Metropol

Ted McKeever Library #3

by Ted McKeever

From one of the most critically acclaimed graphic novelists or our time, Ted McKeever, comes Metropol, an epic tale of good versus evil, set against a modern day industrial landscape. An apocalyptic work in which non-entity Jasper Notochord becomes inadvertently involved in a surreal war between armored angels and mutated demons. This volume features all 12 issues of Metropol, the 3-issue epilogue Metropol A.D., all the original covers, plus unused art, and a slew of extras, all collected under one cover for the first time

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction

483 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Theodore Paul McKeever is an American artist known for his work in several comic book companies. McKeever has written and also fully painted many comics. He is known for his distinct graphic style.

Reviews

[Drew Canole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really love the story - it's a bit bizarre and confusing. But some great artwork here and there. I like McKeever's very stylized artwork.

There's a hidden Mike Mignola story in this! I had no clue. He draws a short story (maybe 30 pages?) with giant robots and crazy monsters. It's fantastic.

[Mike Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had skipped over Ted McKeever when his work was coming out. I regretted this later in life but was rewarded by comixology offering his complete works.
Now, I am reading them in reverse order, which turns out to be a mistake.

I really enjoyed metropol. It was smart, entertaining, and thoughtful. His art is quirky and interesting.
The end was less than an end which is my only complaint. The story felt like an epic journey. McKeever handles scope well.

[Derek Royal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrative seemed to evolve through the telling, shifting as it progressed. Maybe I'm wrong, but the series seemed to change over time, as if McKeever was unsure of himself at first. Interesting, though.

[Internet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great artwork and interesting continuity with Transit and Eddy Current, but like everything else I've read from McKeever, it's strangely unfulfilling. The big ideas are pretty exciting in theory, but he doesn't seem to know how to bring them together into a satisfying, meaningful narrative.

[Jonathan D McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take

I think the artists style would do better coloured as in black 'n white some of the panels don't work for me. It's a great energetic, frantic style but the clarity drops otherwise it's five stars. I always thought the biblical prophecies sounded like a comic book

[Michael McKeever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and bizarre, memorable artwork

[Mike M · Rating 4 out of 5]

WEIRD STUFF!

[Bryan Worra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ted McKeever has one of the most distinctive styles among graphic novelists today.

It would seem the powers that be at the major comics publishers are comfortable using him only for one-shots or short mini-series. But from 1991-1994 he was given free reign to present his dark, humorous, kafkaesque vision of the apocalypse. During its original run it took a few issues before it became clear this was tied in to his early works, Eddy Current and Transit.

In 2009, he released the collected edition of this series with a number of extras. It's presented in black and white, providing a great look at McKeever's distinctive inking. The original coloring for Metropol really helped set the alien tone of the work, to the point that I would almost argue the color itself is a character within this story. Still, this is ultimately only a minor issue.

You really either love or hate McKeever's writing style, which gravitates towards at least three poles: There's an ethereal, surreal dream-like tempo to much of the work, and there's his own cryptic mythology of interconnected characters and settings. The third is his nods to the Book of Revelations, which can get a little heavy-handed. But overall, despite occasional bumps, he brings you into a very engaging story that ends far too quickly.

[Ruz El · Rating 3 out of 5]

The confusing bits of "Transit" and "Eddy Current" come into fruition here, and it makes for an incredibly satisfying and thought provoking read. I'm going to be revisiting all three of these now that I have a better understanding of where the story goes.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best of the 3 volumes, as McKeever seems way more comfortable and confident as a writer and artist. More coherent plotting and some universe building here are additional perks.