TAARNA (2019) graphic novel

[GRWelsh]

It was enjoyable but could have been better. This comic book series collected into a graphic novel features the character Taarna from the HEAVY METAL movie, but it felt more like a reboot than a sequel. The skimpy outfit designed by Howard Chaykin which she wore in the movie is not used in the comic book except on the covers. So that seems like a bait and switch of wanting to use the iconic image to attract buyers but then go a different direction with the character in the story. That didn't bother me because the traditional battle gear of a great warrior race looking like a stripper outfit was ridiculous all along. There was some nudity but it wasn't gratuitous. The way Taarna was portrayed was my favorite part of the book. She was mute so the only way her personality could be expressed was through her facial expressions and reactions and the art did that quite well. She was fearless, compassionate and honorable. She could be overpowered and injured, but was durable and survived from wounds that would kill ordinary humans. There were some details and twists in the story which I quite liked but they're spoilers so I can't be more specific. The art was good, when considering individual panels and Taarna herself, but the art also had a major problem: it was amateurish in a way that made it difficult to follow what was happening sequentially, especially in the action scenes. Layout was poor. It could have benefited from the guidance of a more experienced comic book artist. This should be the strength of the medium, not a flaw. In regards to the overall story it was too similar to the one in the movie, so that was disappointing. It felt like a missed opportunity to build upon the lore of the movie, and instead it was just a reworking of similar elements, and come to think of it they might not even be fully compatible. For example, in the movie she's the last Taarakian, but in this story she is summoned by the Taarakians as if she is one of their ancient, legendary heroes. It was like a rehash that wasn't fully thought out. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars.

[GRWelsh]

TAARNA: THE LAST TAARAKIAN (2022) is another graphic novel starring Taarna yet seemingly having nothing to do with the 2019 graphic novel. From what I can tell, it is not an improvement and is probably worse. It looks like a retelling of the segment from the 1981 movie, so that is an unoriginal plot. It gets rid of Taarna's iconic costume in favor of rather bland looking armor that doesn't seem to have any effect on the story. She speaks in this series, as opposed to being mute in the movie and previous series. It can't even keep the same art team through five issues. This looks like a definite pass. It's sad that HEAVY METAL can't produce a decent graphic novel starring their most iconic character. They keep giving the project to people who are amateurish or uncreative. You'd think they'd dig into the lore and provide some interesting answers or at least questions... Who was Taarak and when did he live and what did he do? Who were the Taarakians and what happened to them? Why is Taarna the last of the Taarakians? Why do they make their pacts? How do the pacts work? What is that temple Taarna was at, and what was that lightning effect all about when she held her sword up? What makes them such great fighters? How do they reincarnate into new generations? What is the deal with their birds? It seems like one could plot out an interesting story just by exploring one or more of these questions. Or, don't answer any of the questions -- keep her mysterious and tell a completely new story that adds to her lore without contradicting it... That would work, too.

Below is all of the dialogue from the "Taarna" segment in HEAVY METAL movie (1981):

“It has been ordained - that the race of Taarak the Defender will aid us in times of need.”
“Taarak the Defender? His race is dead. They cannot defend anyone.”
“Some say the race is not dead, that one still lives.”
“One? What good is one?”
“One of Taarak's blood can do much.”
“Elder! They are in the hall!”
“Who is this last Defender?”
“How can he be summoned?”
“It is Taarna of the blood of Taarak. The last of the race. And must be summoned as Taarak himself was summoned. From within.”
“But will he answer?”
“A Taarakian must answer. It is in their blood.”
“They are at the door! They are here!”
“Bar the door!”
“We will summon the Defender together… Taarna ...”

To defend, this is the Pact. But when life loses its value and is taken for naught - the Pact is to avenge.

“Hey, look. A new one.”
“Where are you from, baby?”
“She does not talk much.”
“She does not have to talk for what I want to do with her.”
“Go on, baby.”
“Let us see what is under there.”
“Hey, she is tough.”
“Maybe she wants to fight.”
“Or maybe take us all on.”
“You will find them beyond the oasis. Towards the green glow.”

“We have captured a Taarakian!”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, your Holiness.”
“But the Taarakian race is extinct.”
“She has the marks. I saw them.”
“Have her bound and washed. Then - bring her to me.”
“What of the bird?”
“Kill it.”
“So this is the Taarakian. Somehow I thought it would be more difficult to capture a Taarakian. My whips.”
“Pull him down!
“I will put an arrow through his head!
“Mount the bats! I want her dead!
“This time you die, Taarakian bitch!

>Taarna ... Do not sacrifice yourself. You cannot destroy me.<

And the spirit of Taarna - is transferred across the universe to a new Defender. And the power of evil is contained for another generation. And a new Taarakian is born to protect the next.