VERY cool. It's like a World War I adventure, but with a magical twist. There are not only dragons, but also werewolves and who knows what else.

Just imagine the excitement and danger that comes with such a combination. The story must be filled with thrilling battles and unexpected plot twists.

And to top it off, it's nicely illustrated. The illustrations probably bring the magical world and its creatures to life, making it even more immersive for the reader.

Overall, it sounds like a truly captivating and unique read that will appeal to fans of both historical fiction and fantasy.

Arrowsmith is a fascinating fantasy take on World War.

The small town boys made the decision to join the air service, a group of individuals who soar through the skies with the help of magic spells, drawing their flight energy from small dragons.

The setting is truly interesting, evoking a steampunk feeling, although it's not actually steampunk. It's set in the same era, but with mythical names for the countries. Europe, in this case, is a kind of fantasy land where trolls, vampires, gnomes, dwarfs, dryads, and humans all live side by side.

While the setting could have been intriguing for me, the first third of the book rather annoyed me and I didn't really enjoy it. However, it then took a turn for the better. Really good.

If the point of the story is to picture the disillusionment from the glory of war, depicting it as something horrible where both sides are noble and cruel and it's an utterly pointless circle of attack-resist-attack back, it achieved that goal perfectly.

I would have expected the "fantasy" element to soften that, so it was actually quite surprising.

So, even though it didn't look promising at the start, it was excellent and touching by the end.

The Big Bang Theory is filled with wonderful culture references that are truly worth exploring, especially when they are new to us. One such reference is Arrowsmith. Sheldon flaunts it in the comic book store, which prompts me to look it up. And what a remarkable discovery it turns out to be!

Arrowsmith is a story set during World War 1, but with a magical twist as it involves magic and dragons. It's a graphic novel that you might not have known you craved. It tells a complex and profound tale, delving into the horrors of war, yet it also manages to be a light and refreshing story of hope, with the added charm of a troll.

In many aspects, it draws inspiration from previous stories - the idea of a young man going off to war is not novel. However, Kurt Busiek approaches it from an inventive new perspective, captivating you with magic and dragons and making you almost forget that you've encountered similar themes before.

Thanks to Carlos Pacheco's exquisitely detailed artwork, Arrowsmith comes alive in the most vivid manner, pulling you into its pages. Originally published in 2006, the new 2021 edition offers additional history, background, and alternative covers at the back. If you haven't yet explored this enchanting world, it's high time you earn your wings and embark on this magical journey.

Setting better than story

The story follows the same tired and overused trope of "youth goes to war and witnesses horrors." However, what sets it apart is the unique and captivating setting. It is set in a fantasy alternate history World War I scenario. This setting is truly the most fascinating aspect of the entire piece. It seamlessly integrates fantasy races and magic into an early 1900s Earth. The combination of the familiar historical context with the added elements of the fantastical creates a truly immersive and engaging world. One can't help but be drawn in by the idea of elves, dwarves, and other magical beings fighting alongside humans in the trenches of World War I. The setting has the potential to add depth and complexity to the story that the tired narrative alone simply cannot achieve. It makes one wonder what other interesting and unexpected twists and turns the author could have taken if they had focused more on developing the setting and less on relying on the same old story.

Em Arrowsmitch, Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheco tell the story of a soldier during World War I in a world where technology is intertwined with magic. Instead of tanks and airplanes, this war is fought by men, vampires, zombies, and other fantastic beings using industrially produced spells as weapons. The air force is composed of men who fly using the magic of their dragon companions, and ships float on the sea and are attacked by sea monsters.

Fletcher Arrowsmitch, the son of a conservative farmer who views magic with a jaundiced eye, is a young American who enlists in the air force to fight for freedom in Europe. But instead of glory, he finds the horrors of war.

At first, the magazine catches attention for this new magical world and its excellent art. But this fantastic world ends up being a little-explored backdrop to tell the story of a man in the face of the dramas of war. No relationship is created with the magic that could not be replaced by technology. However, it is interesting how many different perspectives are treated during the story: the awe in the face of militarism, the father's conservatism against the magic that takes jobs, the hard military training, the problem of refugees, romance, friendship, the disenchantment in contact with war, tragedy, and the heroic act.

In fact, it should really be four and a half stars.

One of the best things I've read from Busiek. The fifth volume, wow.

This work truly stands out. The story is engaging from start to finish, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Busiek's writing style is captivating, making it easy to get lost in the world he has created.

The fifth volume takes the story to a whole new level, with unexpected twists and turns that leave you wanting more.

It's a must-read for any fan of the genre.

I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a great read.

You won't be disappointed.

I read it after the sad passing of Carlos Pacheco and I think he did a brutal job on this story.

He brought some splash pages that you just keep looking at the details.

The story, knowing that there would be dragons and magic in World War I, I have enjoyed it. It is made very enjoyable.

I recommend the Image edition without the censorship of DC.

This story offers a unique and engaging blend of historical events and fantastical elements.

The dragons and magic add an exciting twist to the already intense backdrop of World War I.

Pacheco's artistry truly shines through in the detailed and captivating splash pages.

Each page is a work of art that draws the reader in and makes them want to explore every nook and cranny.

The removal of DC's censorship in the Image edition allows for a more unrestricted and authentic experience.

It gives the story the freedom to fully展现 its intended vision and impact.

Overall, this is a must-read for fans of both history and fantasy.

Kurt and Carlos Pacheco have embarked on an exciting project - creating an alternative history of WW1. In this unique vision, magic is introduced, transforming the already intense and complex nature of the war into something even more complicated and deadly.

Their work is truly remarkable. The construction of this alternative world is meticulous and well thought out. Every detail is carefully considered, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Despite not being as widely known as some of Busiek's other works, this particular piece is a hidden gem in his catalog. It offers a fresh and engaging take on a well-known historical event, captivating readers with its blend of history and fantasy.

Whether you're a history buff or a fan of magical tales, this alternative history of WW1 by Kurt and Carlos Pacheco is definitely worth exploring. It has the potential to transport you to a world where the boundaries between reality and magic are blurred, and the outcome of the war hangs in the balance.

This is an extremely nice alternate historical fantasy comic.

The plot is not only very interesting but also the world it creates is truly captivating.

The art in this comic is of a high quality, adding to the overall charm and appeal.

It makes for an entertaining read that can easily engage the reader and keep them hooked from start to finish.

Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or fantasy, this comic has something to offer.

The unique blend of the two genres creates a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

I highly recommend this comic to anyone looking for a good read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

You won't be disappointed!

Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheco present a unique Fables-inspired take on World War I in Arrowsmith, and it's truly remarkable. Just like in Fables, there isn't an in-depth exploration of why magic or magical creatures exist. Magic is simply a given, and the story proceeds from there. World War I remains largely the same, with the only difference being the addition of magic, which brings an extra touch of excitement (and terror).

Pacheco's contribution is significant, with his stunning artwork being beautifully enhanced by this handsome hardcover republication. Busiek's story, although simplistic, is highly effective. We are introduced to a young Columbian (American) boy, Fletcher Arrowsmith, who is eager to join the aero corps and fight against the despised Prussians. As one would anticipate, once the boy enters the war, he discovers the true cost of war. Despite the appealing cover and art, Arrowsmith can get quite dark, similar to Fables.

I adored the modest world-building and engaging narrative. Arrowsmith is an accessible book for both novice comic book readers and fantasy enthusiasts to pick up and enjoy. This republication includes a substantial amount of additional material that you can choose to read or skip. I found the "Historical Developments" section somewhat confusing as it combines our real history with the history in Arrowsmith's world.

I had never heard of Arrowsmith until Busiek announced its return as part of his new Image Comics deal.

Now, I find myself eagerly looking forward to picking up the new series. Busiek has an innate ability to bring a fully-realized world to life right from page one, and this is clearly evident in his envisioning of a World War I era Earth that is inhabited by fantasy creatures.

I have never been Pacheco's most ardent fan. He has always been reliable, but he never really stood out among his contemporaries. However, after reading Arrowsmith, I can understand how he managed to become a superstar.

It's truly good stuff. The combination of Busiek's imaginative world-building and Pacheco's improved art makes this series a must-read for any comic book enthusiast. I can't wait to see what adventures await in the new Arrowsmith series.

I have always been a huge fan of Kurt Busiek, and I firmly believe that Astro City is one of the finest books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. For some inexplicable reason, I always seemed to put this particular work on the backburner, and now I deeply regret it. Because, as it turns out, Arrowsmith, presented as a mini-series, is right up there with Astro City in terms of quality and appeal.

For those who are history enthusiasts, Arrowsmith is an absolute gold mine. Although magic and sorcery play a significant role in the story, the book's greatest strength lies in the alternate history it has masterfully crafted. It doesn't just focus on the recent past, such as the World Wars, but delves all the way back to 803 BC with the Charlemagne treaty. The amount of world-building in this series is truly astonishing, especially considering it's only a 6-issue run. Yet, it never feels overbearing or rushed.

One of the definite highlights of the series is witnessing a World War that involves magic and Dragons. There is so much to take in and digest within the pages of Arrowsmith that with each subsequent read, you're likely to discover something new and exciting in Pacheco's stunning artwork. The only drawback, if I can even call it that, is that the series is simply too short. I would love for Busiek to return to this captivating world and create sequels, as it truly deserves further exploration. It leaves you with an insatiable desire for more, which is precisely why it earns a well-deserved 5-star rating.