The "Matrix" Comics - Softcover

Gaiman, Neil; Wachowski, Larry; Wachowski, Andy; Darrow, Geof

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1840238062 ISBN 13: 9781840238068

Publisher: Titan Books Ltd, 2003

Synopsis

The Matrix revolutionized the science-fiction action film for ever, and this collection of stories delves deeper into the world of the movies, exploring every aspect of the struggle between machine and mankind, between what is real and what is illusion.

About this title

Review:

The Matrix comics, like all the other spin-offs from The Matrix films (such as Animatrix and The Matrix games), are meant to enhance the central storyline of the cinematic trilogy. In the world of The Matrix machines rule, but the vast majority of humans don't even know this. The world that most of us see is a supremely realistic virtual reality: in the real world, our sleeping bodies are kept alive (and dreaming) by the machines, who cultivate us as living fuel cells. Only a small number of humans--inhabitants of the underground city of Zion--inhabit the "real" world, acting as freedom fighters against the machines.

It's in this world that the 12 stories of The Matrix comics are set. Written and illustrated by some of the top names in comics--as well as some lesser-known creators--the stories don't focus on any particular characters or places, allowing for greater creative freedom. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Neil Gaiman's prose story about a heroic double-life outside of the Matrix is inspiring and beautifully written--it easily stands out amid the gloom and bleakness of the other stories. Conversely, The Matrix creators Larry and Andy Wachowski's back-to-basics science-fiction story (ably illustrated by Geoff Darrow) provides a gruesome and thought-provoking prologue to the whole Matrix trilogy. Other standouts include David Lapham's tragic tale "There Are No Flowers in the Real World" and Paul Chadwick's hopeful "The Miller's Tale". The remaining stories are less successful. Though few are bad, several do suffer from the pretentiousness and bogged-down ideas of their cinematic counterparts--they're just not as clever as they think they are. Still, fans of The Matrix films will find this an entertaining addition to the canon. --Robert Burrow

About the Author:

Larry and Andy Wachowski wrote and directed all three Matrix films, as well as the cult classic noir Bound. Geof Darrow co-created Hard Boiled and The Big Guy & Rusty the Boy Robot. Steve Skroce has illustrated Wolverine, Youngblood and many more besides. Tim Sale illustrated Batman: The Long Halloween and Batman: Dark Victory.

About this edition

• Publisher: Titan Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1840238062
• ISBN 13: 9781840238068
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160
• Illustrator: Gibbons Dave