Yimou Zhang’s The Great Wall tells the story of an ancient conflict between humanity and their would-be destroyers, but the prequel comic Last Survivor brings to light the events that happened 60 years earlier.
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The book follows a man named Bao from the early years of his youth to his last days, and while he isn’t the most vocal protagonist, writer Arvid Nelson creates a character that grows right before your eyes. The book bounces from the past to the present in each chapter (of which there are four), and after each jump, Bao matures as a leader and a friend.
The world of the Great Wall is fascinating on its own and only serves to enhance the stakes of what is ultimately the tale of one man’s journey. The lore is rich and the creative spin on the rather simple concept of an army makes even the most mundane action sequences shine. Each section of the Nameless Order serves a distinct purpose, from the close quarter combat of the Bear Corps to the dexterous techniques of the Cranes and the engineering marvels of the Tiger Corps, there’s a multitude of interesting facets to this Order.
If there’s one central disappointment, it’s in the design of the Tao Tei, the creatures that would attempt to overthrow humanity by taking the Great Wall. Their origins and history are compelling, but their actual designs are rather uninspiring. It’s not artist Gian Fernando’s fault either, as that was decided before he ever started on the book. The good news is he works with it as much as possible and delivers some brutal and at times gory fight sequences that portray them as the threat they are meant to be.
While the fight is a large component, there’s a well-layered love story in Last Survivor, one that doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. It might not necessarily surprise you, but the book is better for including it.
Overall The Great Wall: Last Survivor provides a wonderful setup for the film upon which it’s based, and if you’re going to see the film this will only enrich your experience.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars.
The Great Wall: Last Survivor is written by Arvid Nelson with art by Gian Fernando. The hardcover graphic novel retails for $24.99 and is in stores now. You can check out a preview of the book in the gallery.
You can find the official description below.
What if an army was created to defend our world from an enemy so dangerous, its very existence must be kept a secret? Built to keep out the ferocious Tao Tei, The Great Wall is the most powerful defensive structure ever built; but it is the heroes within that make the wall great: The Nameless Order. Set sixty years prior to the film, in the mysterious lands of ancient China, tragedy forces young Bao into joining The Nameless Order and upholding the corps’ four principles: Discipline, Loyalty, Secrecy, and Sacrifice. Challenged by rivals, haunted by his past, and tested by desires, Bao spends his life preparing for one singular moment: when he will have to defend the world from ferocious monsters that have come to devour us all.
An original graphic novel inspired by the major motion picture The Great Wall from Legendary, Universal Pictures, China Film Co., Ltd and Le Vision Pictures, directed by Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers) and starring Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal and Willem Dafoe. The Great Wall: Last Survivor is written by Arvid Nelson (Rex Mundi) with art by Gian Fernando (13 Legends). The cover art is by Whilce Portacio.
The Great Wall is in theaters now.
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