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Weaving A Universe
Examining the threads of Jonathan Bogart's "Tapestry"

Wow.

Plain and simple - "Wow." Anyone who's read Tapestry would probably accept that as my review -- but apparently that isn't enough for some people. "I need feedback, man," they cry. "Feedback!" So, here's a rare attempt at coherent thought from me.

"Everyone should have a universe of their own," says Jonathan. While that is undoubtedly true, I doubt that most people would do as much with it, or as well, as Tapestry. In just a handful of chapters, Jonathan has created characters that are already interesting, intriguing, exciting and more.

The opening "Super-Spandex Clubhouse" introduces us to Symphony, Tapestry's own 'JLT' as it where. Combined with the second chapter, "The Diaries of Emil Orning", it provides us with a look at the past and present of this superhero team, showing how prejudices can and will be overcome. The chapters provide enough of a glimpse at the team to make us want to learn more, without leaving us feeling that we hadn't learnt enough.

Despite initial reservations about "The Yin, the Yang, and the Ugly" -- based largely on a somewhat gratuitous use of profanity (though many would disagree) -- I became more intrigued as the story progressed. Light and Shadow are a interesting and conflicting duo, a wonderful combination of equal and opposites. A martial art epic of almost Kurosawa proportions, while it perhaps fails to provide a more encompassing view of the cultures involved, it does contain some of the best fight scenes I've read and manages to deeply characterise both women within its short length.

My favourite chapter so far, "There Goes My Hero" covers what has perhaps become a staple part of the superhero genre; an attempt by the hero to lead a 'normal' life -- whatever that may be. While perhaps not innovative in plot, it remains a riveting and well handled chapter: sad without being overly poignant, happy without being false and with just the right balance of sentiment and humour.

Plus, it has a lizard in it.

"Fear no Evil" extends the geography of Tapestry to include the Ram Shackles, an entirely too cute name for the end of town where "even Titan rarely ventured", an introduces us to Nightsbane. An interesting if somewhat vague addition to the list of lycanthropic heroes, ruined somewhat by the feeling that not even the author knows exactly who he is. Still, the children involved were well characterised and it was nice to see that they fight over who is the best real hero just as comic fans in this universe argue over the best character.

Personally, I think Anglo Saxon would kick Nightsbane's ass -- but that's another story...

Amanda Lessing, the heroine of "Going Absolutely Nuts" has to be the funniest creation so far. That isn't to say she's nothing more than a joke -- in fact she's nicely characterised as the reluctant hero -- but for me the best line of the tale does have to be "That's why I have a secret identity. Because I'd die of embarrassment if anyone found out." Everything else I intended to say was covered in advance by bert's letter of comment so I'll leave you to read that.

For those of us who remember the Micronauts, "We Have Met the Enemy" is a nice nod to a subatomic universe. As usual this is a well crafted and nicely told tale - my only comment, and reservation, is that it leads to questions which may not be resolved for some time.

Chapter eight, "Ascent into Hell" only narrowly misses my favourite slot. It contains one of the scariest villains -- I leave it up to you to decided which I mean -- and brings us back to look at Black Star II and Symphony. In places truly horrifying, we get a brief glimpse into the dark depths of Tapestry -- leaving us glad they're locked up. Meanwhile, the characterisation of Symphony and its members continues to grow.

The last chapter -- so far since apparently he's aiming for a hundred chapters or so -- is my least favourite of the bunch, not because it's bad but rather because it is entirely too typical of fantasy stories. Up the up side "Because My Heart Is Pure" -- like all good fantasy -- has a valiant hero(ine) willing to risk damnation for her friends and a despicable enemy; what more could you want?

To summarise (partly because I've lost track but mainly because it offers a nifty way to round things up) Jonathon Bogart's "Tapestry" is sometimes amusing, sometimes saddening, sometimes sickening and always intriguing -- but never dull.

Personally, I'd stick with "Wow."

~ Review by Nope ~
Tapestry is available on my links page.