Review added September 11, 2008

Korgi (Book 2): The Cosmic Collector

Review by Jouni Pohjola

Christian Slade continues his Korgi stories with this, the second volume in what is projected to eventually be a ten part series. Much of what I wrote previously on Korgi Book 1: Sprouting Wings! also applies to this book.

Plot-wise, things take a bit of unexpected turn as instead of following up on the main hints dropped in the first instalment, Slade throws in a new threat to the peaceful life of Korgi Hollow in the shape of a pulp sci-fi alien creature, Black 7. And as it turns out, the Mollies themselves apparently aren't quite as rustic as the first book made it seem like. The longer story arc involving the ruined castle and its mysterious denizens is also forwarded a bit on the side. The new story thus adds complexity to the apparently rather simplistic fairytale-like story line of the first issue and will keep the reader guessing as to where it will turn next. Older readers are entertained by a number cross cultural references to well know works of science fiction.

The main problem with the plot I'm having is that the story is rather violent. While Book 1 certainly had its share of violent scenes, this time it grated on me more somehow. I'm not quite sure to what age group the book is supposed to be primarily intended – it may manage to be too childish and too mature at the same time.

Slade's art is also appears a little less polished this time around. In some pictures the perspectives appear to be actually a bit wonky; hopefully this is not an indication of too pressing deadlines imposed by the publication deal with Top Shelf. That said, there are plenty of impressive stuff there as well, such as the almost harrowing first appearance of Black 7 (pg. 14-15).

So while it's not quite up the standard of its predecessor, Korgi Book 2 is still well worth a read – or a look if you prefer.

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Review added September 11, 2008