PopCultHQ received a review copy of HANS VOGEL IS DEAD Vol. 1 TPB from Dark Horse Comics. Available October 17th in bookstores & October 18th in comic book shops, the graphic novel features writing & art by Sierra Barnes.
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
HANS VOGEL IS DEAD Vol. 1 TPB
Written by Sierra Barnes
Art by Sierra Barnes
Cover Art by Sierra Barnes
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Format: FC, 280 pages; TPB; 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Action/Adventure
ISBN-13: 978-1-50673-734-8
ISBN-10: 1-50673-734-X
Ages: 12+
SRP: $29.99
Bookstore release date: 10/17/23
Comic shop release date: 10/18/23
There are some acts that can never truly be forgiven.
It’s the height of WWII, and the Nazi forces are driving through Europe. Decorated German fighter pilot Hans Vogel follows orders and doesn’t ask questions. It’s worked out well for him…so far. But when his plane is shot down in the middle of an air raid over London, he is dead before he hits the ground. And that’s only the beginning of his problems.
Sierra Barnes weaves a rich anti-fascist fairytale about the importance of recognizing past wrongs, even (especially) when it’s easier not to.
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
War is a terrible thing. No true good comes from it. Some might say it brings a measure of good into the world, but is the cost of so many lives lost worth it? Not so, not when it is weighed against the grand scheme of it all. World War II was a conflict that rocked the world to its core, and in that time, the precious gift of existence was taken from so many soldiers and civilians. But what would happen to someone who gives their life during a campaign and beyond the veil finds even more terrifying horrors beyond that which they encountered on the battlefield, coupled with confronting demons that reflect the actions they undertook during their ‘service’? Readers will find all that within the pages of Sierra Barnes’ first graphic novel and more. Thanks to the script and artwork, what will truly stand out is the symbolism and imagery that permeates throughout the book.
Writing: Sierra’s first published work as a graphic novelist delivers a resounding punch. Right off the bat, readers will want to engage and connect with the character of Hans; know who he is, his motivations, and his deepest fears, thoughts, and dreams. And then, the plot takes a severe curve as each page gets weirder and more intense. One of the things that helps enforce the A-plot is the use of B-plot style flashback sequences that show what life was like for Hans growing up as a child during the Weimar Republic, and also giving insight into his relationship with his father. A word of caution, fellow comic fans. While Sierra has crafted an engaging and thought-provoking story, some aspects of the script went right over my head, mainly because there are parts that require a more in-depth academic mind to understand them. Nevertheless, I found myself wanting to know what happens to Hans by the time I reached the book’s end, which makes it all the more worthwhile.
Art: If everyone thought the story was amazing, wait until readers clap eyes on the artwork. Sierra has a style that is very lavish in terms of the richness of the details, whether it is things like animal fur, facial hair, or the tiniest mechanical parts of the planes. This artwork is connective on a very brilliant level, interweaving with the script and at times, tossing visual Easter Eggs into the faces of the readers, if they are able to pick up on such things. Unfortunately, the same gripe I had with the nuanced nature of the plot, rears its head with the artwork as well. At times things pop up that, again, wade into the weeds visually in a way that left me confused, since I am not an expert on German literature. However, while this did take me out of the story at times, it did not detract from how much I enjoyed the art.
Overall Assessment:
A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it. – Jean de la Fontaine
We are only given so many opportunities to embrace our true selves. Once the ticket is punched and we ride that ride for the last time, that is it. Game over. Yet, the possibility, even a small one, of confronting our actions, renewing ourselves, and making good on the fresh options that lie before us is intriguing. A word of caution to the readers is that if you are not a scholar of German folklore, you will find yourselves, at times, thrown off course by some of the more in-depth narrative aspects of the book. Regardless, Sierra’s first foray as a graphic novelist packs a resounding punch, thanks to the rich artwork, compelling script, and a hero readers will be cheering for by the end of the tale. Lay on, fellow comic fans, and boldly step into a fresh world of adventure when picking up this book.
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
Five Additional Preview Pages
About Dark Horse Comics:
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics is an excellent example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and transform a company with humble beginnings into an industry giant. Over the years, Dark Horse has published the work of creative legends such as Yoshitaka Amano, Margaret Atwood, Paul Chadwick, Geof Darrow, Will Eisner, Neil Gaiman, Dave Gibbons, Faith Erin Hicks, Kazuo Koike, Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller, Kentaro Miura, Moebius, Chuck Palahniuk, Wendy Pini, Richard Pini, and Gerard Way. In addition, Dark Horse has a long tradition of establishing exciting new creative talent throughout all of its divisions. The company has also set the industry standard for quality licensed comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and art books, including Stranger Things, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Dragon Age, James Cameron’s Avatar, Game of Thrones, Mass Effect, StarCraft, The Witcher, and Halo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.
