Promethea: Book 1 Book + PRICE WATCH * Amazon pricing is not included in price watch

Promethea: Book 1 Book

Promethea sees Alan Moore tackling the idea of myths and their passage through history and culture, and gracefully mingling this with Neil Gaiman-esque magical realms and some good old-fashioned super-heroics. In a present-day New York City dominated by scientific wonder, student Sophie Bangs tirelessly researches the origins of a mystic warrior woman called Promethea, whose legend has recurred throughout history in a variety of forms. When Sophie meets Barbara Shelley, the most recent chronicler of the Promethea legend, she becomes entwined in a strange, magical world called the Immateria, where myths are born. Facing a myriad of terrifying dangers, Sophie must learn the truth about Promethea and, to survive, embrace the legend itself. With a terrific central idea--that myths become "real" through their chroniclers--Promethea is another triumph for Moore, and will certainly satisfy anyone with a hankering for an engrossing adventure that errs on the realm of Sandman rather than Wonder Woman. Promethea really hits its stride when the action moves to the dazzling, sorcerous world of Immateria, where Sophie learns of her mystical heritage, interwoven with some fine post-modern touches from Moore (a funny encounter with a foul-mouthed Little Red Riding Hood and Sophie "living" a 1920s Promethea comic book). Accompanying Moore's enticing and challenging stories is J.H.Williams III's vivid art, providing Sophie's mythical odyssey with a backdrop of considerable visual flair, befitting a world where myth and reality collide. For fans of Moore, this is a must, and this is a fascinating prospect for anyone wishing to experience Moore's typically combustible imagination. --Danny GraydonRead More

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  • Erin Britton28 August 2012

    An intelligent, philosophical comic book series, Promethea is Alan Moore at his best. Covering topics ranging from mysticism to superhero mythology, spirituality to science fiction, Promethea Book One collects issues 1 to 6 of the comic series and centres on university student Sophie Bangs. Sophie lives in an alternate version of New York where life is dominated by scientific wonders. It's a real science fiction wonderland where endless skyscrapers glow with neon lights, talking billboards advertise all manner of fantabulous gizmos, and people travel place to place in hover cars.

    Sophie Bangs is a bit of an outsider since she is more interested in myth than science, specifically in the recurring myths and stories of a powerful warrior woman named Promethea. Promethea's origins seem to lie far away in 5th century Egypt when a young girl fleeing from her father's killers stumbles into the realm of ancient gods known as The Immateria.

    Researching all mentions of Promethea through the centuries, Sophie visits Barbara Shelley, the widow of the man who wrote the most recent chronicles, and finds herself drawn into a dangerous world of magic and vengeful spirits. During a deadly chase across the city, Barbara reveals the truth behind the Promethea legends and Sophie discovers that she can accept the power necessary to save them.

    Promethea was originally published from 1999 to 2005 and ran to 32 issues. To complete the whole series (and its well worth doing so) there are another four graphic novels to get after this one. Promethea features Alan Moore's trademark combination of scholarly mysticism, technological disaster and subtle pop-culture lampooning. The focus here is on the impact of stories and the power of ideas, with each concept being executed flawlessly. The whole series is beautifully illustrated in full colour by JH Williams III, with the cityscapes and historical recreations being particularly striking.

    Promethea is an amazing series. Alan Moore's story is clever without being pretentious and manages to be a whole lot of fun as well as being thought-provoking. In the same way as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Promethea is a series that really celebrates literature and the joy of stories. Promethea is what so many comic book series aspire to be and so few manage. It's a series that I could read again and again.

  • BookDepository

    Originally published in single magazine form as Promethea #1-6.

  • 1563896672
  • 9781563896675
  • Alan Moore
  • 1 July 2001
  • DC Comics
  • Paperback (Book)
  • 160
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