Lord of the Jungle Annual #1

[positronic]

I enjoyed this one quite a bit more (both story and art-wise) than I did any of the regular issues so far. Maybe because it's an original story, maybe because I really liked Sergio Davila's artwork. My only complaint was that it didn't feel like an Annual-length story (didn't count the pages). Well, that and really, what are the odds of Tarzan encountering a giant alligator (or was it a crocodile) in the sewers of New York? Mutant ninja turtles maybe, but alligators in the sewers? How cliche.

[manga4life]

It was fine, but I much prefer the core creative team to the one that was put on this issue. All in all it wasn't a bad issue and it was a fairly breezy read with a fantastic cover, the story itself was fine but the art was a little "bleh" and could have been a lot better. I do love the main series and I'd say this wasn't a bad attempt at an annual, I just wouldn't want this to be the creative team for the core story.....if you catch my drift.

[positronic]

Guess we're just gonna have to disagree on both Sergio Davila and Ronan Cliquet then. I've been kinda "meh" on the regular series so far (as I am on Jonathan Lau and Igor Vittorino). OK, but not outstanding. Sort of hope they can just wrap up the adaptation soon and get on with regular original stories.

[Awearo]

it was so so...not that great...

[Britt68]

Agree, it was so so. I like the concept but it seemed a bit rushed. I was a little surprised to see him kill the German in the ring. I thought he he would tried to do something to convince him, like 2 gladiators uniting against Rome. I like the way the core series is evolving and this seemed out of place. Just the fact Tarzan is speaking English took me a minute to digest.

The art was ok. not horrible like some other series. I prefer the core series art. More edgy.

Positronic, I would take Davila over Cliquet.

I think the "so-so" rating is very accurate.

[manga4life]

Annual's never seem to be quite as good as the core series, I've come across a small handful over the years that have either came close or were slightly better but nothing that really stands out. This Lord of the Jungle Annual is one of those that just isn't nearly as good as what's going on in it's mother title.

But it isn't like it was a horrible book, if you catch my drift.

[positronic]

I was a little surprised to see him kill the German in the ring. I thought he he would tried to do something to convince him, like 2 gladiators uniting against Rome.

Actually, given that this is the very early Tarzan (I believe there was a note there somewhere about the story taking place after regular issue #8), I thought that rang true. At this point in his career, Tarzan is still a savage ape with very little understanding of human civilization. He is still very much attuned to his jungle-bred instincts of kill or be killed. When Tarzan says he doesn't want to fight the German, he means he doesn't want to kill him. Plus I didn't get the impression that the German was there against his will.

[Britt68]

Good observation about annuals, Magna. I thought the first Green Hornet annual was strong, but it seems most other annuals are just ok.

Still, this annual was an enjoyable and quick read.

[Ghornet2]

Just picked up the annual today. Not bad but I'm use to the old days when annuals told a 'bigger' story. Now that most books involve 'story arcs' they are usually short individual stories.