Crimson: Earth Angel

Crimson (collected editions) #3

by Brian Augustyn, Humberto Ramos, Sandra Hope

Alex must travel to a secret city below New York to rescue a fallen angel, stranded on Earth.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Horror, Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Comic Book

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Augustyn got his start in the industry in 1986 as an editor for Tru Studios' Trollords. He then edited Syphons and Speed Racer for NOW Comics in 1987. In 1988, he joined DC, starting out as a co-editor on Action Comics during its period as a weekly title.
During the late 1980s and early 1990s Augustyn was an editor for DC Comics, where he edited The Flash, Justice League and the Impact Comics line of titles.

Augustyn was recognized for his work in the industry with the Wizard Fan Award for Favorite Editor in 1994.
He served as the managing editor of Visionary Comics Studio.
As editor of The Flash beginning in 1989, Augustyn brought in Mark Waid as writer in 1992, which led to an acclaimed eight-year run. Under Augustyn's stewardship, the Flash was brought out from the shadow of his predecessors and increased his powers dramatically. Other Augustyn-Waid editor-writer partnerships included The Comet (DC/Impact, 1992) and Impulse (DC, 1995–1996).

Augustyn currently works as story editor for publisher Red Giant Entertainment and their Giant-Size Comics line of free print comic book titles which debuted on May 3, 2014 as part of Free Comic Book Day.[

Reviews

[J.M. Giovine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing the pre-apocalyptical events teased for the big finale of the series, Alex and Joe are now taking care of a former angel, vanished from Heaven by Michael. Scarlett has traveled north Maine in order to know a little more about her 'werewolf' bloodline, and Ekimus finally decides to work on ways of defeating Lisseth to avoid Judgment Day. First off, and just like the second book, I did enjoy plenty of the introductory issue, in this case, issue thirteen, in which we're fully introduced to Zophiel, an angel that has been cast away after taking a human life in order to avenge of one of his brothers, murdered by a pair of hunters that, somehow, managed to kill angels and creatures of darkness. Again, by far, the most interesting issue in the whole volume. But, compared to how the story has been presented for the past books, I'm noticing an actual investment from Augustyn and Ramos, in order to bring a little more substance to their work, and I'm thankful, because the firts book was hugely generic and familiar. I mean, part of the problems I had at first with this is still there, somehow; the narrative remains dull and oddly formal, but Ramos's pencils are way cleaner compared to the initial volumes, in which he's actually managing to draw frames perfectly understandable to look at, or well, for the most part. This whole "vampire vs human" tale is also evolving to Biblical-Greek mythology corners, and I'm more pleased about it than only having your typical "vampire teenagers" cliché from Young Adults. Don't get me wrong, the 'cool' aspect is still there but, again, I see a better structure and take on this whole concept. Alex is becoming an actual likeable character, despite his forgettable design, but the development starting to show towards the ending. Although, the needed chemistry between other characters is either completely absent, or presented in such a rush way, example; we still never see him and Ekimus actually share some 'mentor-learner' moments that, for what these characters are supposed to be, is entirely needed in order for the story's conclusion work the way Augustyn is expecting. Then there's the relationship between Zophiel and him, and that came literally out of nowhere, and suddenly we're expected to treat them as the new romantic interest of the story. Nevertheless, the overall treatment of the main characters is way more interesting and less predictable that I actually though it will be, although, I do have a certain idea of how the finale of the series will go, which at this point is creating some eagerness, so I do want to read it, which is a good element from Augustyn's writing; it is average, as it is engaging, in a way, since I did want to check the following volumes after finishing the previous, whether it was so I could see how the story improved, or because the story in general did had interesting aspects that kept me attached, whichever way, it is a positive towards this series. Unfortunately, the same way as the previous book did, in here I could notice a potential lack of action panels-moments, which dragged me a little since Ramos really has fun drawing these creatures fighting and being terrifying. As strange as I thought it was, the absence of Lisseth was something I didn't expect, and definitely a negative, since she was suddenly introduced in book two, and crowned as the main villain out of nowhere (when I though Van Fleet would be), and in here there's no sign of her, only casual mentions in each issue, but if the "big fight" is set to be against her, then the story already failed at accomplishing and crafting its main villain. Again, there's an actual improvement over the quality on the story, but the way this one is executed is really poor and almost amateur, without any memorable or distinguishable element to work on its favor. Yes, it is fun and all, but there are better approaches for these elements, specially in comic book format. The conclusion is most likely going to remain just like that, as mediocre and entertaining as these past 3 books, nevertheless, I still want to see if the conclusion actually pays off for the stuff I actually liked, which is fair to say, there has been stuff I did like, in this one as well, like the Biblical approaches, certain characters, Scarlett's crusade (although vague and spontaneous), and the sudden awakening of Ekimus's mission. Hopefully the upcoming conclusion might deliver out of these traits.

[Shawn Ingle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this didn't build upon anything that worked well in the previous volume. Although, the final issue in this book does provide some hope that the next one will be better.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the chaotic events of Crimson: Heaven & Earth - Tome 2 (Crimson), Earth Angel, book 3 in Humberto Ramos's dark fantasy series Crimson, lets readers take a brief breath before rushing headfirst into Crimson: Redemption - Tome 4 (Crimson)'s apocalyptic finale.

Earth Angel is where events start to line up for the final conflict. Alex is reluctantly settling in to life not only as a vampire, but as the prophesied chosen one, Scarlet X heads off to the great white north to confront her darker side, Ekimus travels strange waterways (literally) to try and head off Lisseth's dark plans, and the arrival of exiled Angel Zophiel brings a certain measure of chaos to Alex and Joe's lives. Could she bring a measure of redemption as well?

Earth Angel is all about preparing everyone for the events ahead, so it doesn't compare action-wise to the two previous volumes in the series. It does go a long way towards developing the core characters and building a high level of anticipation for things to come.

The artwork was amazing as usual. Between Ramos's unique (and constantly evolving) style, his memorable character designs, and the best coloring I've ever seen in a comic series, Crimson is absolute eye candy.

Crimson is pure gold for dark fantasy fans. Anyone who enjoys Harry Potter, the Dresden Files, Buffy, and/or Anita Blake should definitely check out Crimson.

[Rowal · Rating 5 out of 5]

TPB 3 of 4

ANGELS!!
mreka diburu oleh para templar..
darah dan tulang mereka dijadikan alat untuk perang yang mereka sebut suci!
dan Zophiel, adalah Angel yang menodai tugas mulia nya, dengan membunuh makhluk ksayangan Tuhan, manusia!
dia di buang ke dunia dan menjadi manusia tanpa ingatan khidupan sebelumnya..
dan dengan bantuan Alex dan Joe, Zoph menyadari kembali siapa dirinya dan apa yang harus dilakukannya..


hweh!
smakiiin SERU!
adegan pembukanya lumayan gila juga idenya..
pemburuan angel!
nice!

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptionally good comic series. While the main character is a vampire the story is really more about the struggle between Heaven and Hell with the material Earth as the battleground. A host of celestial characters appear in the series: God, Satan, Lilith, Gabriel, St. George, The Archangel Michael..ect. Great read with very good artwork. Very Recommended

[Timothy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars.

[Andre · Rating 2 out of 5]

The judeo-christian myth remix is amazing.