Caligula #1 Review

Tagged with: Avatar Press  Caligula  Dave LaphamCaligula #1

A man who knew no levels of depravity or morality. A man who knew no levels of restraint. A man who believed himself a god. Today I will be reviewing Caligula #1. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think.

So let’s talk about the book. After Caligula and a squad of his men rape, kill and behead his entire family, Junius vows to get revenge. He heads off to Rome with one mission. Kill Caligula by any means necessary. After scouting the city and learning about how it is run, Junius makes his move. Entering the palace, Junius is lucky enough to cross paths with Caligula himself. While he is distracted, Junius rams a knife through his skull. Too bad all Caligula does is turn around and smile. And that’s the book.

So let’s talk opinions.  From all of the hype and build up that Avatar has pushed into this title, I was expecting something a lot more visually gruesome. Especially from David Lapham, the writer of Crossed:Family Values, the most visually disturbing comic of 2010. Don’t get me wrong, all of the despicable acts that occur are clearly described but the writer just leaves the visuals to your imagination. I’m not saying the art is weak. In fact, it is quite beautiful. Rome looks amazing and the palace is drawn stunningly. My problem with the art is the people themselves. In a book that focuses on shock value, not seeing the actual shock is a let down. The people’s faces all look the same. The gore all looks the same. From a publisher that usually thrives on it’s amazing visuals, this was a bit disappointing. The story, however, was amazing. The plot is very simple and would make any Punisher fan proud. The planning and waiting was easy to follow. Junius’ situation is not really a relate-able one but we all have someone we hate in our lives that we just want to beat the hell out of. (Or kill, in some cases) From what I have read of Roman history, the writer nails the citizens of Rome spot-on. As for the main antagonist himself, I have read up a little on him as well. If half of what I read is true, and the writer plans to put that truth to the page, we should be in for one sick and twisted ride. Let’s hope its a good one. That’s my opinion folks. Take it or leave it.

A COMIC BOOK BLOG RATINGProsConsgood character introduction and plot set-up. Nice art.not a gruesome or violent as I expected. Rating90% You might also like...Crossed: Psychopath #1 Review

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By BlogsdnaTagged with: Avatar Press  Caligula  Dave Lapham6 CommentsJohn BarringerPosted on March 31, 2011 at 8:17 am

As a roman history buff I was pretty excited for this, it left me a little disappointed though. It’s an Avatar book from David Lapham so I knew to expect “shock” but I thought Caligula’s depiction was a bit exaggerated (maybe that was the point), some of the dialogue could have been more thought out, and I thought the revenge story was a little convenient.

Your right about the art though, the scenery and building were great. And I do like playing with what if his divinity claims were true.

ReplyVictor KutsenokPosted on March 31, 2011 at 9:38 pm

I agree with you John. I think over-exaggeration was the point. I’m not giving up hope however. It could get “shockier” over the next few issues. I have faith in Lapham. He has a no morals barred mentality to writing. Nothing is sacred or untouchable. I have a feeling we might get some really vicious exposure soon to Caligula’s antics.

Replyocto7Posted on April 1, 2011 at 5:23 am

You wanted something more visually gruesome than paedophilia, torture, mutilation, murder, cannibalism and animal-sex? in a 30-page comic? what the hell is wrong with people nowadays?

ReplyVictor KutsenokPosted on April 1, 2011 at 7:11 am

No, I wanted to actually see the torture, mutilation, murder, cannibalism, etc. We were not ACTUALLY shown anything. The point of a shock comic is to show the visuals, not talk about them. Nothing is wrong with people nowadays. We’re just so desensitized to gruesome acts because they are shown everywhere. Did you read Crossed:Family Values? Same company and writer that did Caligula. There we were shown the visuals, not just given a description. If you promise me Kobe Beef, don’t give me ground chuck and expect me to like it. Thank you for your comment.

ReplyNatanielPosted on April 3, 2011 at 11:17 am

Hi. I can´t believe you wanted to see “more”. What the hell is the point in that? I loved the idea of a Lapham book about ancient Rome, but after seeing a raped woman with her bowels dancing around and no head, I seriously consider not buying the second issue. If I wanted that kind of teen morbid stuff, I would travel back in time to 1992 and buy “Lobo`s back” again.

ReplyVictor KutsenokPosted on April 3, 2011 at 6:22 pm

Thank you for your comment Nataniel. I actually enjoyed Lobo’s back. It wasn’t as bad as this but it had it’s merits. Unfortunately, Avatar hyped this book as a visual stunner. Plus it just came out after Crossed: Family Values ended. The writer is the same so naturally, I expected to see much “more”. This book was tame compared to Crossed. Pathetically tame. I guess I was basing my opinion on past work. If I hadn’t have had my expectations set so high, I wouldn’t have been so disappointed. I guess this book had it’s offensive material as well. Public Enemy said it best. Don’t believe the hype.

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This post was added on 30 Mar 2011, 21:44 by Victor Kutsenok who has contributed 277 posts to this blog.

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