Templar

I whipped through this book way too fast. Way too fast. From the first to the last page I found myself chewing through the story as fast as I could, even though I kept telling myself that I ought to slow down and let the flavor of one panel soak in a little more before I nom-nom-nommed the next one. But I just couldn't do it. Naturally, I'll re-read it, but I'm telling you that my first reading was the equivalent of locking a hungry man in a fully stocked banquet hall: I stuffed myself until I was like a lion with a bellyful of zebra.First of all, the plot asked the characters to resolve a simple problem. But it was a very good "simple problem," and one that required a lot of brain, brawn, and chutzpah on their parts to achieve. It was about fifty pounds of fun watching them do it, and that includes me getting angry at them, getting worried for them, being proud of them, being distrustful of them, and finally, wishing I could have met them.Secondly, the art constituted a perfectly delicious illusion. There were details aplenty, and each of them got enough attention from the artists to capture my attention as a reader, but none of them were so overdrawn or intricately executed that I felt like I needed a magnifying glass to see everything. The artists gave my eyes plenty to work on -- the market scenes, the building interiors, the streets of Paris -- but left my mind plenty of room to lavish in its own details, which was extraordinarily easy and pleasurable to do. The art so successfully suggested a depth of setting that I felt like I had been on a tour of 14th century Paris... I very much felt like I had walked around to see and hear and smell it. (Note: Read Part Three and you'll see that I'm not kidding when I say "smell.")Thirdly, I think the book asks a pretty deep question, one which I think anybody living in any time has likely asked him- or herself, which is simply: "What would I do?" I think the book asks it from several directions, and gives a way to consider the question from multiple points of view, and therefore provides a rich opportunity for the reader's mind to wonder and consider and observe who he himself, or she herself, is. These characters are put through some Stuff, yo, and I mean some really Deep Stuff -- and when you read that, when you see these people that you like or dislike, or are proud of, or in some way feel a connection to, you yourself can't help but ask what YOU would do. And personally, I found that comforting, rewarding, and in some cases exhilarating because I understood why the characters behaved as they did, even if I disagreed with their decisions. It sounds goofy, but I feel like I learned something about myself by watching these characters go through their Deep Stuff.Finally, I will make one micro-spoiler comment. The joking homage to _Raiders of the Lost Ark_ was so good I would have paid double what they asked for this book. I got to that panel and was just shocked at how funny and appropriate that joke was. My face opened up in a huge rictus of mirth, but no laughter came out because inside I was so blown away at how AWESOME the joke was that I felt it was better to let myself be knocked out of my socks than it was to laugh. (But I did laugh later, and I'm still laughing now. Mechner, Pham and Puvilland? This is me leaping to my feet and applauding you for that one.)If you like historical fiction, deep characterization, and graphic novels, you're going to enjoy this book. Bravo!

Wow. Just wow. One of the best graphic novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Jordan Mechner penned a sensational epic, delightfully illustrated by Leuyen Pham and Alex Puvilland.A little back story... About three years ago I picked up a copy of Prince of Persia, the graphic novel. Right next to it on the shelf was a copy of Solomon's Thieves, both by the same creators. I knew of Mechner, yet had not read his writing (heck, I played it if you count him writing code). I ended up enjoying Solomon's Thieves more, and waited for a sequel. And waited, and waited.Thankfully First Second publishing decided on a birthday present for me, releasing Templar for me to, well, buy for myself.First Second always amazes me with their releases, but this one deserves special mention. 450+ pages tightly bound in hardcover. Most publishers would have gone cheap, or God forbid paperback. Thank you for the extra effort.Enough with the outside... how about what's inside the book? Some damn fine writing and art, that's what. I was thinking of a way to classify the story... a tragedy? Comedy? The book equivalent of a buddy film? All of the above? Mechner crafted very human characters with hopes, aspirations, and flaws. Best of all, you cared for them right up the the end. I don't want to spoil much, so it's best to experience it for yourself.I'll go ahead and say it. I really like Pham's art. Puvilland's color really does her inks justice. Pham designed characters with human traits and had them act out with whimsy. I devoured each panel and was in awe of the detail that I had seen. One of he double page spreads at the end made me gasp. I loved it.The book was an enjoyable read. Do yourself a favor and pick yourself up a copy. As for me, I hope see see Mechner, Pham, and Puvilland back with a new exciting series soon, but not too soon... the three of you deserve a break.

A good story.

I mostly like the book because it is pretty much historical. Except for the naked ladies part in the bathhouse. It didn't make sense so I added sitcky notes.

A fanciful tale about the Knights Templar based on tales of treasure and tragedy. The author states up front (refreshing!) that the tale is "nonsense" and based on legends rather than fact. (I loved the fact that he acknowledges that a great deal of "nonsense" has been written about the Knights.) I was delighted to learn the author includes some very authoritative, scholarly resources for those interested in the TRUE history of the Templars. Rubbish on Scottish churches, travel to North American, buried treasure and mysticism all muddy the TRUE history of these warrior monks. With this in mind, enjoy this fun graphic novel on an adventurous Templar protagonist who, to say the least, did not follow The Rule.

Excellent novel. It avoids the typical Templar World-Destroying Conspiracy vibe by focusing on relatively unimportant members of the order, suddenly left without their whole base of existence. Characters are distinct if a bit cliched, their interactions are interesting to watch regardless, and the whole medieval heist aspect is very interesting. Plus, you don`t see many novels set in medieval times anyway, right?Overall, I think I`m not the first one to say that this story would look good on the big screen, but in sad case it does not make it here, like another excellent work of Jordan Mechner - The Last Express game - we have this book.Buy it.

I had borrowed this book from my local library. I enjoyed the story so much that I just had to buy it!The art is OK, drawn well enough that it does not take away from the excellent story.The story is what will grab you and take you for a fun (perhaps sad at times) ride.I could not put the book down. I had to keep reading it to see what happened next.Great book!

This is a really good book that will plunge you into a vivid 12th Paris! The story is fast-paced and an inventive take on what happened to the treasure of the Temple. The illustrators have a really nice style and bring to life this epic story.This book builds upon careful research to deliver a well written and well illustrated entertaining story. I say genius!Quick summary: Martin and his knight templar mates are stationed in the order's temple just outside the walls of Paris. One evening they defy the curfew, change into civilian garb and go into town for a bit of evening fun. That very same night the destiny of the 15,000 or so knight templars of France is forever changed by the king and his cunning adviser Guillaume de Nogaret...

This is a fun read full of intrigue and action. The art is of very high quality, the pages are glossy and the book is long enough for it to be good for a few hours of entertainment. A good addition to a graphic novel collector's library. I'm a huge fan of collections like Thorgal and Conan, and historical fiction with swords.

Great and believable story. Refreshing departure from all those super heroes.

Well-Plotted, Action-Packed, and Deeply Moving Bromance Adventure.The legendary Game designer and writer Jordan Mechner surely knows how to tell great stories in games, movies or graphic novels.When both the story and the storytelling are great, what do you expect?Yet another classic work from the creator of Prince of Persia!

Didnt want the book to end