations reinforce the themes the creators develop. They begin as fairly mundane, but easily take on the characteristics of this alternate history. There are some truly fantastic images as the book goes on. I am interested in reading more of the Jekyll Island Chronicles.
* 3 and a half stars.* enjoyed this more than I expected. The artwork while odd at times, was pleasing to the eye. The story was rich and embedded in history. Overall I enjoyed reading this.
I Received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley.com and the publisher.
A 3.5 really, but we'll round up for good measure.
This is a really interesting concept that I'm still unsure if it was executed well. I like it, don't LOVE it, but I think I'll continue with the next one. This one is local to me- I'm not far from Jekyll Island and go there very often, so the idea of a graphic novel based around the island and its history is pretty cool. I love the inclusion of historical figures, appreciate the historical buildings, and am a fan of the new heroes. I really liked the clean art style- I think it meshed well with the time period and American hero/good vs evil wartime vibe.
It's not that it isn't written well or that there is some negative thing I can pinpoint here, there just seems to be something missing or something that's not QUITE there to get it up on my love list. It's almost middle of the road for me, but I still did enjoy it enough to keep reading and hopefully as the series progresses it will grow on me.
Disclosure: The reviewer received a review copy of this book via Netgalley.
I was intrigued by this alternate history dieselpunk adventure. The idea of pitting the resources of the uber-wealthy members of the Jeckyll Island Club against a cabal of anarchists during the Interwar Period seemed interesting. Unfortunately, this volume did not deliver.
The book has an extremely thin plot. For some odd reason, the progressive President Woodrow Wilson–who has the enormous resources of an army that has not yet fully demobilized–must beg the wealthy industrial robber barons–who he had historically been at odds with–for help combating a secret group of international anarchists. So, while the inefficient federal government is mired in its Byzantine politics, it is up to the righteous forces of American Industry to save the day. It's like the Koch Brothers decided to make a comic book.
Spurred to action by Andrew Carnegie, the Jeckyll Island Club members put together a team of superheroes who are augmented with the day's latest technology. This team responds to the various threats from the Zeno organization, a stereotypical evil terrorist group that is sowing anarchy so that they may grab the reigns of monarchical power.
This is a graphic novel, and great artwork can make up for many story faults. Being a dieselpunk tale set at the end of the Gilded Age, I was expecting spectacular set pieces with bright colors and detailed line art that would transport me into that world. Unfortunately, the art disappointed. There were views of airships, locomotives, and castles; but none had the clear detail or expansive views that would dazzle the reader.
Verdict: The book comes across as a parable of Randian Capitalism and American Exceptionalism thinly disguised as an adventure story. Very thinly. The story and artwork failed to excite.
This graphic novel totally surpassed my expectation. The history geek in me went crazy with all the famous faces and places. Andrew Carnegie, Woodrow Wilson, Henry Ford, Nikola Tesla. It was kind of thrilling. A really wild ride of post-WW1 alternate history. But the big wigs of the era, while present, were not the stars. Not for me. That acclaim goes to Helen Huxley, Peter Karovik & Solomon Taylor. Usually the unsung heroes, especially in the era in which this is set, they shined like mad! A strong and courageous woman, a brave and kind immigrant, and a beyond brilliant student from the Tuskegee Institute. Busting down all the prejudice and ignorance and stereotypes. I swear my heart was going to explode as I read this.
And then there is the artwork! The art, coloring, panel layout...everything...It was so phenomenal. I learned at the end that this graphic novel was actually made possible through Kick Starter funding. So huge thanks to all the people who heard about and believed in the project! And another thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and so thoroughly enjoy it!
If you are familiar with the history and people of the post-WWI era, or have a particular interest in steampunk set in a historical context, I imagine you might love The Jekyll Island Chronicles!
I was a little confused about who's who in the beginning, but once the story got moving, I got pulled in and invested. I could definitely enjoy it, but I have a feeling that those who are more into this time period might really appreciate the nuances and choices made by the authors.
I have mad respect for originality and this book feels like it might be tapping into something fresh and special. Without being really familiar with the steampunk genre, I can't say for sure. But it's worth checking out if this *is* your thing.
I plan to check out the next book in the series. I hope we learn more of the backstory for Miss Huxley and Mr. Taylor, as I suspect they both have extraordinary stories to tell.
Thank you to NetGalley and Top Shelf for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This first book in The Jekyll Island Chronicles was an interesting take on the world and the politics of 1919. Add in some steampunk and some beautiful illustrations of famous landmarks and I was quite happy with it. I will definitely be picking the next book in the series when it's released.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The two volumes of The Jekyll Island Chronicles follow the interactions and machinations between the first world nations reeling from the aftermath of World War One. The world’s top leadership are working (and not working) together against a shadowy cabal of villains bent on destroying the world in order to rebuild it as they see fit. Think James Bond’s Spectre…but just after World War One. The Jekyll Island Chronicles series is the brainchild of creators Steve Nedvidek, Ed Crowell and Jack Lowe.
Among the three, they’ve obtained a degree in theater, experience in radio and television, degrees in political science and international affairs and experience in filmmaking. These previous accomplishments serve as a great strength. It’s obvious that the writers are very excited about the time period and the Machiavellian manipulations at the state level that make up the meat and potatoes of the story. The creators’ love for this niche creates a very detailed world filled with political intrigue and global machinations. The steampunk technology is a fun addition that sets the book apart from the usual genre fare.
The writer’s love for this niche is also the book’s greatest weakness. While they love the subject matter, it can be very dry. If the reader isn’t already very interested in the subject matter, it does little to bring them in. It often feels like a play, each set piece is set in a rather static environment, in which the characters sit and deliver lines. While the bad guys feel like Spectre, the story isn’t about James Bond, it’s about the people who tell James Bond what to do. This is all the boardroom meetings that spy organizations must have, it’s all the parts that a James Bond story would skip in order to get to more exciting set pieces and action sequences.
J. Moses Nester and S. J. Miller are the art team for both volumes, with Nester handling the lines and Miller handling the color. Nester has a love of mechanical props that really ratchets up the credibility of the world. The structures and machinery almost steal the show over the figures, which can be a bit wonky at times. Miller creates some interesting textures and highlight Nester’s work well but can come across as rushed in some areas. The art serves the story well and book definitely appeals to fans of the genre.
At this past Comic-Con I saw actors dressed as the ensemble of characters and was intrigued.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. Very slow and labored in the setup. I picked it up and had to come back to it several times. The art soars in places and seems under drawn and confusing especially later on. Sometimes I had to examine a panel several times to try to figure out what was happening.
Lots of historical Easter Eggs that were fun to discover. That stated, from everything we know about robber barons like Rockefeller and Carnegie, they were pretty ruthless. More disturbing, Woodrow Wilson's presidency and tenure as the head of Princeton are also receiving reappraisal for his overtly racist views (“The white men were roused by a mere instinct of self-preservation—until at last there had sprung into existence a great Ku Klux Klan, a veritable empire of the South, to protect the Southern country.”), slow-playing of the women's suffrage movement (he supported a woman's right to vote at the state level but wouldn't back a constitutional amendment), so it's bizarre to see such figures as unambiguous good guys fighting the forces of evil. More likely they would have been making backroom deals with them.
Reminded me of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and the Rocketeer but with characters and action not as finely drawn (pun intended).
WOW!!! I just finished this graphic novel, and my first impression is positive regarding each facet of this story. Involving American historical figures, both real and fictional, the authors create an alternate history where these figures must band together to fight a mysterious threat coming out of Europe immediately after WWI. This threat, known as Zeno, is a collective of anarchists bent on causing destruction in the United States. What the ultimate plan is, I know not yet. My guess is total domination, but I'll have to find out in the next installment. A super cool graphic novel, with an awesome storyline, relatable heroes, and lots of action!!
So I won this one month and it was amazing! (From the website) Subscribe for updates on the next volume! Every month we choose one subscriber to give away a FREE digital copy of Jekyll Island Chronicles! Here’s s the website if anyone is interested:) https://jekyllislandchronicles.com
Here’s my review:)
The story takes a little bit to set up but, when the action starts rolling it doesn’t stop, featuring hardcore villains, amazing heroes, heroines, and beautiful art this story left me wanting more ! Cant wait to read the next one :)
3.5 rating. I was looking for a graphic novel for my son and was drawn to this book because I love Jekyll Island. I enjoyed the references to the island and thought the story overall was good. If comic books and graphic novels are a style you enjoy, I think you'll really like it. It's a trilogy, and I have book 2 arriving tomorrow (I got book 3, not realizing it was a trilogy). I gave it the rating I did just because it isn't my preferred genre. I passed it on to my son and challenged him to read it during Christmas break from school.
Diesel punk (Post World War I) graphic novel based loosely on some historical events, including anarchist uprisings. Some of the characters are real people,e.g., President Woodrow Wilson, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, Tesla, GW Carver to name a few. I especially loved the key role played by Andrew Carnegie, given that I grew up in Western Pa. The author’s took some liberty with his lifespan but that’s ok. Looking forward to the sequel.
JIC has done what everyone has been asking for years! They have made history fun and delivered one of the best book mediums / graphic novels I have seen in a decade. WOW!! The writers, artist and storytelling take the reader to a far away imaginary world, and before you know it...you realize it is real. History comes alive and the team at JIC crushed it!! 5 Stars to everyone involved!!!
Really beautiful graphic novel with an interesting take on history that might have been. There was a lot of set up to get to the meat of the story and then a quick resolve. But I suppose there is a lot of set up needed for the chronicles to deal with. It is well worth a read.
This alternate history graphic novel was well illustrated but the plotting was a little bumpy and the characters were sometimes hard to keep straight. A “cast of characters” might be helpful. But I did like this fictional, steam-punk-y tale. A good purchase for the library if we are looking.
As a history nerd. This is amazing. However it is slow to start. But once it gets moving it’s phenomenal. The cast is great and it’s very cleverly written.
Steampunk Superheroes. What's not to like? Structure and/or exposition maybe could have been better, but overall, I really enjoyed reading this. Looking forward to reading the sequels.