The Lone and Level Sands
06/17/2005

The Lone and Level Sands, published by Caption Box, 145 pages, $9.95.

I enjoy comics projects which employ Biblical material, as well as those which utilize historical information. The Lone and Level Sands, by writer A. David Lewis and artist Marvin Perry Mann, does both, while building a framework of
"speculation and creative thought" around it.

Sands tells a story of Ramses II, a somehow-prominent historical figure, of whom precious little is really known. From what I've seen (40 pages of lettered work, 105 more of panels, sans lettering), this is going to be comics work worth
owning.

Lewis pens a wonderfully entertaining tale of a proud, dignified and noble ruler, who loves his family and nation, at odds with a man who is driven by sincere conviction. The later will be familiar to those acquainted with the book of
Exodus. The former is a fresh take on a king of long ago, but could be imagined true without clashing with Biblical material.

After all, how many of us could be (or have been) undone by our pride, under the proper circumstances?

The characters are deep and emotional, and certainly the primary source of entertainment in this story.

Mann has an art style that, while not complex, is certainly not your run-of-the-mill independent fare. It is reminiscent of animation art, yet replete with mood and emotional overtones. It is consistent, with a mature air; a sense that this is what his style has become after working at it. And, while I believe all good artists seek improvement throughout their career, I could be very happy with Mann's current style from now on.

The Lone And Level Sands could prove one of the best independent offerings of 2005, and is highly recommended for all ages. Check out
www.captionbox.net/lals/ for all purchasing information.

Website recommendation: Monsterblog.oneroom.org gives a look at the monster comics work of Jack Kirby. A wealth of reproduced covers, some never-before reprinted material, and review options for fans. A fun and historically relevant site!

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