From Titan Books, Corbeyran, Djillali Defali, Raphael Hedon, Mademoiselle K and Kness.

The first part of a trilogy of graphic novels that expand the story from the Assassin’s Creed video games.  I have yet to play any of the games but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book one bit.  This introductory volume is the story of Desmond Miles’s abduction.  The shadowy group Abstergo desires the information locked in the genetic code of Desmond’s ancestors.  There is intrigue, mystery, twists and turns galore but that’s not all.  The tale also features some of the most spectacular representations of the ancient world I’ve seen in any format.  Its better than that moment we all had upon first watching Gladiator.  If the video game graphics are a tenth as impressive as Defali’s art I’ll be buying them very soon.

As this is my introduction to the Assassin’s Creed universe I’m not aware of many parts of the story.  However every character in this volume has my full attention.  The relationship between Desmond and Lucy Stillman has me on the edge of my reading chair in full anticipation that one of them will do something regrettable and horrible.  The infamous Subject 16 is frightening in every panel he appears in and a looming presence in every other.  Then there is the Assassin from the third century BC, a man known as Aquilus.  The story of the Assassins spans so much of history it offers unlimited story possibilities.

This volume was originally published in France and that style accentuates the book in ways that a more American style would lack.  As an American reader, I find the story to be both familiar and foreign.  Considering the subject matter this adds to the tale.  Like Desmond I’m confused yet there’s enough that rings true and familiar enough to keep going.  By the end we’re both too deeply involved to back out.  Desmond and I will be seeing this story to the finish.

Fans of the video game series are sure to love this title.  Don’t think for a moment though that its only for game players.  This is a historical novel and an action movie rolled into one.

Tune in later this week for reviews of volumes two and three!