Concrete Volume 2 Heights Concrete Graphic Novels Vol 2
Concrete Volume 2 Heights Concrete Graphic Novels Vol 2
Big as a boulder and strong as an ox, he’s Concrete, seven-feet plus of stony celebrity. That he’s a government-created cyborg is the cover story, but in truth he’s the mind of one Ronald Lithgow trapped inside a rocky shell of alien origin. Possessing of powers allowing him to scale the highest mountain unaided or peel back the roof of a car like a pull tab, he is yet denied the simple human pleasures of fragile flesh. The return of Paul Chadwick’s award-winning Concrete has ushered in a resurgence of interest in the acclaimed series that Harlan Ellison called “. . . [P]robably the best comic being published today by anyone, anywhere.”
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars One of the best series the medium has to offer
It’d be nice if we could get separate pages of reviews for each volume of Paul Chadwick’s Concrete, but until then…
I first became aware of Paul Chadwick’s creator-owned Concrete back in the mid-`80s. Initially, I was interested in him because he resembled something Jack Kirby may have drawn in the various classic monster titles of Marvel Comics. As I read further, however, I began to realize that this character had so much more to offer. CONCRETE VOLUME 1: DEPTHS is the first in a series of digest-sized reprints collecting all of Chadwick’s work on his Eisner-winning creation. Technically, the story begins with the mind of political speechwriter Ron Lithgow being transplanted into a powerful alien construct. The reason and purpose behind this are unknown, but then that’s not really the point, as the series transcends any need for an answer. Where I would normally criticize a creator who gives me a character with no clearly defined origin, Concrete doesn’t need one, as it is not a series about superheroics, but about life. For example, if you were granted super-strength/-endurance/-senses, you “could” go out and fight crime, but what else could you do? How about attempt to swim the Atlantic Ocean, or become a one-man search and rescue operation, or get a taste of life in the fast lane by playing bodyguard to a rock star? In this volume, Ron tries them all, with very interesting and often unexpected results. Unfortunately, while Ron’s abilities are amplified, he can’t always control them. In addition, his rocky hide leaves him desensitized to touch, so he is something of a prisoner in his new body. Still, with the help of his doctor Maureen and assistant Larry, Ron is able to get by, learning more of his amazing powers and occasional limitations.
This first collection contains the earliest Concrete stories from Concrete #1-5 and Dark Horse Presents, with some extras. It’s a great start to a great series, and I highly recommend each volume.
5 Stars As strong as the first volume
One of the best graphic series I’ve ever read, if not the best — beautifully and imaginatively drawn, with deep, moving stories that contain most every characteristic people look for in storytelling (intellect, humor, pathos, adventure, sorrow, joy, awe, sex, movie parodies, and a three-legged dog). What would your life become if you were suddenly transformed into a 1,200-pound hunk of ugly, indestructible rock? Paul Chadwick answers that question from most every conceivable direction, often with unexpected, hilarious, exciting, and very touching results. The series hasn’t lagged at all in quality so far — this second volume is, overall, just as good as the first. And the way the stories are being collected is great — chronology is preserved while at the same time presenting relevant side stories that may have originally appeared in entirely different times/places.
5 Stars As strong as the first volume
One of the best graphic series I’ve ever read, if not the best — beautifully and imaginatively drawn, with deep, moving stories that contain most every characteristic people look for in storytelling (intellect, humor, pathos, adventure, sorrow, joy, awe, sex, movie parodies, and a three-legged dog). What would your life become if you were suddenly transformed into a 1,200-pound hunk of ugly rock? Paul Chadwick answers that question from most every conceivable direction, often with unexpected, hilarious, exciting, and very touching results. The series hasn’t lagged at all in quality so far–this third volume is just as good as the first, sometimes even better.
4 Stars Another Great Collection
Paul is flawless in his execution of the thought-provoking life of Concrete. He weaves his tale and makes you always think about the life you lead. The best stories are the ones that stay with you and cause you to think time and again.
This is no exception.
=s=
5 Stars A very special series
One of the best graphic series I’ve ever read, if not the best — beautifully and imaginatively drawn, with deep, moving stories that contain most every characteristic people look for in storytelling (intellect, humor, pathos, adventure, sorrow, joy, awe, sex, movie parodies, and a three-legged dog). What would your life become if you were suddenly transformed into a 1,200-pound hunk of ugly, indestructible rock? Paul Chadwick answers that question from most every conceivable direction, often with unexpected, hilarious, exciting, and very touching results.
Filed under: Comic Book Reviews