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1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad, Vol. 1 #0-13 (2008-2010) #v1
1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad, Vol. 1: Eyes of Fire
The fantastic tales of adventures from 1001 Arabian Nights have entertained and enchanted audiences for hundreds of years. Now Zenescope brings you a bold reinterpretation of these classic tales. Sinbad journeys to a strange volcanic island in search of the first piece of the mysterious Jerichos visor. But the sexy and seductive witch, Queen Alorana, has other plans in mind for Sinbad and his crew.
collects issues 0 thru 6 all 6 issues written by Dan Wickline with pencils by the 7 different artists.
168 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
About the author
Dan Wickline
185 books24 followersDan Wickline is a writer/photographer/bassist living in Los Angeles, CA. In comics he has written for the 30 Days of Night and Grimm Fairy Tales franchises as well as the on-going ShadowHawk and 1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad. He's also written prose for characters such as The Phantom, The Green Hornet and his own creation Lucius Fogg. As a photographer, Dan has been featured in numerous gallery shows as well as a collection of his black & white work published under the title Private Skin. Dan had a brief moment in the Hollywood spotlight playing a corpse on the hit series Dexter, but now spends his spare time as the bassist for the newly formed metal band Murder Most Foul. Dan is happily married to his lovely wife Debbie, who has an amazing capacity to put up with the insanity that is his life.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 10, 2013
“It was the time of Sinbad.”
Sinbad is the stuff of legend. In his day, Sinbad the sailor roamed the seas east of Africa and south of Asia. He visited magical places. He escaped legendary beasts. He loved the world’s most lovely women. He defeated horrific monsters. And he definitely – definitely – had his share of adventures with elements of the supernatural.
All of these traits take center stage in Zenescope Entertainment’s latest Sinbad tale, THE EYES OF FIRE.
(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of characters and plot. If you’re the kind of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last paragraph for my final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
Where do I begin?
THE EYES OF FIRE is a classically structured Sinbad story. It starts out with a voyage into adventure; the crew surmounts several obstacles in undertaking the challenge; and it all ends up back on the boat, heading out to sea for the next exciting activity. On that front, FIRE delivers exactly what it promised – a thrilling escapade with some merry swashbucklers hell-bent on reaping the spoils of their journey. Sinbad’s crew is made up from an assortment of characters – a demon, a strong-man, a blind ‘seer,’ a young warrior, a fair maiden skilled in the dark arts, and a cook who can only speak a few words. As is customary in stories of this nature, they all have a role to fill – a particular function that’s uniquely their own in this crew – and they’re each given something they need accomplish in order for Sinbad to inevitably be successful.
But scribe Dan Wickline doesn’t stop there!
Wickline sprinkles the rest of FIRE with an assortment of interesting characters – a sorcerer in command of an island paradise, her royal guard, and a grand wizard whose power originates from the element of fire. There’s plenty here to keep a reader occupied – men of muscle, voluptuous women, maidens of fire, a volcano threatening to erupt – and the main story is greatly served by Wickline’s command of this world.
Still, there was something a touch amiss in this first volume of Sinbad’s adventures, and, while I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, I’d have to say that I wasn’t all that enamored with our dramatic lead himself. This Sinbad appears to have the general bulk of today’s professional wrestlers, and his expressions – especially when he’s leering at a lovely lady – just doesn’t quite look socially acceptable. Granted, these were different times – as the opening proclaims, “It was the time of Sinbad” – but I still don’t like cheering for a hero who so openly leers at women. Maybe that’s just me being an old fuddy-duddy because I am rather old; I’ve been called a bit ‘fuddy’; and I’ve no doubt I may be more than fifty shades ‘duddy.’ Sinbad’s behavior didn’t put me off so much that I tossed the tale aside. I guess it’s just that, despite that reality of his swashbuckling, I’d rather have him behave a bit more ‘cowboy’ when it comes to treating women with respect. (In fact, one of his early speeches in the first chapter addresses how women should be treated, so maybe that’s why I was so taken back when he behaves so disproportionately later on in the same collection.)
However, I’m not entirely sure what happened somewhere along the way because the look of the comic changes fairly dramatically over the course of these seven parts (issues #0 - #6). The comic industry can be notorious for turnover – that’s not to say anyone was fired, just that perhaps they moved on to other properties – and, clearly, this tale opens with one group of artists while it closes with another. For my tastes, I prefer how the tale ended up (bolder colors, not so many sinewy lines on Sinbad and the many characters). Some of the earlier artwork seemed overly detailed to the point of ridiculousness; thankfully, a new crew toned it down a bit. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the storytelling changed a bit in the final two issues as things happened a bit more quickly (and maybe a bit recklessly?) as it doesn’t quite end up with the same attention to detail that it all began.
Who knows where it’ll all head? Well, Sinbad and his crew are back aboard his ship, and they’re sailing the high seas … so, undoubtedly, wherever they end up, I suspect there will be an all-new exploit.
1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS: THE ADVENTURES OF SINBAD: THE EYES OF FIRE is published by Zenescope Entertainment. The story is written by Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, and Dan Wickline (though Wickline’s name appears prominently as the only scribe from the cover); the art is provided by Gus Vasquez (Issue 0), Paolo Pantalena (Issue 1, 2), Tone Rodriguez (Issue 3), Ron Adrian (Issue 4), Eduardo Ferigato (Issue 5), Rod Pereira (Issue 6), and Alexandre Benhossi (Issue 6); the coloring is provided by Garry Henderson (Issue 0) and Nei Ruffino (Issue 1, 3), Kieran Oats (Issue 2, 4) and Zac Atkinson (Issue 4, 5, 6); and lettering is provided by Alphabet Soup’s Jim Reddington (Issue 0, 1) and Alphabet Soup’s Michael de Lepine (Issue 2, 3) and Crank! (Issue 4, 5, 6). Also, there’s a brief but brilliant introduction provided by popular comics writer Brian Holguin; it kinda/sorta helps set the perspective for Sinbad, where he comes from, and his role in pop culture. Lastly, there’s an expansive cover gallery, and it’s clear Zenescope issued many variations on artwork for these seven collected issues. Some very nice work, indeed.
RECOMMENDED. As a wee lad, I can remember marveling to the adventures of the legendary Sinbad – what is it with thieves that make them so entertaining to watch? – and, thankfully, Zenescope Entertainment’s 1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS: THE ADVENTURES OF SINBAD: THE EYES OF FIRE is a solid read. While there are elements of his characterization I didn’t much care for, scribe Dan Wickline weaves a tale at once magical and, at other times, treacherous. The dramatic change in art styles put me off a bit, and the ending felt a bit rushed compared to what came before, but that’s a minor setback to an otherwise inspired look back into the days of magic, mayhem, and mystery!
Sinbad is the stuff of legend. In his day, Sinbad the sailor roamed the seas east of Africa and south of Asia. He visited magical places. He escaped legendary beasts. He loved the world’s most lovely women. He defeated horrific monsters. And he definitely – definitely – had his share of adventures with elements of the supernatural.
All of these traits take center stage in Zenescope Entertainment’s latest Sinbad tale, THE EYES OF FIRE.
(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of characters and plot. If you’re the kind of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last paragraph for my final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
Where do I begin?
THE EYES OF FIRE is a classically structured Sinbad story. It starts out with a voyage into adventure; the crew surmounts several obstacles in undertaking the challenge; and it all ends up back on the boat, heading out to sea for the next exciting activity. On that front, FIRE delivers exactly what it promised – a thrilling escapade with some merry swashbucklers hell-bent on reaping the spoils of their journey. Sinbad’s crew is made up from an assortment of characters – a demon, a strong-man, a blind ‘seer,’ a young warrior, a fair maiden skilled in the dark arts, and a cook who can only speak a few words. As is customary in stories of this nature, they all have a role to fill – a particular function that’s uniquely their own in this crew – and they’re each given something they need accomplish in order for Sinbad to inevitably be successful.
But scribe Dan Wickline doesn’t stop there!
Wickline sprinkles the rest of FIRE with an assortment of interesting characters – a sorcerer in command of an island paradise, her royal guard, and a grand wizard whose power originates from the element of fire. There’s plenty here to keep a reader occupied – men of muscle, voluptuous women, maidens of fire, a volcano threatening to erupt – and the main story is greatly served by Wickline’s command of this world.
Still, there was something a touch amiss in this first volume of Sinbad’s adventures, and, while I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, I’d have to say that I wasn’t all that enamored with our dramatic lead himself. This Sinbad appears to have the general bulk of today’s professional wrestlers, and his expressions – especially when he’s leering at a lovely lady – just doesn’t quite look socially acceptable. Granted, these were different times – as the opening proclaims, “It was the time of Sinbad” – but I still don’t like cheering for a hero who so openly leers at women. Maybe that’s just me being an old fuddy-duddy because I am rather old; I’ve been called a bit ‘fuddy’; and I’ve no doubt I may be more than fifty shades ‘duddy.’ Sinbad’s behavior didn’t put me off so much that I tossed the tale aside. I guess it’s just that, despite that reality of his swashbuckling, I’d rather have him behave a bit more ‘cowboy’ when it comes to treating women with respect. (In fact, one of his early speeches in the first chapter addresses how women should be treated, so maybe that’s why I was so taken back when he behaves so disproportionately later on in the same collection.)
However, I’m not entirely sure what happened somewhere along the way because the look of the comic changes fairly dramatically over the course of these seven parts (issues #0 - #6). The comic industry can be notorious for turnover – that’s not to say anyone was fired, just that perhaps they moved on to other properties – and, clearly, this tale opens with one group of artists while it closes with another. For my tastes, I prefer how the tale ended up (bolder colors, not so many sinewy lines on Sinbad and the many characters). Some of the earlier artwork seemed overly detailed to the point of ridiculousness; thankfully, a new crew toned it down a bit. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the storytelling changed a bit in the final two issues as things happened a bit more quickly (and maybe a bit recklessly?) as it doesn’t quite end up with the same attention to detail that it all began.
Who knows where it’ll all head? Well, Sinbad and his crew are back aboard his ship, and they’re sailing the high seas … so, undoubtedly, wherever they end up, I suspect there will be an all-new exploit.
1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS: THE ADVENTURES OF SINBAD: THE EYES OF FIRE is published by Zenescope Entertainment. The story is written by Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, and Dan Wickline (though Wickline’s name appears prominently as the only scribe from the cover); the art is provided by Gus Vasquez (Issue 0), Paolo Pantalena (Issue 1, 2), Tone Rodriguez (Issue 3), Ron Adrian (Issue 4), Eduardo Ferigato (Issue 5), Rod Pereira (Issue 6), and Alexandre Benhossi (Issue 6); the coloring is provided by Garry Henderson (Issue 0) and Nei Ruffino (Issue 1, 3), Kieran Oats (Issue 2, 4) and Zac Atkinson (Issue 4, 5, 6); and lettering is provided by Alphabet Soup’s Jim Reddington (Issue 0, 1) and Alphabet Soup’s Michael de Lepine (Issue 2, 3) and Crank! (Issue 4, 5, 6). Also, there’s a brief but brilliant introduction provided by popular comics writer Brian Holguin; it kinda/sorta helps set the perspective for Sinbad, where he comes from, and his role in pop culture. Lastly, there’s an expansive cover gallery, and it’s clear Zenescope issued many variations on artwork for these seven collected issues. Some very nice work, indeed.
RECOMMENDED. As a wee lad, I can remember marveling to the adventures of the legendary Sinbad – what is it with thieves that make them so entertaining to watch? – and, thankfully, Zenescope Entertainment’s 1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS: THE ADVENTURES OF SINBAD: THE EYES OF FIRE is a solid read. While there are elements of his characterization I didn’t much care for, scribe Dan Wickline weaves a tale at once magical and, at other times, treacherous. The dramatic change in art styles put me off a bit, and the ending felt a bit rushed compared to what came before, but that’s a minor setback to an otherwise inspired look back into the days of magic, mayhem, and mystery!
February 27, 2012
A couple of months ago, I picked up 1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures Of Sinbad: The Eyes Of Fire Vol. 1 trade paperback from Zenescope Entertainment. I finally had a chance to read it and am writing to recommend the book.
The series is written by Dan Wickline, Art by Gus Vasquez and presents a reinterpretation and reinvention of Sinbad the sailor and his crew as they journey to a strange volcanic island in search of magical treasure. The art is beautiful and the story telling flows. The combination results in an action packed and fun tale worthy of a Ray Harryhausen film.
I should also add that Dan Wickline uses his panels very effectively. They are never cluttered and I don't think he ever uses more than five panels per page. As an editor and writer, I have noticed that the urge is to try to overdue the amount of panels on each page. Wickline is a perfect example of someone who is able to tell a rich and complex tale, while still being a panel minimalist. And, yes. I am sure someone is going to email me to point out that Watchmen has nearly a dozen panels on each page (someone always does whenever the topic comes up). So,if you are Alan Moore, you can use as many panels as you want. The rest of us mere mortals should try to limit them to no more than six panels on a page. :-)
The trade collects the first six issues of the 1001 Arabian Nights series.
If you are a fan of sword and sorcery, you should pick this up.
The series is written by Dan Wickline, Art by Gus Vasquez and presents a reinterpretation and reinvention of Sinbad the sailor and his crew as they journey to a strange volcanic island in search of magical treasure. The art is beautiful and the story telling flows. The combination results in an action packed and fun tale worthy of a Ray Harryhausen film.
I should also add that Dan Wickline uses his panels very effectively. They are never cluttered and I don't think he ever uses more than five panels per page. As an editor and writer, I have noticed that the urge is to try to overdue the amount of panels on each page. Wickline is a perfect example of someone who is able to tell a rich and complex tale, while still being a panel minimalist. And, yes. I am sure someone is going to email me to point out that Watchmen has nearly a dozen panels on each page (someone always does whenever the topic comes up). So,if you are Alan Moore, you can use as many panels as you want. The rest of us mere mortals should try to limit them to no more than six panels on a page. :-)
The trade collects the first six issues of the 1001 Arabian Nights series.
If you are a fan of sword and sorcery, you should pick this up.
October 4, 2021
Basically tells the story of sinbad and belinda and wilhelm and pots. Sinbad wants to clear his name for a murder he did not commit, so he is searching for this Jericho visor thing and needs amulets from witch queen Alorana. The queen says he can have it if sinbad conqour this fire demon which he does. Wilhelm is shown as his friend and confident. Pots who had the lamp that released belinda is also seen helping Samelia escape from the queen. Once they get the amulet The evil wizard Kabrit Amud is free after many years of imprisonment Wilhelm is able to beat the evil wizard due to heat not killing him and the witch queen alorana is imprisoned in sinbads ship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2013
Good Art and Story Flow.A different take on Sinbad the Sailor, as the story focuses on development of the crew and there past in each of the volumes. Sad they stopped the production midway only after two arcs.
January 8, 2011
Podem ler a opinião completa na Floresta de Livros.
August 9, 2012
Great story, my first introduction to Arabian nights. Its like the greek myths, except with comically proportioned male and female characters.
May 6, 2014
A fun adventure story with beautiful artwork.
January 16, 2026
Unfortunately they have changed from the anime/comic artistry of Gus Vasquez to Paolo Pantalena which is a more paint-like and realistic rendition but not as fun to read.
I wish I knew more about modern art technique/computer coloring to describe it better, but the reason I don’t is because I hate it.
”Sinbad and the eyes of Fire Part One” when Sinbad and his stolen ship and crew are coming to shore facing a massive number of scimitar bearing soldiers.
”I may not speak your language, Vu, but I know a complaint when I hear it.”
Sinbad asks to speak to the Witch Queen Alorana when one of the soldiers mocks the blind old man (the wizard) falling down. Sinbad punches him. This starts a big fight.
When this is settled, their leader asks the crew to be escorted to the throne room. The old man stays on the ship but sends a falcon to follow them.
Sinbad and crew are introduced to the Witch Queen Alorana. The Queen asks that Sinbad prove he is the one of the tales she’s heard. She requests a fight between her champion and one of Sinbad’s crew. Sinbad chooses Vu the African.
The Queen stops the fight before it gets deadly and requests Sinbad come to her quarters. While the Queen changes clothes Sinbad tells her he is looking for the Sunfury Amulet.
The Queen, having changed to an outfit exactly the same outfit she was in before only more see through, tells him the amulet was split in two and she has one half. She needs it to stop the volcano from erupting though if she had both halves the volcano could be stopped permanently.
Sinbad volunteers to get the other half.
Okay, not much happened there. The art was good, though very cheesecake. Not entirely surprising for a comic book version of this tale.
I’ll call it 3 stars and try again later.
July 8, 2022
Remember those old Prince Valiant comics that had the old school heavy outlined adventures comics that contined each day with a new part of the story? And you couldn't wait to read each one because a lot of the time it left you on a cliff hanger and you needed to read more? And it was really awesome and you bugged your parents not to throw away the Sunday paper because it had the color comics in it and you got to actually see what things looked like in color like it would look in a cartoon? Just me...? Okay cool. But anyway, this is a lot like that. And it's awesome so you should read it.
July 6, 2021
The story is fine, but everything else...
The art leans WAY into cheesecake to the point where the female characters all look like 1990s straight-to-video nudie-movie 'actresses.' Some of the dialog is...not great. It wraps up weirdly quick.
Oh, and to the art again, there's a different artist for pretty much every issue, so characters don't really look the same from one to another.
Meh.
The art leans WAY into cheesecake to the point where the female characters all look like 1990s straight-to-video nudie-movie 'actresses.' Some of the dialog is...not great. It wraps up weirdly quick.
Oh, and to the art again, there's a different artist for pretty much every issue, so characters don't really look the same from one to another.
Meh.
May 28, 2022
A lighthearted, humourous adventure quest. Sounds nothing like your regular zenescope so far, eh? But don't worry violence and female ogling is present mainly in the "boss" sequences. Sinbad is looking for the two halves of a stone in return for a new ship and crew. This is brought to an end, but more events need rectifying in vol. 2.
November 18, 2025
A decent sword and sorcery offering. Probably one of the better Zenescope titles, although it's not taking any particularly big risks. The artist changing with every issue can get distracting, but they all put in serviceable efforts, so it doesn't detract too much from the story.
July 24, 2018
It was one of those that I could not finish. Too much confusion and boring.
October 15, 2018
Senseless storytelling coupled with uninspiring art. Read at your own peril.
January 16, 2020
Very well done
December 7, 2022
An enjoyable new Sinbad story.
August 11, 2024
Its was a fun read. Not a great Sinbad story but it is a good sword and sorcery story.
February 21, 2013
1001 Arabian Nights published by Zenescope- those guys who made Grimm Fairy Tales - is a decent attempt to bring the whole "Prince of Persia" adventure to comic book format with Sinbad- a gritty adventurer out to clear his name an acquire the Sunfury Amulet. It's one of those quests that features plenty of good ol comic T&A and action, but the largely inconsistent comic artists (issue #2 is amazing, but then it goes downhill fast) really put the book at fault.
These types of books are guilty pleasure reads- the kind of brainless action/adventure stylings with characters that all feel kind of ruthless in their own personal desires- and very little depth. The lack of a consistent art style kill the book in part because it disintegrates near the end to what amount to crudely coloured "art-school" stuff that you see amateurs on Deviantart doing. Harsh- yes, but if you aren't going to blow people away with a great story, its much needed. So while it starts off well enough- the mid-point and abrupt mid-story-arc finish make this a tough recommend. Pass.
These types of books are guilty pleasure reads- the kind of brainless action/adventure stylings with characters that all feel kind of ruthless in their own personal desires- and very little depth. The lack of a consistent art style kill the book in part because it disintegrates near the end to what amount to crudely coloured "art-school" stuff that you see amateurs on Deviantart doing. Harsh- yes, but if you aren't going to blow people away with a great story, its much needed. So while it starts off well enough- the mid-point and abrupt mid-story-arc finish make this a tough recommend. Pass.
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