Early Graphic Novel Review – Zed: A Cosmic Tale by Michel Gagne (4.5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult/Adult
Genre: Science Fiction/Graphic Novel
Size: 280 pages
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: February 12, 2013
ISBN: 978-1607066682
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: eBook from NetGalley.com
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

I got a copy of this book to review through NetGalley(dot)com. So thanks to Image Comics and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book. I had previously read the Saga of Rex and really enjoyed the beautiful illustration and quirky story. This was an excellent read that was much more violent than The Saga of Rex.

Zed is presenting his invention that will change the way the whole universe uses energy when things go awry and he evaporates the whole planet only to be saved by a spaceship invented by one of the other inventors. In his quest to find out what went wrong he discovers that he wasn’t at fault but was the target of espionage by an energy producing planet. Now he just needs to save his home planet and save the universe…no biggie, right?

This is a cute sci-fi graphic novel that I would recommend for young adult and older ages. The story itself it a bit disturbing and depressing, but in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way. So definitely some dark humor. This is definitely not the light-hearted and all age appropriate book that The Saga of Rex was.

Although this is illustrated in a cutesy and young looking style this is not a read for children. Zed kills off a whole planet of people including his parents and is very upset by the whole scenario. There are also some pretty gory scenes where people lose limbs and life in battle. In addition there is some mild swearing and a somewhat sexually suggestive image of metal rock band groupies. I think it would be okay for young adult and older though.

The illustrations are stunning and the story is well done. Despite all the horrible things that happen to Zed, he is determined to save the day. The poor little guy is really put through the wringer though, so be prepared for the first section of the book to be violent and depressing.

The whole story is full of dark humor. The things that happen are a bit too epic and a bit too out there, this ends up lending the story a darkly humorous edge. I really really enjoyed it. It’s quirky, goofy, and totally off the wall. It is delivered in a way that is high quality and top notch.

Overall I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It’s beautifully illustrate and quirky and crazy. As mentioned above it is definitely not for younger readers. I would recommend this for people who enjoy graphic novels that are quirky and different. If you are offended by over the top epic violence I wouldn’t pick this up.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– 150+ Reading Challenge