Archaeologists of Shadows vol 1: The Resistance

Archaeologists of Shadows Vol 1: The Resistance Review

Septagon Studios, 2012
Writer: Lara Fuentes
Art: Patricio Clarey

Archaeologists of Shadows paints a cybernetic vision of the future, in which technological modification has not only become standard, but the organic is being phased out in favour for the mechanical. When the government begins enforcing transformation, deeming it the will of their gods, the slightly-less-mechanized-than-they-should-be Baltimo and Alix are forced to abandon their locomotive home and seek answers from the titular resistance group: the Archaeologists of Shadows.

Archaeologists of Shadows vol 1: The Resistance

Spanish creators Lara Fuentes and Patricio Clarey have crafted a stunning universe which takes visual cues from steampunk, cyberpunk, high fantasy and the biomechanical imagery of HR Giger but feels entirely its own entity.

The first thing you’ll notice about the book is its unique artwork, which combines, according to its creators, “drawing, sculpture, photography, photo manipulation, and digital painting.” Hyperbolic compliments such as “stunning” are perhaps dispensed a bit too frivolously in comics journalism, but every page of Archaeologists of Shadows is a work of art in its own right, and I often found myself staring into the detailed textures and wondering exactly how Patricio Clarey put the entire thing together.

Archaeologists of Shadows vol 1: The Resistance

Fortunately, this volume contains an extensive sketchbook section, which shows Clarey’s creative process in considerable detail, as well as a preview of Volume 2: Once A Nightmare, which is also now available.

The plot itself isn’t quite as absorbing as the art, and perhaps suffers from a lack of relatable flesh and bones characters; hardly surprising given the premise. But Archaeologists of Shadows: The Resistance is an epic and often spellbinding experience, and stands as a fine example of the creative freedom that independent comics and digital/global markets permit.

Archaeologists of Shadows vol 1: The Resistance

In the book’s afterword, Fuentes writes that the series was initially rejected by Spanish publishers reluctant to take a risk on a book which was considered too different. Their loss, I say.

For more information on the book, as well as its follow-up, visit www.aoscomic.com.

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Comments

2 responses to “Archaeologists of Shadows Vol 1: The Resistance Review”

  1. George’s marvellous mecdiine by Roald Dahl.I thought it was funny and interesting.My favourite bit was when George’s grandma drank his mecdiine an grew realy big.I would recommend this book to a friend because I think it is one of Roald Dahls best books and the pictures are realy good in it.

  2. Started to read your blog from article about “Watchmen”. I wasn’t into the comics theme, but the Watchmen was highly recommended from all my friend. Then one day I got nothing to do and I tried to read it. Oh, those priceless moments of reading Watchman at the first time. Then I want to go into the internet to read about it and here I am, for almost 6 month I reading your blog. You are awesome man keep it up with this cool geek content. In addition, we got a little project with my friends, you can discover more about it here expanding your business abroad. Also, if you will make post with overview on William Gibson cyberpunk books it would be great!

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