RASL #2

RASL #2

by Jeff Smith

El ladrón de arte y los diarios perdidos de Nicola Tesla

Segunda y última parte de RASL, serie de ciencia ficción dura y descarnada sobre un ladrón de arte interdimensional que descubre los diarios perdidos del genial pero olvidado inventor Nicola Tesla. Conocido sólo por las cuatro letras que deja pintadas con spray en la escena del robo, RASL tropieza con un misterio que abarca siglos y que no sólo amenaza con dejar al descubierto sus ilícitas actividades, sino que puede sacar a la luz uno de los secretos más peligrosos del mundo.

El multipremiado Jeff Smith explora un mundo de violencia y corrupción, crimen y pasión, aderezado con los últimos conocimientos en física avanzada. Con RASL, el creador de BONE nos ofrece una novela gráfica, destinada al público adulto, en la que se mezclan historia, ciencia, amor y drama, que resulta tan fascinante como su enigmático protagonista.

Smith asegura sentir debilidad por su personaje: “Me gusta. Me gusta mucho. Creo que es muy interesante. Es duro. Es un montón de cosas que me gustaría ser. Y es un montón de cosas que me alegra no ser... Es un cabronazo”. Los derechos cinematográficos de RASL han sido adquiridos por Lionel Wigram, productor de la franquicia de Sherlock Holmes protagonizada por Robert Downey Jr., con la intención de estrenar la película en 2014.

“Aunque Smith es especialmente hábil escribiendo diálogos sugerentes, destaca de forma especial en la acción sin diálogos, donde demuestra su dominio del ritmo y su capacidad para humanizar a sus personajes. La historia se mueve adelante y atrás a través del espacio y el tiempo reflejando con pericia los viajes del protagonista. Todos juntos, esos elementos forman una contundente narración visual que impresiona por su originalidad, sofisticación y complejidad”. Publishers Weekly

“Una historia apasionante, llena de matices, giros inesperados, personajes carismáticos (marca de la casa) y una trama que mezcla a placer la ciencia ficción, el romance, el cómic noir y unas gotas nada desdeñables de drama”. Sergio Benítez, El Correo de Andalucía

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Science Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Adult, Comic Book

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 27, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See other authors with similar names.

Born and raised in the American mid-west, Jeff Smith learned about cartooning from comic strips, comic books, and watching animation on TV. In 1991, he launched a company called Cartoon Books to publish his comic book BONE, a comedy/adventure about three lost cousins from Boneville. Against all odds, the small company flourished, building a reputation for quality stories and artwork. Word of mouth, critical acclaim, and a string of major awards helped propel Cartoon Books and BONE to the forefront of the comic book industry.
In 1992, Jeff’s wife Vijaya Iyer joined the company as partner to handle publishing and distribution, licensing, and foreign language publications. In the Spring of 2005, Harry Potter’s U.S. publisher Scholastic Inc. entered the graphic novel market by launching a new imprint, Graphix with a full color version of BONE: Out from Boneville, bringing the underground comic to a new audience and a new generation.
In 2007, DC Comics released Smith’s first non-creator owned work, SHAZAM! Monster Society of Evil, a four-part mini-series recreating a classic serial from comic’s Golden Age. Between projects, Smith spends much of his time on the international guest circuit promoting comics and the art of graphic novels.

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should mention that this book pulled me in and dragged me along in a way that Smith's earlier work hasn't.

Don't get me wrong, I really liked Bone. But this book had a lot more narrative drive in my opinion. I picked it up meaning to just read a few pages, and I ended up reading the whole series even though I *really* needed to get a good night's sleep.

In some ways, I think that's the most universal metric for the quality of a book: How late will it keep you up past your regular bedtime?

[William O’Pomegranate · Rating 1 out of 5]

The hero-worship of Tesla is hard to take. It may have been easier back when this was first written, but even then it's not like this was an original idea. I get why it's done. Tesla was a cool guy but it's lazy. And the amount time spent on Tesla is just wasteful. The comic isn't long and this is a large exposition dump that only serves to explain that Tesla was a big deal. So, the real purpose for the inclusion of Tesla is to make the fanboys happy and not to elevate the story.

I should mention there's not much art theft in this one because I was right with my first review. Our protagonist is an art thief in the same way he's an alcoholic. Sure, he is that but it's hardly the most significant part of his character. He's a genius scientist who created technology to travel between parallel universes and is being hunted by a PMC. The art theft is inconsequential.

Now our protagonist is seeing the parallel version of both of his dead girlfriends. The prostitute doesn't really add much to the story. I assume the BFF's wife will eventually be significant. They both come across as props to show off how much of a ladies' man this pathetic loser of a main character is. Well, despite his inexplicable success with women, I still hate him. This volume only confirmed what the last volume seemed to suggest: this is an uninteresting story.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again, not super impressed by this new Smith series. Rasl 2 continues the storyline of jumping between dimensions basically evading the rat/lizard-looking fellow, trying to make sure his former partner doesn't accidentally destroy the universes, and sleeping with the two women in his life (one being married to his former partner). I like Rasl's motives in terms of the whole saving the world piece but I don't much sympathize with him as a character (mostly because of the juggling between girls part) and this might influence my opinion on the series as Smith continues to develop his character.
Plot-wise, this issue was Tesla heavy. Seriously. Tesla seems to be pretty popular right now but the history lesson was a bit detailed and lengthy for merely background to the main story. The story of Tesla actually surpassed the story of Rasl for almost this whole book.
The plot also jumps around significantly, which I have mixed feelings about. On one hand it is very confusing and seems a bit overdoing it which overall made it difficult to focus on the story. On the other hand it reflects Rasl's confused state, his lack of sleep, and the whole parallel universes deal.
Finally, the little girl. Totally awesome. She is some kind of mysterious harbinger of creepiness. I completely love this piece and hope she becomes a key figure in all this.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, NOW I see where Smith is going with this, or at least more than I knew before. The first volume just hinted at stuff and I got bored... but here he satisfies my impatience with sections on Tesla, and in case you think he doesn't know what he's about with new physics, he includes a bibliography so you can research the background as he has done, to see how he got excited to go in this direction of parallel universes. The main character is NOT a hero, he's an art thief, he drinks too much, he sleeps around, but he's the best we got... this is not a warm and cuddly series, but one that grapples with the environment and the future... I'm NOT really a sci fi guy like my wife is, but I liked this quite a bit. Think Philip Pullman's multiple dimensions and Wrinkle in Time with a darker edge... like Lost, a bit?

[Ryan Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

More interdimensional tomfoolery here and a shitload of science talk/researched crib notes on Tesla. I kind of wish there was more (or less) of the art thief stuff as I don't know why RASL does it. I think that's the real resistance I'm feeling overall. I'm not super pulled in yet by the narrative because I don't know what RASL wants. I'm thinking it's slow-burning its way there, so I'm going to finish this off. It's a still a pretty good time! And that art is great!

[tony dillard jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The origin of RASL is explored in this volume by Jeff Smith (Bone). Fans of the mystery of Nikola Tesla, the Philadelphia experiment, UFOs and conspiracies will delight as this series peels another layer to this multiversal sci-fi noir thriller.

I've really been enjoying this series. I still have zero clue as to why our main character, officially named Dr. Robert Joseph Johnson, is called RASL. The name doesn't really appear anywhere else in this story though it's plot is steeped in Native American folklore and shadow conspiracy. I hope to find out somewhat soon. But I am afraid I may have to go straight to the source of Jeff Smith. Man, will I be pissed if he answers 'it's just a name.'

A great second act that keeps getting better and better!

[Vittorio Rainone · Rating 4 out of 5]

La trama si chiarifica e si infittisce al contempo, entra in scena Nicola Tesla e la sua teoria di dare energia senza fili al pianeta, che si basa sul non trascurabile errore che non esiste un solo pianeta terra, ma infiniti pianeti paralleli simili. Nel presente: Rasl è braccato dall'organizzazione per cui ha sabotato un progetto che minacciava di creare una fonte energetica rivoluzionaria e un'apocalisse al contempo. Nulla è semplice: nè i suoi viaggi fra le dimensioni, nè l'empasse che si crea con i suoi nemici, fra cui l'uomo dalla faccia di lucertola, un essere unico nel multiverso, come lui: Sal. Bella storia, bel modo di raccontare e grande curiosità per il prosieguo: bravo Smith!!

[Ambre Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever gone to an improv comedy club and one of the players asks the audience name of an important American musician? Someone responds-Bob Dylan. Someone underappreciate in their job? Audience responds-Nikola Tesla. A human-animal mix? Audience responds- Lizard-face man. And this particular night Jeff Smith is in the audience and decides to turn this hodge-podge of characters into an art-noir sci-fi comic which is named RASL. It could've happened that way. Anyway, the question at the end of volume two, would you give up Tesla's secret journals to save a girl and maybe destroy multiple universes?

[Jay Rox · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this vume we give are main character Rasl more character development & a love interest of sorts . We get to know a little more about electric magnetic energy & the Edison & Tesla beef from back in the days in a fun way . I keep beeing more impressed with Jeff's Smith's art & his range he can go from cartoony to very realistic on flashback scenes . This has a mush more mature vibe than I tought judging from the art at first .. you will get light nudity, prostitution & murder did not see does things coming wen I picked up this book judging from the cover .

[Fraser Sherman · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the aftermath of Vol. 1, Rasl learns his enemies have finally caught up with him. Unfortunately we get very little of his story and way too much on the life of Nikolai Tesla. No question Tesla was a remarkable man, but Tesla idolatry (speculations on how he'd have changed the world if the evil Edison hadn't stopped him, etc.) doesn't grab me and there's a lot of that here. Still the rest of the book is interesting and I look forward to the next volume.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phenomenal plot that weaves together sci-fi, southwest Indian mythology, and Nikola Tesla's breakthroughs in physics.

However, the characters that people the plot are less memorable. Beyond the primary protagonist -- RASL, a time-traveling art thief with an addictive personality -- most of the other characters are cyphers with unclear goals and motivations. This makes their actions seem arbitrary and dictated by the plot. That having been said... it is a heck of a plot.

[Mikmak · Rating 3 out of 5]

לקח לי יותר מדי זמן לסיים את זה.
הייתי שוכח מהקיום של הספר הזה ונזכר בו באירועים רנדומליים.
אפשר להבין מכאן שזה לא משך אותי יותר מדי.
הסיפור לא רע, הרעיון של סמית' לעשות סיפור יותר רציני ובוגר עדיין די מגניב, אבל הדרך בה הוא פשוט זורק עליך הרים של מידע גרם לי להניח את הספר כל פעם שראיתי אחד מהעמודים האלה.
אז אני מניח שהדבר שלא אהבתי פה היה ההסברים על טסלה אבל בגלל שלקח לי כמעט ארבע חודשים לסיים את זה אני לא זוכר יותר מדי מהחצי הראשון ולכן אני כנראה לא זוכר חלק מהבעיות שהיו לי איתו

[RSC_Collecting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn! Another insane volume! The mysteries are getting thicker and more insane. Though we got a lot more information in this volume. A few questions answered. A few hinted at. And many more left to the imagination for now. This series has been incredible so far. Can't wait to read the next one! Highly highly recommend!

[Edmund Davis-Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff, interesting setup. I still think the prior timeline could be more interesting. And not in the same league as Bone.

[Nam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but I don't enjoy it as much as Bone.

[zackxdig · Rating 4 out of 5]

More multiverse and what looks to be a problem with the rift.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the weaving of historical events into the premise. The story structure with flashbacks works well as the mystery unravels.

[Drew Petriello · Rating 3 out of 5]

the pebble being dropped into water motif is silly

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

a lot more wordy than the first one.

[miha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tale mi je sploh všeč, k je vse o Tesli notr povezano, kokr da je on izumu nekonapravo s katero je blo možno preskočit v paralelne dimenzije...

[Paul Guthrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read. Love most of the art except for the main character.

Story is kind of a noir, hard-boiled sci-fi mish-mash of multiple worlds, Nicola Tesla, the Tunguska explosion and missing navy ships. Lots of hard drinking, cigars and blond women and who don't seem to do much.

Needs more art thieving.

[Nigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rasl, scientist turned art-thief is being chased through dimensions as the authorities try to recover the technology he stole. Rough and ready though he might be, he's determined to keep them from getting their hands on potentially catastrophic equipment, and the lost journals of Nicholas Tesla. Such a tonal shift from Bone, but such masterful cartooning and storytelling.

[William Holm]

This one was a perfect summer read; parallel worlds, conspiracies, romance, and Tesla is part of the story. Smith is an excellent storyteller, as he showed the world with the Bone saga. The narrative in this case is darker, the main character had an affair with his best friend's wife and then saw them both die in an experiment gone wrong. He makes a living by stealing art in one universe and selling it in another, and he is chased by a government agency who wants him to hand over Tesla's lost journals. The artwork is very "graphical", Smith really knows how to express himself in black and white. Sometimes the panels make you think of Hugo Pratt or Jose Muñoz two other master of black and white. Clearly Smith is in the process of telling a long and exciting story, it will be interesting to follow.

[George (Abandoned Places) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great series. RASL is a dimension shifting art thief. He's chasing/being chased by a gun-toting, fedora-wearing lizard guy who is killing off his girlfriends, one dimension at a time. RASL is a delightfully flawed protagonist whose hobbies include smoking, drinking himself senseless in bars and sleeping with his best friend's wife. But he's the best hero this story has.

This volume raises many questions, such as: what horrible things did the people in the Navy carrier see? Who is the mysterious old man who gave RASL Tesla's lost journals? And what's with that freaky little kid, anyway?

[quinnster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just not my thing.

After reading the entire Bone series this was....disappointing. The art just wasn't as rich and detailed as Bone and it wasn't really all that exciting to look at. And I just wasn't into the subject matter. Maybe because Tesla played such a big part and there was SO MUCH EXPLAING I just couldn't get into it. Not that I don't think Tesla is cool, but Odd Apocalypse was all about Tesla too and I'm just a little burnt out at this point.

I'm not sure if I'll read the last one. I got these three at the same time from the library and they don't have the fourth so I'm probably not going to go out searching for it. Just....not my thing.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series is starting to build and it seems like it will get more engrossing. Now Smith is getting more into the motives of why RASL, previously Dr. Robert Johnson, left his research. It reveals the background of the research based on United States Military experiments and an obsession of Nicola Tesla. Some of the characters even stop by Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, giving it that extra Ohio flavor. It should start to get really interesting, and hopefully the story will continue to be engrossing enough to overwhelm any logic holes my skepticism about the science might get hung up on.

[[Name Redacted] · Rating 5 out of 5]

"RASL"'s second volume continues the story of our dimension-hopping scientist-turned-art-thief. We learn where he came from, who he used to be, and why he became what he became. We are also treated to a brief biography of Tesla, how it connects with the protagonist's adventures, Smith's take on what Tesla was really working on, and the true cause of the Tunguska event. It's marvelous and effecting, and this volume is definitely a high-point for the series.

[DaViD´82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Druhá část je lepší té první. Když pro nic jiného, tak minimálně se něco dozvíme a tak již čtenář aspoň ví, na čem je. A je na tom dobře! A to i navzdory tomu, že vzniká přesný opak extrému z první části. Tam se nic nevysvětlovalo; tady se naopak skoro celý díl pouze vysvětluje. Tak moc až tu není prostor pro téměř nic jiného. Naštěstí jde o vysvětlování zajímavé a patřičně atmosferické (speciálně pak projekt Philadephia, propojení filmového Frankesteina s Teslou či holčička).

[Printable Tire]

One minute I'm reading a Sliders teleplay, the next an educational comic on Tesla. Like in Shazam, Jeff Smith's got to include some lame-ass liberal posturing against The Department of Homeland Security, whom the lizard guy works for (you'd think with all that training he'd be able to take down a scientist, even one with a tattoo and long hair.)

I'd still probably finish this story up if they ever get the other collections at the library.

[Isaac Timm · Rating 5 out of 5]

It fulfills what the first collection promises. I don't how many times in a series, graphic novels, traditional books, or TV shows that I've seen the first part of the series only to find the second devoid of the elements that liked in the first one. Smith masterfully shows the reader further elements of the story with out dumping plot on us, or add confusion. I'm moving along with Rasl, wanting to know what he's going to do next, and what we will discover about him.