Destroyer 14's Review of DINOSAURS VS. ALIENS

So, why is no one mentioning this? This new graphic novel just came out, and yet there are no reviews out there? Click for my take on the Grant Morrison-written book Dinosaurs vs. Aliens.

Review Opinion

By Destroyer14 - Jun 28, 2012 10:06 PM EST

Filed Under: Comics

Ah, Dinosaurs vs. Aliens. If that's not the coolest title known to man, I don't know what is. I gotta admit that I was pretty hyped, I mean, two of my favorite creatures battling it out?! And no humans to wreck everything? This had potential to be the greatest graphic novel ever. Not to mention the fact that a movie is going to be coming, which could also be one of the greatest movies ever made. But I'm here to talk about the graphic novel written by Grant Morrison. The book had been getting some pretty good hype, back on Free Comic Book Day they had released a short preview of it. Astounding art and it looked like the story was going to be more deep than what you were expecting. In fact, despite the cheesy 60's title, (I love it, but I'm sure the rest of the world would disapprove of such a Syfy-like title) the story is the book's strongest aspect. Dinosaurs vs. Aliens is a masterpiece, with its only flaw being the length, it doesn't justify $20.

Check out the official description from Dynamite and Liquid Comics:

From the minds of acclaimed filmmaker, Barry Sonnenfeld (director of the, “Men In Black” Films) and superstar graphic novel creator, Grant Morrison (Batman, The Invisibles, Action Comics, 18 Days), comes "Dinosaurs Vs. Aliens," from Liquid Comics. The story focuses on a secret world war battle that was never recorded in our history books. When an alien invasion attacks Earth in the age of the dinosaurs, our planet's only saviors are the savage prehistoric beasts which are much more intelligent than humanity has ever imagined.

Alright, let's get that one negative out of the way. The book is $20, which is the average price for a graphic novel. However, you're going to be surprised that it doesn't 'end.' There's going to be a part two. That was really disappointing, you get really into the story, and once you find out that this is just Volume One, you're left feeling a little unsatisfied. It feels like you're buying half a book, it should be at most $15. Graphic novels are usually self contained into one volume, not a continuation like this, with no word on Volume 2 yet. Now, don't think the actual story we're getting isn't good, it's fantastic.

I like the analogy of the whole 'Manifest Destiny' that's portrayed here. The dinosaurs are the Native Americans while the aliens represent the Americans. So this isn't just some mindless Vs. thing that you'll find Saturday nights on the Syfy channel, this story has a lot of heart. I love dinosaurs, so seeing them as a focus is interesting. Of course, it could be difficult story wise I admit for monsters to be the central focus without humans in the picture. This isn't the case here, the dinosaurs hold their own. As you can see by reading the description, these aren't the mindless beasts we're used to seeing in films. They're intellgent creatures, have tribes, and work together. Such emotion is portrayed even though they don't speak at all. It takes a true writer to able to pull off somethiong like that. Let's not count out the alien angle here. They're technically the 'villains.' However, they aren't mindless or just invading for the heck of it. Unlike the aliens we see in today's films, (Ahem to Cowboys and Aliens, Battle: Los Angeles, and Skyline) we're given insight into these extraterrestrials. (It is told mainly from their perspective after all.) Like the dinos, they are a compelling focus, the writing is top notch as we have inside scoop about why they're here.

The art is an extremely high point of the book. It's done by Mukesh Singh, who I gotta say matches up to Jim Lee's amazing work over at Justice League. The landscapes look incredible, and the splash page with two of the dinos looking at a looming UFO in the sky is awe inspiring. While the book isn't over-the-top and in your face, it remains fast-paced but calm at the same time. The book has a calming atmosphere, inviting you into a world without humans. The dinosaur skirmishes were appropriately brutal and how can one not smile at a T-Rex taking down an alien robot with its jaw? The very smart writing through thought boxes really carry the story.

Overall, Dinosaurs vs. Aliens might just be the greatest graphic novel I have ever read. It is unfortunate that I cannot give it a perfect rating becuse of the price drawback. It should have been one standalone book. Not many people are talking about it, so I fear for Volume Two. If it doesn't get made, we're left with part one of a masterpiece. Dinosaurs vs. Aliens does the impossible and manages to be a compelling story just with the title creatures. It's dinosaurs and aliens with amazing art and smart writing. What more can one want?

9/10.
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14 Comments

daywalker1623 - 6/28/2012, 10:51 PM

People will probably disagree with me but I personally think Grant Morrison is a genius and one of the best writers of our time. I very much have been looking forward to buying this ever since I heard it was going to be made.

daywalker1623 - 6/28/2012, 10:54 PM

Oh and you can get for 14 bucks at amazon right now.

AsianVersionOfET - 6/28/2012, 10:55 PM

Interesting

THRILLHO - 6/28/2012, 10:59 PM

Julesimanerd - 6/28/2012, 11:10 PM

dinos vs. aliens? yes

TheGambitFreak - 6/28/2012, 11:12 PM

Next, it'll be Denzel Washington vs. King Kong...

FightAs0ne - 6/28/2012, 11:26 PM

Cooooool I might buy this

marvel72 - 6/29/2012, 3:49 AM

i think i read somewhere that this is gonna be adapted into a film,it might be alright.

grampageezer - 6/29/2012, 6:51 AM

Haven't read the GN yet but I assume we all know who eventually won the war as we're still seeing UFO's in the sky.

...and f they make this into a film, I'm betting it will be entirely CGI along the lines of Disney's excellent "Dinosaur" feature from 2000.

beane2099 - 6/29/2012, 7:16 AM

I'm a sucker for crossovers of any kind. Always have been. X Men/Star Trek - I was first in line. Superman/Thundercats, Archie/Punisher, Army of Darkness/Xena - yep, yep and yep. And by the way if you're a fan of Star Trek or Dr. Who you REALLY need to pick up Star Trek TNG/Dr. Who. It's awesome. Anyhow, I have this on order at my LCS cause it's a crossover AND it's written by Grant Morrison (Final Crisis finale notwithstanding). I just wish they'd stop giving these things the "something vs something" title. For some reason it gives the story a bad connotation before it's even been seen (maybe cause of the craptacular AVP movies?).

superotherside - 6/29/2012, 12:54 PM

That sounds kinda cool. Maybe I'll see if I can read this one. :)

LAWLZY96 - 6/29/2012, 4:56 PM

I liked this book (although calling it the greatest graphic novel you've ever read is ridiculous) but I want to warn all the potential buyers right now that there is very little Dino vs Alien action in this book. It's mostly build up and exposition for the second volume...the so-called war doesn't actually happen in this book.

Destroyer14 - 6/29/2012, 6:20 PM

I wouldn't call it ridiculous, I think it's true. The writing, the scenery, the story, it's all good stuff. Other than the price and length, it could have been perfect.

Destroyer 14's Review of DINOSAURS VS. ALIENS

So, why is no one mentioning this? This new graphic novel just came out, and yet there are no reviews out there? Click for my take on the Grant Morrison-written book Dinosaurs vs. Aliens.

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