Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 97 votes)
5 stars
40(41%)
4 stars
32(33%)
3 stars
25(26%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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97 reviews
July 15,2025
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Wow, what a hidden gem this is!

It features great art and captivating storytelling. I have a real penchant for alternative histories, and this one truly stands out. The addition of magic and dragons, or both in this instance, takes it to a whole new level.

I first became aware of this when the news of its sequel was being released. It immediately piqued my interest, and I've been eager to explore it ever since.

The idea of a world where magic and dragons coexist with history is simply fascinating. I can't wait to delve deeper into this story and discover what other wonders it has in store.

I'm sure there are many more adventures and surprises waiting for me on these pages. I'm looking forward to reading more and losing myself in this enchanting alternative history.
July 15,2025
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This experience was far darker and more depressing than what I had initially been expecting.

It presented an interesting and novel take on the subject matter, which I will admit caught my attention at first.

However, as I delved deeper into it, I realized that it was not a path that I wanted to continue exploring.

The atmosphere was so heavy and oppressive that it began to weigh on my spirit.

While I can appreciate the creativity and uniqueness of the concept, it simply didn't resonate with me on a deeper level.

I found myself longing for something more uplifting and positive, something that would inspire and motivate me rather than drag me down.

Perhaps others may find value and enjoyment in this darker and more depressing take, but for me, it was not the right fit.

I will instead look for other experiences and stories that can offer me a more fulfilling and satisfying emotional journey.
July 15,2025
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Twisting the history of the Great World War with a large portion of Magic and Monsters, the

theme remains the same.

War is indeed Hell, and in this fictionalized account, it is no different.

There are no clear winners, only survivors.

The addition of magic and monsters adds an extra layer of chaos and danger to the already brutal conflict.

Soldiers must not only face the enemy's weapons but also the unknown forces of magic and the terrifying creatures that lurk in the shadows.

Despite the fantastical elements, the core message about the horrors of war still shines through.

It serves as a reminder that war brings destruction and loss, regardless of whether it is set in a real or fictional world.

The survivors of this war will carry the scars, both physical and emotional, for the rest of their lives.

They will have to find a way to rebuild and move forward in a world that has been forever changed by the violence and chaos of war.

July 15,2025
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In an alternative, magical universe, imagine if the First World War was fought using magic and fantasy creatures?

Busiek starts from these premises and writes a truly wonderful story, and Pacheco brings it to life in the best possible way.

The story unfolds with captivating battles and unique characters, as the forces of magic clash on the battlefield.

Readers are drawn into this enchanting world, filled with spells, potions, and mythical beings.

It's a pity that this story didn't have a sequel.

One can only wonder what other adventures and mysteries lay hidden in this magical universe.

Perhaps in a future installment, we could learn more about the characters and their fates.

Until then, we can only enjoy this one-of-a-kind tale and let our imaginations run wild.

July 15,2025
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A raw view on war in general is presented in Arrowsmith. The story takes a decidedly anti-war stance, even though the main characters are engaged in fighting an alternate universe version of WWI that involves elements such as magic, dragons, vampires, werewolves, and Norse gods. The author uses this fantastical setting to explore the horrors and futility of war. Despite the presence of these extraordinary beings and powers, the reality of war remains the same. The characters experience the pain, loss, and destruction that come with conflict. Through their eyes, we see the true cost of war, regardless of the context. Arrowsmith challenges our perception of war and makes us question its necessity. It forces us to consider the consequences of our actions and the impact they have on others. In this way, the story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace and the need to find alternative ways to resolve conflicts.

July 15,2025
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Fun world building is achieved in this work as it integrates magic with World War I.

However, it gives the impression that all the magic is rather off to the side.

It seems not to be an integral part of the story, which is a bit disappointing.

The combination of these two elements has great potential, but perhaps more could have been done to truly merge them and make the magic play a more central and significant role.

As it stands, the magic feels somewhat like an added-on feature rather than an essential component that drives the narrative and enriches the overall story experience.

Nonetheless, the concept of fusing magic with a historical event like World War I is still quite interesting and has the potential to be developed further in a more engaging and integrated way.
July 15,2025
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Arrowsmith Web Preview and Arrowsmith #1-6 offer an engaging and unique story.

Fletcher Arrowsmith, with a desire to help the world, leaves his Connecticut home on Lake Erie when a war with the Prussians breaks out in Europe. He joins the Overseas Aero Corps with his friend Jonathan Kerry. As the war unfolds, they learn to use magic to fly, and Fletcher falls in love with Grace Hilliard, the daughter of a millionaire. However, as he enters the war, he discovers that it is not what he expected and that ethics sometimes have to be compromised to win.

Written by Kurt Busiek and illustrated by Carlos Pacheco, Arrowsmith: So Smart in Their Fine Uniforms gathers the first Arrowsmith series and a web preview. Published by Wildstorm, it was well-received by critics and fans alike.

The story is set in an Earth full of magic, where ogres, vampires, trolls, werewolves, and demons exist, changing the way the world has developed. The United States and Europe have different make-ups, adding an interesting twist to compare Fletcher Arrowsmith’s world with ours. A map of the globe is included at the back of the collection. Interestingly, magic is both highly looked down upon and admired by the public.

Carlos Pacheco’s art is truly fantastic. The series has a bright and steampunk feel, with a combination of technology and magic. The character and dragon designs are excellent, reminding one of the great series Leave It to Chance. The art combines well with Busiek’s smart story, making it feel like the start of something special.

Unfortunately, this is the only outing for Arrowsmith so far. Busiek and Pacheco have expressed their desire to do more, but almost ten years later, it still hasn’t happened. There have been rumors of an illustrated novel, but it has never been published. Maybe with the success of Peter and Max: A Fables Novel, we might still see Arrowsmith return in some form.

Overall, Arrowsmith is a fun collection, but it’s a pity that there isn’t more. I’m eager to know the end of the war, if Fletch Arrowsmith makes it home, and to see more of the world he inhabits. Although we don’t get that in Arrowsmith: So Smart in Their Fine Uniforms, hopefully, we will find out someday.
July 15,2025
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Brilliant!

This work is truly well-written. The story unfolds in a captivating manner, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. The way it is draw, lettered, and colored is simply beautiful. Each page is like a work of art, with vibrant colors and detailed illustrations that bring the story to life.

However, I can't help but feel a sense of disappointment that the series had not continued. It had so much potential, and I was really looking forward to seeing where the story would go next. The characters were well-developed, and the plot was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Despite this, I still highly recommend this work to anyone who loves great storytelling and beautiful art. It is a must-read for fans of the genre, and I'm sure they will enjoy it as much as I did.
July 15,2025
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July 15,2025
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The adventures of a young American volunteer in the Great War, but set in an alternative world where magic and fairy races are real. All the idealism and horror of World War I, with dragons and wizards. What more could one ask for? It's a great work of drawing, with a spectacular story and setting, marred only by the scarcity of the volume that loudly demands a continuation.

On a second reading, I must highlight the extra material that accompanies it and reveals the extremely hard work that went into the setting of this alternative history of a magical Europe (and Colombia). The details are fascinating, and it really adds depth to the overall experience. It makes you want to explore this world even further and see what other adventures await our young protagonist. The combination of historical events and magical elements is truly unique and engaging, and it's a shame that there isn't more of it. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us in the future.
July 15,2025
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The world-building in this was extremely well thought out.

The intricate details and the精心设计的设定 made it a truly immersive experience.

The artwork was simply amazing, with its vivid colors and stunning visuals that brought the story to life.

The story itself was tight, with a clear narrative and well-developed characters.

I have a fair amount of knowledge about WWI in our world, which allowed me to easily follow what was going on in theirs.

Busiek did a remarkable job of infusing the book with the flavor of the time, from the historical events to the cultural nuances.

I will most definitely look for more installments in this series.

It had such a strong hold on me that I couldn't put it down.

Once I started reading, I was completely captivated and eager to see what would happen next.

This is definitely a series that I would highly recommend to others.
July 15,2025
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Ni de lejos lo mejor de Busiek, aunque la premisa es bastante buena.

It has to be admitted that Pacheco doesn't help much either. He shows less inspiration than ever and his designs contribute little.

Still, it hooked me enough to read the continuation... If it ever comes out.

Overall, while the premise holds promise, the execution by Pacheco leaves something to be desired. The lack of inspiration in his work is quite evident and detracts from the overall quality. However, there is still enough in the story to keep me interested and curious to see what happens next.

It remains to be seen if and when the continuation will be released, but for now, I'm left with a somewhat mixed impression.

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