Comics/ European Comics

Sky-Doll

By Patrick Bérubé
Mar 3, 2008 - 8:00

In a world ruled by religion, the Sky-Dolls are officially sanctioned androids programmed to answer our every “needs”. Without long term memory, they have no rights except the right to belong to someone. Noa, one of these dolls, feels different. She wants something else: freedom. Escaping from the spaceship-wash where she works, she hides in a vessel where she meets someone willing to help her flee off planet.

First of all, I have to admit that I picked up this graphic novel mainly because I heard Marvel comics was about to translate and publish it in North America. I was really curious as to why this title was going to be the flagship of a new series of European translation. After reading it, I can now also admit that I still do not know.

The story in itself is not that bad, but it feels uninspired and seems built to put the Sky-Dolls various “attributes” in evidence. The world created here seems to evolve around these characters, which make things worst since they lack some depth to sustain the story by themselves. Moreover, it’s not the first time the “android with a conscience” topic is used in science-fiction so it’s hard not to compare it to better works.

But even with this not so interesting storyline, some elements are noteworthy. The collaboration of science and religion makes for an interesting backdrop, as well as the division of the church into two groups of believers. In my opinion, these story elements should have been put more to the front since Noa seems to share a link with the banished “Popess”.

The art is probably the redeeming factor of this graphic novel. Barbucci’s pencil clearly has Asian and European influences, which make for an interesting style. The artist shows a great sense of design when depicting certain backgrounds. Canepa’s colors also add a nice visual effect. Her choices of bright tone really helps the pages stand out. I just hope that she’ll go easy on the pink for the next volume because if she uses more, it will officially be too much for me.

The big question that comes to my mind after reading this graphic novel is about the North American release. How does Marvel Comics think it will be able to publish this without censoring it? With about 10 out of the 48 pages of this first volume showing exposed breasts (plus the cover) and many sexual allusions and posture, it’s hard to image this title presented in its integrity. Especially since Marvel Comics does not even allow its characters to smoke and is not recognized for publishing such materials. It will be interesting to see what it will decide to do.

Closing line, this graphic novel lacks a strong storyline to back up the art.

I rate this graphic novel 6 out of 10

The author of this review would like to thanks Jiix!(jiix.com) for providing the material necessary.

Last Updated: Jan 7, 2012 - 7:41
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Comments

shut up American you dont know anny thing about good comic Sillage and this one is cool.

#1 - Dennis - 05/25/2008 - 07:38

Hello Dennis. Here at the Comic Book Bin, we ask that writers and visitors communicate respectfully and refrain from personal attacks. There are ways of saying you disagree with a review without name calling.

P.S. Patrick is not American.

#2 - HervÃ© St-Louis - 05/25/2008 - 09:47

Hi Denis,

I'm french-canadian which mean that I read quite a lot of european comic book. Sorry you didn't like my review. I encourage you to explain your point of view next time you want to comment one of my article. You can even do it in french if you prefer.

#3 - Patrick BÃ©rube - 05/28/2008 - 13:22

I agree and disagree at the same time. I agree that the art was fantastic, if a bit of a pastel-nightmare, but I really had a good time with the storyline. I'm much more of a novel (without the graphic)sorta guy, so when I pick up a graphic novel, I'm already in the mind-set to give a ton of leeway. Still, personally, I enjoyed it.

#4 - DBJ - 06/13/2008 - 07:28

I felt that the comic plot started in the center of a larger story which proved confusing because there was no introduction to the characters or story which made it less engaging. Also it didn't seem to have a conclusion so does that imply that this short series an introduction in itself? It just doesn't seem like a complete story. I want more!

#5 - Neo - 10/23/2008 - 19:50

I respectfully disagree. This is easily one of my favorite comic books out there, and not just for the art.

#6 - Anonymous - 11/27/2008 - 21:42

dear Patrick

Mate ..... you must be spoilt for choice or just an over opinionated wind bag....... please your review is sad and you are obviously not an artist of any calibre......... rot in hell..... love redmonde mills

#7 - redmonde leigh mills - 12/15/2008 - 19:55

I just finished it and I liked it. The characters did seem to have life and lives, which I'd like to see expanded upon. Lots of interesting stuff going on here. Primarily, the design of the art and colors were what drove me to the book. I tend to make very quick judgements on comic art...if it doesn't endage me with its look, it loses me. Comics work best when the characters have a slight animation to them, in my opinion, since we have to "pick them up" fast. I like a quick read first, then I go back and pore over the art, letting the story absorb more slowly. It's not philip k dick, I know, and there are themes that have been done a million times before. but it was fun to read. Most comics, for me, can become overly wordy and self involved, much like the ghost in the shell anime...great to look at...but the story is too convoluted and complicated. detail doesn't always mean better. I'm one for visceral movement, in character and story. bla bla bla...

In any case, I liked it, and it's fun to look at. I prefer many European and british comics for some of these reasons...

Anyway, I'm a windbag. And the negative comments...relax. Take a deep breath. Enjoy life a little more, eh? You'll pop a blood vessel. I'm worried about you. Mate.

#8 - The Traveler - 01/26/2009 - 22:49