Helden

    (Caption, 2001-2002)
™ and ©1997, 2001 Caption Comics

Helden is a six-issue series translated from the German. The German versions must be in a different format because the story divisions make no sense. The story doesn’t make much sense either.

Writer and artist Ralf Paul is trying for a Robert E. Howard style Celt/Germanic/Elven epic, with a gang of muscular but lovable brutes banded together to defeat an invincible enemy. Paul is a terrific stylist, equal parts Bart Sears and Flint Henry. The pages are beautifully designed and colored.

Alas, the story breaks down from lack of characterization. All these brutes are interchangeable, including the ur-Rastafarian who speaks ur-Ebonics. It may be that Paul’s translators have done him a disservice. More likely the tale is as sprawling and undisciplined as it seems.

— Mike Baron
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  • 1
    Aug 2001
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Ralf Paul  ·  A: Ralf Paul
    2 copies from $1.75
  • 2
    Sep 2001
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Ralf Paul  ·  A: Ralf Paul
    1 copy for $4.98
  • 4
    Nov 2001
    Cover: $2.95
    W: Ralf Paul  ·  A: Ralf Paul
    2 copies from $0.99
  • 6
    Jan 2002
    Cover: $3.95
    W: Ralf Paul  ·  A: Ralf Paul
    1 copy for $9.98