1423 ( )

Although I don't read too many graphic novels, I did read quite a few comics when I was a kid. I don't know if it was because the story for Doorways was originally intended for a television series, or if George R.R. Martin's story-telling skills raised the level a bit, or if I'm just slowly becoming more excepting of this medium as an actual graphic novel instead of just a comic book, but I enjoyed my experience with Doorways more than I have with any graphic novel that I've read to this point.

The story is a fun sci-fi/fantasy romp that takes the reader along with the characters on a run for their lives. The action starts up pretty quickly and doesn't really let up until the end. I think that one of the things that I liked the most is that Martin doesn't ever stop the story to explain to the reader exactly what is going on, there is no flash-back sequence or explanation from a narrator of what has happened in these characters' pasts, the reader just gets bits and pieces from the characters themselves as the story progresses.

My only complaint with this particular book is that it is a bit short and feels a little incomplete. I realize that this is based on the screenplay for a television pilot that was never aired and that Martin most probably didn't put a whole lot into expanding the story once it got dropped, but when he decided to move forward in turning it out in graphic novel format, there could have been a bit added to give it a more satisfying conclusion even if there are plans to continue the series. ( )

I'm not a big fantasy reader. I tend towards historical fiction and sci fi, but I've recently discovered George RR Martin's "Game of Thrones" series and I've been absolutely blown away by the scope, drama, stories and, most importantly, the characters. In looking for more Martin, I came across "Doorways", published by IDW. This comic delivers Martin and fantasy fans a story originally developed for tv in the 90's.

The first issue of four introduces Cat who appears rather Terminator-like in a street, gets injured and ends up in an ER where she's seen by Dr. Thomas. Carrying bizarre weapons and unable to speak well, Dr. Thomas realizes quickly that she's not a local, though from how far away is unclear. After being taken from the hospital by some MIB-looking suits, we're introduced to her powerful weapons and more powerful enemies.

The artwork by Stefan Martino is bright, bold and dramatic. The character-building in this first issue is somewhat light, but that's expected in this medium. The world that Martin plans on building is only hinted at initially, but he's clearly heading down a very interesting path of alternative realties and a sniff at time travel or time shifting.

The bad guys seem dramatically bad. The future technology seems dramatically cool. For Martin, Fantasy and Sci Fi fans, I'd absolutely recommend this read.

The first issue also contains an epilogue from Martin where he explains the backstory of "Doorways", which had actually produced a 90-minute long pilot, 6 additional scripts, and a cast that included "Matrix"-destined Carrie-Ann Moss.

I received this advanced reader copy from NetGalley.com ( )