The Forever War

Here is an adaptation of the famous novel by Joe Haldeman. It’s not the original novel, but it’s significant in and of itself.

Illustrations run left to right, top to bottom, making an English reader comfortable simply with the accustomed ease of movement within the tale. The size of panels changes with the tempo and emphasis of the storyline. A stack of panels the full width of a page will be followed with a page four panels across and four deep, then by a page of multiple scenes varying radically in size. In this manner visual interest is maintained and pace is somewhat controlled.

Foreground detail is sufficient to lock attention, while backgrounds (space, landscapes, cityscapes) border on impressionistic. There is a darkness and a starkness to this presentation. I found myself riveted enough to complete reading it in one sitting! As stated, this is an adaptation. Some memorable elements from the original novel are not here. But that’s not a flaw in an adaptation.

With glossy stock in and out, this 6.5”x10” book is of good quality. Titan should have had second thoughts about the binding method, though. A quarter inch compression in front of the spine face makes the guttering essentially useless. Red or green lettering on black ship monitors occasions some squinting.

The protagonist and the reader are equally trapped by this fine collaboration.