Rainbow Orchid Volume 1

This is a little different from most of the graphic novels that we get to review at Soteria. This is not about a superhero or a masked vigilante. Rainbow Orchid is about Julius Chancer, a young assistant to the historical researcher Sir Alfred Catesby-Grey. He helps his employer track down historical artefacts although this case is a bit stranger than most.

This time there is a families name and title at stake and he must help moviestar Lily Lawrence to track down a rare, possibly even non-existent flower, the Rainbow Orchid, in order for her family to keep it's title and rights. However the mysterious Urkaz Grope has plans for the title that he seems likely to win and is determined to keep Julius and Lily from finding the Rainbow Orchid, by any means necessary.

The visual style of this graphic novel will instantly remind you of TinTin. Undoubtedly there has been a huge influence on the drawing style of this series. However as this work is set in the 1920's the style fits with the story brilliantly. There is plenty of action and adventure in this first part of the tale, although I think it is a shame this wasn't a little bit longer.

The artwork is clear and precise and drawn by the writer which means that he is able to convey everything that he wants to within each graphic frame. TinTin fans will of course love this, but there are no "Blistering Barnacles" here, or anything of the other character cliches from Herges adventures. Instead this is played totally straight, with the comic relief coming from the thugs chasing after our heroes and also from Crumpole the movie publicity agent for Lily. There are also characters included in this who have not as yet stepped into the story properly, but they are there, observing in a number of frames. They will no doubt feature in later volumes.

A good clean graphic novel with an older sensibility to it that I am sure older readers of the genre will love. I also think there is a lot here for younger readers, although there may not be lycra clad heroes there is definitely an adventure starting in this novel. I look forward to the next installment!