Sebastian Fiumara

I think any adaptation of Oscar Wilde's seminal work is likely doomed to failure, as the writing, the ideas, the philosophy, and the sheer quotability of the original can never be fully translated to any other medium.

And, while they found a really good artist who did a good (not great) job, it's Roy Thomas' workmanlike approach to adaptations that tends to sink this particular ship.

This is a story that begs a phenomenal, visionary artist and writer to come at it and make the adaptation every bit as special and memorable as the original (can you tell I'm a massive fan of this Wilde's original yet?). Writing-wise, I'm not sure who could handle the subtleties and complexities of this. Maybe a Neil Gaiman? Art-wise, perhaps Bill Sienkiewicz or Dave McKean. Both art and words demand genius.

So, while Sebastian Fiumara's art is lovely to look at here, there's no spark, there's nothing memorable in it for a reader to look at and think, yes. That's what Wilde was saying!

And Roy Thomas, who could have retired on his Conan work alone and be considered a legend (he really did have that character nailed) comes at this story with a bit too much blunt force.

So, all in all, it's okay. But only okay, nothing more.… (más)