The Day of the Black Sun (XIII)

Finally, the whole XIII series is being publishing in English (and in the US). Cinebooks has taken on the task of printing this series, with a new volume every 3-4 months. And they are coming to the US a little later after being published in the UK. At this time, 6 volumes are out.The first 5 volumes comprise one over arching arch. Yes, you need to grasp the idea that each volume is part of a large storyline. The overall storyline is about the man known as "XIII", but within that storyline are smaller arches. Think of some of the serielised tv series of late. Don't expect each volume to be totally stand along.Volume one sets the stage, when "XIII" (we don't know his real name) is found by a couple on the coast of Maine. He has amnesia, and doesn't know who he is. A "XIII" is found tatooed on his collarbone, hence the title.We find out that there has been an assasination of the President of the US by an unknown conspiracy. And that XIII is that man, former US Army Captain Steve Rowland. This volume sets things up, as "XIII" tries to find out who he is, and deals with 2 groups after him: the "Mongoose", who is trying to kill him, and Colonel Amos, who is leading the investigation into the assasination.

Great series! I use to play the game on PS2 for awhile and loved the story line so as i got older and into comics, i figured i would pick up the first 3 vol. The series is addicting and i plan on ordering the rest over time. It was surprising to me how much of the comic book story line is in the game and i believe the game ending is only half way through the series, so i can't wait to read the novels that take place after the game.

Wonderful graphics and story line. You are left with taste of more!

Very good buy!!!!

Exactly what i wanted and expected

The first volume of the long-running XIII series, finally released in English.Honestly, I have very little idea what actually happened in this comic. I understand that part of that confusion (if not all of it) is intentional, but this left me thoroughly perplexed. Our nameless hero washes up on the beach. After a bit of recuperation time, he's chased around by bad guys, is mistaken for a lot of other people and eventually is accused of being some sort of super-assassin. Presumably, this is a massive pyramid of red herrings, with his real identity not to be revealed until volume 22.Unlike, say KJ Parker's Scavenger trilogy, which deals with identical questions of amnesia and identity, there's nothing compelling in here that will keep me attached until the end of the series. The character is neither developed nor likeable, the set-piece action scenes seem incredibly dated, and I'm not given any substantial reason to keep going.I think Van Hamme is a living legend, but this failed to impress me. Out of respect for the man, I'll try the second volume, but I can't recommend this as a good, or even entertaining, read. (Try Largo Winch instead...)

At last the XIII set of 19 books from Cinebook has got underway. I've been anticipating this one for a while because I'm aware it is very popular abroad. As with the Bourne trilogy the fascination lies around wondering who this XIII guy really is and why everyone is after him. It is difficult to gauge in one book how on earth this is going to stretch out for 19 editions but looking at the title pages of the remaining 18 books it clearly is going to be a long and complicated ride for Mr XIII, whoever he is! Certainly I shall be buying further volumes for the time being as I was dragged into the story on this first volume with loads of questions still to be answered and the feeling that, well, anything can happen.I like the drawing detail given to secondary characters especially the evil or nasty ones when they get their comeuppance, usually despatched by XIII.The only problem to put up with is the delay in waiting for the next episode to arrive. Arrgh!

It has got me hooked on two the series, an excellent opener that just about reveals enough to make you read the next one

I downloaded it because I have got into the screen adaptation...the comic format wasn't expected but was ok except that even on the kindle fire you couldn't change or enlarge the font which meant in places it was difficult to read.

Remember playing the playstation game and it left it wanting me to play more as it left it on a fantastic cliff hanger. Same applies with this, the story is gripping, intriguing and wanting more.

In less than 50 pages I am convinced to buy the whole series. Great writing,art and suspense add up and I love it. And for free, to! I can hardly think of a reason not to buy. Great