The Adventures of Julius Chancer: The Rainbow Orchid: Volume 1

Julius Chancer #1

by Garen Ewing

Welcome to the biggest adventure in comics: a spectacular epic, elegantly penned and illustrated by Garen Ewing. In Volume One meet Julius Chancer, the adventurous assistant to historical-researcher Sir Alfred Catesby-Grey, as he embarks on a quest to find the mystical rainbow orchid — an extraordinary flower last mentioned by the ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus and steeped in legend.

The Rainbow Orchid is an ambitious blend of classic storytelling and cinematic artwork in which adventure, historical drama and legend are seamlessly intertwined.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Adventure, Comics, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Graphic Novels Comics

48 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2009

Reviews

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much like Tintin, as was obvious just from the cover, but quite enjoyable for its own sake. I like the art style (I am almost visually illiterate, and the ligne claire style is easy for me to read) and the story, so far, is interesting. I will definitely be reading parts 2 and 3.

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little sleuthing, a little treasure hunting - this book hits the mark in every way. Doesn't have the humour of Tintin, but it isn't trying to be Tintin.

[Shivam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a treat for fans of TinTin and comic book adventures since it satiates the same thirst and in some ways even trumps the experience. The ligne claire art style combined with an intricate mystery adventure plot and a plethora of interesting characters makes it an unforgettable read.
The whole 3 part series has instantly made this into one of my favorite comic books of all time.

[Julius Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun, great illustration.

[Monica M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminds me of Tintin

[Juan Fuentes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aventuras en búsqueda de una orquídea arcoiris de poderes milagrosos. Se deja leer.

[Lucy Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A less funny version of Tintin, still had some good adventure and liked the characters. Can’t wait to read the rest of the story.

[Tintinrulz · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Rainbow Orchid: Part One" promises a grand adventure in the 'ligne claire' (clear line) art style reminiscent of Herge's "Tintin" and Edgar P. Jacobs "Blake and Mortimer". Garen Ewing's attention to detail (the story is set in the silent movies era) is to be applauded. The artwork starts off a little rough but it quickly improves. People in motion don't quite seem to come alive on the page, but of the many comics I've read, only Herge seems to accomplish this feat. Several times characters and vehicles seem to be floating in their frames, which is disconcerting (adding shadows would've grounded them). Characters take time getting used to but they grow on the reader. The story here is slow-burning and lighthearted. At times the writing is a little clunky but it's still better than Edgar P. Jacobs efforts in his "Blake and Mortimer" adventures. As this book is the first part in a three part story, not a whole lot happens but it sets the stage for future volumes. There are nods to the Herge's boy reporter but Ewing has managed to create something purely his own. Don't go in expecting "Tintin" because it's not, it's very British. Overall, "The Rainbow Orchid: Part One" is good but not great. 7/10

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, another series in the same genre as Tintin! Even the art is somewhat reminiscent, but the story of the quest for the Rainbow Orchid is loads of fun. It's a 1920s period piece, and works well.
It does have one minor weakness, which is the use of drunken behavior for comedic purposes, also similar to Tintin, but the violence is light and slapstick, for the most part.
Our hero gets talked into looking for a flower which may or may not exist, in order to prevent the evil bad guy from winning a truly appalling wager. Along for the ride is a beautiful Hollywood actress and her publicity agent, for reasons central to the plot.
Lots of fun, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Christiane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, old-fashioned action and adventure as our hero Julius Chancer (historical research assistant) and beautiful sidekick Lily (silent-film actress) embark on a quest to find the rare, possibly imaginary, rainbow orchid. Fans of Tintin will really enjoy this! There are two more volumes on order at SPL.

[Mimi]

A new series that caught my eye (as I am an absolute sucker for comics and graphic novels). Can’t believe they made it in two parts. WHERE’S THE REST OF THIS STORY??? I’m a little enraged and very impatient. If I choke on their cliff-hanger I’ll sue the publishers.

[La · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent adventure story set in the 1920s, full of mystery. Really love the characters and beautifully drawn clear line style. The detail is amazing. This is book one of three volumes. Recommend it!

[Louise Bendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quick adventure read for Tintin fans.

[onysha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has the same ligne claire style of drawing as Tintin. Plotline is also reminiscent of Tintin. So is the slapstick humour. It's all good fun. I quite like Ewing's depiction of nosy reporters.

[Ronan O'Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun. Nice period detail and remarkable pastiche of Tintin.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful animated adventure with Tin-Tin style illustrations. The quality of art is top-notch as is the storyline that will leave readers wanting to go on to volume 2.

[Siân · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent adventure! A worthy successor to Tin Tin.

[Muneeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for fans of tintin and ligne-claire.