Dream Gold: Knights in the Dark City Vol. 1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 6 Kurorat Jio Clocks has just found the last key making him the last Knight to join in the quest for the legendary Dream Gold. In Dark City, technology and magic are used by many, especially those searching for riches. As the quest for Dream Gold begins, the Sky Tigers (pirates of a sort) and the Mayor's forces interfere with the knights, and Kuro finds himself in the middle of a battle he would rather not fight ... again. Points and rank fluctuate depending on quests accepted, battles won or lost, and treasures found so the competition is fierce. While Kuro is exceedingly clever and has a good partner (who supplies the weapons and technology), does he have what it takes to find the Dream Gold?From the cover art and the first time I saw Kurorat, I thought he was a she. The face, the hair, the slight build and oversized clothes just screamed girl to me (albiet a tomboyish one). It took me several pages to catch on that Kurorat is a guy — and honestly, I still see him as feminine (the girl he partners with is more of a guy than he is. She has the technology and weapons and is tough — though she too avoids fighting — whereas Kurorat is a very smart wimp who avoids conflict at all costs because he knows he'll get his butt kicked). On the one hand, it's difficult to identify with such a lead character, but it does keep the story light and almost comical even in the midst of battle. The cast is very diverse, but they all work very well together and play well off each other. One thing that bugs me just a little about the art is that the characters don't have any noses. Even those wearing glasses! The glasses just seem to magically stay plastered to their faces. Sometimes there is a little tiny dot there for a nose, but basically, unless they are in full profile, there is no nose. The clothes are very interesting. They are attempting to be futuristic. I say attempt becuase while the armor does look the part, the regular clothes look like a poor design of futuristic fashion. Kuro's clothes I especially don't like (the enormous collar, weird oversizes scarf-thing, and jacket with no sleeves. While it was a pretty good read, it's not anything I would have picked up off the bookshelf to even look at, let alone buy. The cover's not captivating, Kuro isn't very attractive for a guy or girl, and the back cover just suggests a treasure hunt. Even flipping through it doesn't help. The battles aren't that impressive, and while the technology is, you see it very little. The characters and their interactions are the best part, but you wont know that unless you read it. Dream Gold could turn into the treasure hunt to end all treasure hunts, but it's got a way to go. Written: February 28, 2005
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