Soulfire: 1

Soulfire Vol. 1 #0-5

by Michael Layne Turner, Jeph Loeb, J.T. Krul

Magic is no longer a myth.... Michael Turner's Soulfire series is one of today's most popular comic book titles, and Aspen is proud to offer you the first ever Soulfire Hardcover Edition. This special publication collects together the first five issues of the Soulfire series, along with the sold out #0 issue and the introductory Soulfire Preview. A stunning work of art, this special hardcover is the first of its kind to ever be presented from Aspen. Adding to its appeal, this special hardcover also contains a complete Soulfire cover gallery and an in depth Michael Turner Soulfire Sketchbook section, making it a must have for any comic book collector! So join Michael Turner, Jeph Loeb, J. T. Krul and Peter Steigerwald as their world of magic and adventure unfolds in this wonderful tale unlike anything you've ever seen before!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Science Fiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 25, 2006

About the author

Comic Book Artist. He studied pre-medicine at the University of Tennessee, and then moved to Aspen, Colorado, and later San Diego, where he taught martial arts, became an award winning water skier, and began drawing comic books. In 1994, he was hired by Top Cow Productions in Century City, California, where he was the co-creator of "Witchblade", a comic about a voluptuous female detective who fights evil with the aid of a mystical weapon that attaches itself to her arm and gives her superpowers. Turner later founded Aspen MLT, a Santa Monica publishing company that created online comic adaptations for the NBC television series "Heroes" and titles including "Fathom", a deep-sea story about a female superhero. He was also a regular cover artist for "Superman/Batman" and "The Flash". Turner's work was in demand for special editions and similar projects, and he drew covers for DC Comics' "Justice League" and Marvel's "Civil War". The milestone 500th issue of "Uncanny X-Men", released in July, 2008, featured one of Turner's special edition covers. He died of complications from chondrosarcoma, a form of bone cancer he had begun treatment for in 2000.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Plot: Magic comes back to the world.

Michael Turner's artwork really caught my eye on this one, all the color and detail, and that's really the main reason I picked up the first issue. The story is appealing: the return of magic to a world that largely knows only technology. I read it as each issue came out, though, so the story was a bit difficult to follow at times due to an erratic publishing schedule and my inability to remember much in between installments. I also notice more and more that Turner's female characters all look essentially the same with a few varying details- usually in the hair or clothes. It's annoying, especially from an artist so praised for his work.

[Carey Healy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-Popping Artwork Can’t Elevate a Generic Story

Let me start by saying Micheal Turner’s art is stunning. Especially when read on an iPAD with backlighting, the inking and coloring jumps from the page. The comic has a truly unique look that sells the ultra-future setting. The layouts are good and keep things mixed-up. The full page illustrations are a treat.

Unfortunately, the story is generic. I was especially turned off by the stereotypical depiction of Polynesian people once the story leads to Hawaii. The story could have been better if the world building was stronger, but unfortunately the world building isn’t great, especially when compared with something like Tokyo Ghost. Additionally, the second half of the novel has way too many words per panel and there are multiple pages of straight exposition. The book should show more and tell less. Finally, the book ends abruptly without a real climax.

Also, I’d like to note that there is no extra content at the end of the graphic novel which is disappointing.

I will read the next book in the series for Michael Turners art alone, but I really hope the plot picks up.

[Jacinta Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork in this graphic novel was gorgeous, but parts of it relied way too heavily on the writing, as though the writers didn't trust the pictures to speak for themselves. The story started a bit too convoluted, but the various plot lines slowly straightened themselves out the further into the book I got.

[Elektrohase · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of the main character Malikai, neither of his 2 'associates'.
But: the pictures, grace, dragons, rainier. Aw! I'm loving the style.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical "training of the chosen one" storyline with a techno-fantasy backdrop. This volume becomes a little tedious, as the majority of it is spent waiting on the main character to finally realize that he's the hero everyone needs, and by the end nothing major has happened. The world is beautifully realized, though, and as always, Turner's artwork breathes life into otherwise languid characters. If this picks up the pace in volume 2, it will be a great series.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Fantasy/Science Fiction. I absolutely love the artwork. Now if Turner would just finish the story!!!!!

Well, I have to say that I'm very sad. I recently discovered that Michael Turner lost his very long battle with cancer and passed away several months ago. I love his stuff and I do hope that someone will carry on his stories. How devestating he was younger than me!!!

[Rachel]

I absolutely love this comic. The drawings are utterly stunning and the storyline is well thought out. This is just the first collected volume in a series I hope gets continued. However since its creater, Michael Turner, died, I don't know how it will ever be the same. Michael Turner, I hope you rest in peace.

[Meghan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never considered myself a comic book geek, but after seeing Turner's work, I can understand why they exist. I've read many more since beginning my day job (and discovering Soulfire), but this will always remain one of my favorites. It's a fascinating idea, and the art and coloring will simply blow you away. The world lost a great talent when Mike Turner passed.