BOOK REVIEW: Anomaly

[JessHorsley]

Cutting Edge Graphic Novel Uses Ultimate Augmented Reality Tech To Engage Readers...

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A-list film lawyer Skip Brittenham is - believe it or not - a comic fan. And while it might not sound like something an A-list film lawyer would do, it actually makes complete sense Brittenham, one of Hollywood's dealmakers, would join forces with fan-favorite comic creator Brian Haberlin and breath life into a multi-media sci-fi/fantasy actioner the likes of which comic fans and collectors have never seen before: Anomaly.

Schedule to ship this week, Anomaly is unlike any graphic novel you've ever heard of or seen. First, it's the longest full-color, original graphic novel ever published at 370 pages. Anomaly's hardcover impresses at 16" wide, 9" high, and 2" thick and will be an instant eye-catcher on any table or shelf. But it's not on the outside that impresses; it's what's on the inside the counts.

Created and written by Brittenham and Hamberlin with artwork by Hamberlin and Geirrod Van Dyke, Anomaly tells a story that is, while not entirely original, still very entertaining and exciting. The year is 2717 and humanity is in its 3rd Golden Age. The Conglomerate - a central authority made up of all corporations, nations and technologies - uses its Enforcer Battalions to overcome and conquer entire planets and species in order to satisfy humanity's insatiable appetite for more. Jon, a former Enforcer turned menial laborer, is called upon to once again lead an Enforcer Battalion years after a disgraceful act left him abandon by Conglomerate leadership. The story follows an expeditionary crew who embark on a mission of peace to a mysterious planet on which they find themselves stranded. Of course, the planet is inhabited by a variety of alien species at war with one another and Jon and his fellow humans have to not only survive, but figure out a way to get back home. What ensues is - as expected - violent, tragic, uplifting, hopeful and entertaining to say the least.

Not only an engaging graphic novel, Anomaly is also a multi-media entertainment platform which includes a fully-interactive website and a stand-alone tablet app. Likewise, the hardcover book acts as a catalyst for access to 50 3-D models using the specially developed Ultra Augmented Reality technology, which is accessible via a free downloadable app for iPad, iPod and Android devices. This app provides not only access to these 3-D models, which are located throughout the book, but also access to information about the various characters, star ships, and other pieces which make up Anomaly.

According to the website's description, "Anomaly introduces Ultimate Augmented Reality™. Readers can download a free Anomaly app for iOS and Android equipped with Ultimate Augmented Reality™ technology featuring more than 50 fully 3D models. Just point your iOS or Android device at the page of the hardcover book and the illustrations spring to life in 3D animation and interactivity."

You can see a demonstration of the Ultimate Augmented Reality in the video below.

Anomaly isn't like other graphic novels that have come before. While what the future holds for the Anomaly story and property are still to be determined, there's no doubt this unique technology has a variety of uses that will surely impress fans and collectors in the future.

Anomaly is scheduled to ship this week and should be available wherever fine books are sold.

For more information on Anomaly, click HERE.

- Jess C. Horsley

[JeffSaylor]

I saw this at NYCC and was blown away by the Ultimate Augmented Reality - like a pop-up book of the future. Very cool. I also appreciated the bonus tech information about the various characters, star ships, etc. They spent a lot of time fleshing out this universe, even though - as you pionted out - it's not entirely original (some of the art was pretty cool, some rather generic). Still looks like lots of fun.