Wednesday, June 7, 2023

[Review] — "THE BLUE FLAME" is a Must-Read for Adult Superhero Fans

Buy on Paperback and Kindle
Find it on Goodreads and Books2Read


I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on THE BLUE FLAME: The Complete Series by Christopher Cantwell & Adam Gorham Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!


 

About the Book


A cosmic action adventure for fans and readers of Watchmen, Strange Adventures, and Hawkeye, The Blue Flame tells the story of a blue collar working man/DIY vigilante/cosmic hero, who must defend Earth with an answer to the question: “Is humanity worth saving?”


Repairman. Vigilante. Cosmic Hero.


The Blue Flame is a cosmic hero. The Blue Flame is a DIY vigilante that fights crime on the streets of Milwaukee. The Blue Flame is a blue-collar HVAC repairman named Sam Brausam.


In the wake of a horrific tragedy, the boundaries of the Blue Flame’s identity blur even further. Now, before a universal trial, the Blue Flame must prove that humanity is worth saving. But in order to do that, Sam Brausam has to save himself. Can he? An odyssey for answers at the heart of the universe.


Collects the entire ten-issue series
.



Praise for THE BLUE FLAME


"...a thought-provoking saga that transcends the usual genre clichés." -- Publishers Weekly


“The Blue Flame …is a triumph” -- SYFY Wire


"A perfect 10." -- Comics Bookcase


“…one of the most thought-provoking stories in comics all year.” – SYFY Wire


"...a vital modern superhero story." -- Comicbook.com


“With a rich, multifaceted narrative (it touches on, among other reference points, Birdman and Strange Adventures), the book is a gripping exploration of why people become heroes, and what that ultimately means in every sense (logistical, emotional, philosophical, etc.)” – AIPT


“…an intriguing and rich read…” – Comics Bookcase


“The Blue Flame … is a supremely confident, deliberate, and interesting comic. Every element of craft in this book is not only well-done but deployed in a way that serves a greater unified narrative, one that gets at the heart of the intersection of the fantastic and the tragic. It’s brilliant work. 10/10.” – Comics Bookcase


“If you like brilliant art and clever storytelling this is one to pick up.” – Comic Watch


“The Blue Flame … presents a crisscrossing narrative that pays homage to Silver Age comics and sci-fi serials, setting up a mystery that crosses time and space. Comic fans old and new should give this title a read, as it presents classic tropes in a fresh new way. [It] has also raised a set of questions that will keep readers … hooked.” – But Why Tho?


“… a compelling narrative …”
 -- Gate Crashers

 



My Review


I saw THE BLUE FLAME as a cross between John Carter and The Watchmen when reading "The Complete Series," which consists of all ten issues. There are two plotlines: one takes place on Earth, focusing on Sam Brausam, a repairman turned vigilante, while the other is set in space and involves the superhero Blue Flame being captured by aliens and put on trial.

Christopher Cantwell has masterfully created a superhero story with depth and vulnerabilities. The narrative focuses more on the consequences of acting as a vigilante. For those who haven't read THE BLUE FLAME, I'm trying to avoid giving away too much, but the first issue has a huge shock that establishes the Earth plot and is one of the most realistic superhero portrayals. Earth is more of a character-study drama, so don't anticipate much action. The interstellar setting includes more of what you desire from a superhero story: action—excellently emphasized by Adam Gorham's colorful artwork.

THE BLUE FLAME is best read as an omnibus since the storylines play out better read at once. Near the end, the two plotlines eventually converge, but I couldn't help but question whether Sam imagined the intergalactic trial to cope with his trauma. At any rate, that's how I perceived it.

For mature superhero lovers seeking more than the usual hero vs. villain story, THE BLUE FLAME is a must-read. It's undoubtedly worthwhile reading. ╌★★★★★

 



About Christopher Cantwell



In addition to writing comics (THE BLUE FLAME, IRON MAN, ANGEL, UNITED STATES OF CAPTAIN AMERICA, DOCTOR DOOM, SHE COULD FLY), Christopher Cantwell is a veteran TV writer and producer, having co-created and the show ran AMC’s HALT AND CATCH FIRE. He currently also serving as co-Showrunner for the TV adaption of PAPER GIRLS by Brian K. Vaughan for Amazon and Legendary Entertainment. 


Follow Christopher on Twitter.

 


About Adam Gorham



Comic book interiors + covers. Currently drawing THE BLUE FLAME @ Vault Comics.



 

Giveaway Details


2 winners will receive finished copies of THE BLUE FLAME: The Complete Series.

US Only.

Ends June 20th, midnight EST.



Tour Schedule


Week One:

5/22/2023

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

5/23/2023

The Chirpy Bookaholic

Excerpt/IG Post

5/24/2023

The Momma Spot

Excerpt

5/25/2023

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt/IG Post

5/26/2023

yabookscentral.com

Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

5/29/2023

Sadie's Spotlight

Excerpt/IG Post

5/30/2023

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

5/31/2023

onemused

IG Post

6/1/2023

Reads by Radus

Excerpt/IG Post

6/2/2023

Cara North

Excerpt/IG Post

6/3/2023

Two Points of Interest

Review/IG Post

Week Three:

6/4/2023

Lifestyle of Me

Review

6/5/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

6/6/2023

@stargirls.magical.tale

Review/IG Post

6/7/2023

Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Review/IG Post

6/8/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic

6/9/2023

@froggyreadteach

IG Review

Week Four:

6/12/2023

@jlreadstoperpetuity

Review/IG Post

6/13/2023

Nerdophiles

Review

6/14/2023

@evergirl200

IG Review

6/15/2023

Author Z. Knight’s Guild

Review/IG Post

6/16/2023

Brandi Danielle Davis

Review/IG Post


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