BATTLE CHASERS review

(Review by Melody Werner)
Battle Chasers is a 1998-2001 WildStorm/Cliffhanger production from the legendary Joe Madureira (better known as "Joe Mad"). Assisting on writing was Munier Sharrieff. Running for only 9 issues despite being immensely popular, it eventually would be more or less abandoned as Mad would go on to work on such projects as Darksiders and Inhuman. Recently, however, news of a new Battle Chasers comic as well as a Battle Chasers RPG called "Battle Chasers: Nightwar" has been released since this was written. I've always heard good things of Battle Chasers, but had never read it myself despite knowing it was up my alley. Having finally read it, I can say that Battle Chasers is already a strong contender for one of the best series I'll read this year.

BC is almost 20 years old now, but every issue of it remains gorgeous to behold. A lot of 90's series don't tend to age very well, but this one still looks like it could come out today. Hell, it even puts some current Marvel and DC series to shame, and stands up alongside the rest, that's just how spectacular it looks. The two-page spreads in BC are amazing and the series is chock full of detail. There are some issues, like in some of the later issues, where it's extremely visually busy; a common trap many series with this style tend to fall into. That being said, it's by no means as egregious a culprit of this aspect as others can be and have been. The aesthetic is that classic Madureira flavor and it naturally is stunning, with some winks and nods to more Eastern-style art. Design-wise, BC is a beauty, with excellent architecture, weapons, and phenomenal character designs. Calibretto alone is enough to say that the cast is well designed, but then there's Garrison, August, Brass Demur, and more that can make you wet your pants. The female characters other than Gully are too tacky though, in my opinion. The fight scenes are titanic and frenetic, especially any with Calibretto or Garrison. The covers are awesome, if you're into that.

Battle Chasers is no slouch in writing either. First and foremost, the series has much of its focus on its characters, which are a natural strongpoint in it. I keep mentioning Calibretto (because he's a standout in a cast of standouts) but Gully's a likable kid character, Knolan is an excellent wizard who's pleasantly cranky, Monika has tits; it's great stuff all around. The narrative isn't exactly new, per se, but what makes it above average is the execution and fine craft of it. It's very loose on exposition and yet it builds itself up enough to the point where it's easy to get attached to not only the characters, but also the world and situations. It's very much an emotional roller coaster with fun, grim, as well as sad moments, and none feel out of place. BC is extremely fast-paced but it never feels like it's rushed or skimping out on the good stuff. It's always lit, and that's something I appreciate.

Some media outlets and pundits may try to portray 90's Image as being wholly stoic and serious and formulaic in that regard; this makes me believe said sources have not read Battle Chasers. The reason for that is, well, the series has heaps of comedy woven in. There are some absolutely hilarious moments in this series which made me laugh my ass off and others which left me chuckling. The narration and dialogue in the series also are top-notch, due to some very excellent word choice and fair amount of banter which make them come together well.

That leads me to the next few aspects: the antagonists, the world, and the ending. First things first, the villains in Battle Chasers are very weak. While fun at times, cool in fights, and well designed, none are really fleshed out much. They aren't very intimidating nor interesting. The world itself is vibrant and the lore is engaging. It's also cool in that it's a pseudo-fantasy set in the far future. Then there's the finale... okay, so nothing wrong with the final issue itself. In fact, it was an exceptional issue on its own. But it's a massive letdown in that it leaves off with a cliffhanger (morbidly, considering it carried the Cliffhanger brand). I came in knowing it would end abruptly and even I was disappointed! TL;DR terrible ending, although an excellent installment. Hopefully the new series will tune that up.

All in all, Battle Chasers is a massively impressive series for one about as old as I am. I implore anyone who's not read it yet to check it out and anyone who already has but not in some time to do so also. It's mindblowingly good, and a wonderful series well worth seeing for yourself. Or just seeing how timeless it is. Even with some faults, it rises above them in being just a downright amazing series. Battle Chasers gets a Hmmzzt/10 (9.5/10). There's a reason why people have been wanting a continuation for 20 years.

Must-read

Summary:
An exceptional, classic title with incredible art, wonderful characters, buttery smooth pacing, riotous laughs, great dialogue and narration, a great plot, fantastic designs, wonderful covers, monumental fights, the classic Madureira art style, and an intriguing world. The places where Battle Chasers falters are in regards to its villains, finale, and at times being hard to follow along with visually. Nevertheless, it transcends its faults and withstands the test of time, and all around is just a beastly series.