Al Harahap
Apr 3, 2003, 07:20 pm
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/sentinel01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/sentinel01t.jpg" align=left alt="Sentinel #1"></a>Reviewer: Al Harahap, alharahap@xfan.cjb.net
Quick Rating: Good
Story Title: Salvage (Part 1)
Meet Juston Seyfort – a regular teenage boy. He could be you, he could be your brother, he could be your friend, except… he’s about to meet the ultimate killing machine.
Written by: Sean McKeever
Art by: UDON, with Eric Vedder, Joe Vriens, & Scott Hepburn
Lettered by: Cory Petit
Colored by: UDON
UDON Chief: Erik Ko
Assistant Editor: Andy Schmidt
Editor: Marc Sumerak
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
Sentinel heads the First Wave of Marvel’s new ongoing Tsunami titles. I really didn’t know what to expect from this book, but looking at the rest of the upcoming Tsunami titles, I could sense that it would be one of a handful that catered to a younger audience, even if Marvel doesn’t distinguish it from the other Tsunami books with a different imprint. Though that doesn’t mean that there’s a lack of universal appeal. On the contrary.
Scribe Sean McKeever, who’s known for his ability in characterising teen drama with his series, The Waiting Place, and who brought that very skill more recently into Spider-Girl #51, does play up very “teen” themes here in Sentinel. Central to the book is main character Juston Seyfort’s social ineptitude and isolation. When Juston walks through those cafeteria doors alone to see the school cliques being friendly with each other, you can literally feel his insignificance and inadequacy. McKeever seems to be drawing from a very personal place, and it’s apparent when a scene such as this is so real.
Also thanks in much part to UDON’s talents of interpreting story into dynamic visuals. The above scene is executed on a wordless page. And when you can tell (and feel) what’s going on in a comic without any narration, monologue, or dialogue, you know you’re holding something good. The synergy between McKeever and the UDON artists is gold. And for anyone who’s turned off by the onslaught of incoming manga styles into mainstream American comics, you need not worry because the style used in this book is not the “flashy Pokemon” type that I hear people so often complain about. In fact, it has a very everyday and earthly quality to it that’s very appropriate for the book.
Yet, I do have to comment on some inconsistencies overall, especially in the faces, from panel to panel. And I don’t know whether this is because of one artist’s individual discrepancy or because there are three different ones all over. But the good thing about manga is that exaggerated expressions can mask these inconsistencies so they don’t detract much from the enjoyment of reading the book. Of course, there’s also a con that comes along, and that is how the simplicity of manga faces renders characters less unique from one another.
In addition to his visual, Juston’s character universality might also pose a problem down the line. The boy-next-door quality is highly appealing for readers because we can easily relate to him. However, I think a nice balance between the universal and the unique is desirable. But I’m way ahead of myself, and for an introduction, McKeever has been very effective with the title character.
And granted, Juston does have his supporting cast all around him with their own standout traits that complement his. There’s the obligatory best friend, Alex, who so far is only a black version of Juston. Though I'm sure McKeever will contrast their personalities in future, and the similarities presented do indeed make their friendship believable. Rounding out the trio of friends is the irate and insensitive Matt, who gives a cynical spin to the gang. Then there's the lively Jessie, who's certain to become Juston's love interest -- or at least, "crush interest."
McKeever explores Justin's domestic life even more than his social life, which further emphasises his social shortcomings. His father, while still rather flat in character (which is to be expected without much screen time), still manages to be a vehicle to show Juston’s lower-class background. UDON also does a great job of visualising his father’s hefty responsibility in attending to two children, shown in the twin panels where he tends to both children. His dual presence in both panels screams an overwhelming sense of duty.
Juston’s brother Chris, however, is another matter. I’m just feeling Chris as so out of place. Maybe it’s because he looks so visually different from his father and brother. But just like meeting new people for the first time, it really isn’t fair to judge early. And he does make a great device to bolster Juston into a more mature level that would not otherwise be felt without a little brother.
The setting of smalltown, USA, should speak out to many readers. Such a setting in a narrative often provides a sense of paralysis for the characters. And this can be seen when Juston and Jessie open up about their yearning to escape even though they seem so comfortable and “at home” where they are. Once more, McKeever seems to draw from his personal experience as he himself comes from smalltown, Wisconsin.
As for themes in the book, not only are they also real, but the details McKeever adds enhances them greatly. To stress Juston’s family’s underprivileged state, McKeever uses a “begging for McDonald’s” moment, which should really hit home, because how many of us haven’t done that and be turned down?
Another deep issue is of weapons/firearms in school – a very sensitive subject that McKeever handles very well. Although, this came from a subject that felt rather out of place, and that is: terrorism. The analogy of the bullies as terrorists is clever, and correct. But I felt it a bit forced as relevance to present real life issues, especially when coming out of the mind and mouth of adolescents who are rarely equipped to spew out such an examination. Still, writing children is not an easy task, especially when you’re attempting to enter the mindset of years gone by with a much enlightened – or rather, socially polluted – mind. And I do have to applaud McKeever’s readiness to address these issues instead of ignoring them or presenting children as purely naïve, because they aren’t. I’m reminded of writer Peter David’s brilliant treatment of a young cast in Young Justice.
sen-ti-nel: (sen’ti nel)
noun.
guard; sentry; fightherSo… uhh… where’s the damn Sentinel, you ask? Some readers may find it jarring that the gigantic killing machine makes minimal appearance in this first issue, and instead the focus is on the human cast. Although, the UDON team are clever to insert hints here and there to tittilate readers. But I’ve found that after reading the issue a few times, the title of the book has a double meaning. It’s not only intended for the obvious robot connected to the ever-popular X-Men; it also stands for Juston himself in his life struggles and how he must soldier on. The (giant robot) Sentinel also stands for Juston’s courage – something that his image obviously lacks. In this respect, McKeever certainly draws from one of his biggest influences, novelist and screenwriter, Stephen King. The weird fantasy is played out in Juston’s “real life,” even if the “monster” is not organic, but mechanic.
As for comparisons to The Iron Giant, I’m sorry to say that those who ignorantly insist upon it will be disappointed to find that this book is nothing like it, and has only cosmetic similarities, as Sentinel’s characters are being fleshed out in its own unique way.
Not long ago, I had a long conversation with a comic buddy about how the longer you – as a comic fan – have been reading comics, the more complicated comics you want to read. We did kind of drift back to younger days when we just read comics for fun without thinking about any narrative or editorial politics behind the scenes. Surprisingly, we could only name very few that could still do that to us. Well, you could forget all the analyses and critiques I've said above and just enjoy this book, because this has turned out to be one of those books. Sentinel is definitely something different for Marvel. If you’re looking for a typical X-book, stop right there and go away, because you won’t find it here. If you’re looking for pure fun and drama, I highly recommend this book, which – while still trying to find its way – shows great potential.
ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senhalf.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/sennone.jpg
STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/sennone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senhalf.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/sennone.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=584&cat=SENTINEL)
Quick Rating: Good
Story Title: Salvage (Part 1)
Meet Juston Seyfort – a regular teenage boy. He could be you, he could be your brother, he could be your friend, except… he’s about to meet the ultimate killing machine.
Written by: Sean McKeever
Art by: UDON, with Eric Vedder, Joe Vriens, & Scott Hepburn
Lettered by: Cory Petit
Colored by: UDON
UDON Chief: Erik Ko
Assistant Editor: Andy Schmidt
Editor: Marc Sumerak
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
Sentinel heads the First Wave of Marvel’s new ongoing Tsunami titles. I really didn’t know what to expect from this book, but looking at the rest of the upcoming Tsunami titles, I could sense that it would be one of a handful that catered to a younger audience, even if Marvel doesn’t distinguish it from the other Tsunami books with a different imprint. Though that doesn’t mean that there’s a lack of universal appeal. On the contrary.
Scribe Sean McKeever, who’s known for his ability in characterising teen drama with his series, The Waiting Place, and who brought that very skill more recently into Spider-Girl #51, does play up very “teen” themes here in Sentinel. Central to the book is main character Juston Seyfort’s social ineptitude and isolation. When Juston walks through those cafeteria doors alone to see the school cliques being friendly with each other, you can literally feel his insignificance and inadequacy. McKeever seems to be drawing from a very personal place, and it’s apparent when a scene such as this is so real.
Also thanks in much part to UDON’s talents of interpreting story into dynamic visuals. The above scene is executed on a wordless page. And when you can tell (and feel) what’s going on in a comic without any narration, monologue, or dialogue, you know you’re holding something good. The synergy between McKeever and the UDON artists is gold. And for anyone who’s turned off by the onslaught of incoming manga styles into mainstream American comics, you need not worry because the style used in this book is not the “flashy Pokemon” type that I hear people so often complain about. In fact, it has a very everyday and earthly quality to it that’s very appropriate for the book.
Yet, I do have to comment on some inconsistencies overall, especially in the faces, from panel to panel. And I don’t know whether this is because of one artist’s individual discrepancy or because there are three different ones all over. But the good thing about manga is that exaggerated expressions can mask these inconsistencies so they don’t detract much from the enjoyment of reading the book. Of course, there’s also a con that comes along, and that is how the simplicity of manga faces renders characters less unique from one another.
In addition to his visual, Juston’s character universality might also pose a problem down the line. The boy-next-door quality is highly appealing for readers because we can easily relate to him. However, I think a nice balance between the universal and the unique is desirable. But I’m way ahead of myself, and for an introduction, McKeever has been very effective with the title character.
And granted, Juston does have his supporting cast all around him with their own standout traits that complement his. There’s the obligatory best friend, Alex, who so far is only a black version of Juston. Though I'm sure McKeever will contrast their personalities in future, and the similarities presented do indeed make their friendship believable. Rounding out the trio of friends is the irate and insensitive Matt, who gives a cynical spin to the gang. Then there's the lively Jessie, who's certain to become Juston's love interest -- or at least, "crush interest."
McKeever explores Justin's domestic life even more than his social life, which further emphasises his social shortcomings. His father, while still rather flat in character (which is to be expected without much screen time), still manages to be a vehicle to show Juston’s lower-class background. UDON also does a great job of visualising his father’s hefty responsibility in attending to two children, shown in the twin panels where he tends to both children. His dual presence in both panels screams an overwhelming sense of duty.
Juston’s brother Chris, however, is another matter. I’m just feeling Chris as so out of place. Maybe it’s because he looks so visually different from his father and brother. But just like meeting new people for the first time, it really isn’t fair to judge early. And he does make a great device to bolster Juston into a more mature level that would not otherwise be felt without a little brother.
The setting of smalltown, USA, should speak out to many readers. Such a setting in a narrative often provides a sense of paralysis for the characters. And this can be seen when Juston and Jessie open up about their yearning to escape even though they seem so comfortable and “at home” where they are. Once more, McKeever seems to draw from his personal experience as he himself comes from smalltown, Wisconsin.
As for themes in the book, not only are they also real, but the details McKeever adds enhances them greatly. To stress Juston’s family’s underprivileged state, McKeever uses a “begging for McDonald’s” moment, which should really hit home, because how many of us haven’t done that and be turned down?
Another deep issue is of weapons/firearms in school – a very sensitive subject that McKeever handles very well. Although, this came from a subject that felt rather out of place, and that is: terrorism. The analogy of the bullies as terrorists is clever, and correct. But I felt it a bit forced as relevance to present real life issues, especially when coming out of the mind and mouth of adolescents who are rarely equipped to spew out such an examination. Still, writing children is not an easy task, especially when you’re attempting to enter the mindset of years gone by with a much enlightened – or rather, socially polluted – mind. And I do have to applaud McKeever’s readiness to address these issues instead of ignoring them or presenting children as purely naïve, because they aren’t. I’m reminded of writer Peter David’s brilliant treatment of a young cast in Young Justice.
sen-ti-nel: (sen’ti nel)
noun.
guard; sentry; fightherSo… uhh… where’s the damn Sentinel, you ask? Some readers may find it jarring that the gigantic killing machine makes minimal appearance in this first issue, and instead the focus is on the human cast. Although, the UDON team are clever to insert hints here and there to tittilate readers. But I’ve found that after reading the issue a few times, the title of the book has a double meaning. It’s not only intended for the obvious robot connected to the ever-popular X-Men; it also stands for Juston himself in his life struggles and how he must soldier on. The (giant robot) Sentinel also stands for Juston’s courage – something that his image obviously lacks. In this respect, McKeever certainly draws from one of his biggest influences, novelist and screenwriter, Stephen King. The weird fantasy is played out in Juston’s “real life,” even if the “monster” is not organic, but mechanic.
As for comparisons to The Iron Giant, I’m sorry to say that those who ignorantly insist upon it will be disappointed to find that this book is nothing like it, and has only cosmetic similarities, as Sentinel’s characters are being fleshed out in its own unique way.
Not long ago, I had a long conversation with a comic buddy about how the longer you – as a comic fan – have been reading comics, the more complicated comics you want to read. We did kind of drift back to younger days when we just read comics for fun without thinking about any narrative or editorial politics behind the scenes. Surprisingly, we could only name very few that could still do that to us. Well, you could forget all the analyses and critiques I've said above and just enjoy this book, because this has turned out to be one of those books. Sentinel is definitely something different for Marvel. If you’re looking for a typical X-book, stop right there and go away, because you won’t find it here. If you’re looking for pure fun and drama, I highly recommend this book, which – while still trying to find its way – shows great potential.
ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senhalf.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/sennone.jpg
STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/sennone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/senhalf.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/sennone.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=584&cat=SENTINEL)