We've talked about The Red Panda before. A product of Decoder Ring Theater, the bulk of The Red Panda's adventures can be heard, rather than read. They are told in audio files similar to the Shadow or Green Hornet radio shows from the 30's and 40's.Crime Cabal is the first of three books complementing the shows. It is quite accessible; one need not have listened to a great many episodes to follow the story...though it wouldn't hurt. As I write this, I am listening to episode ten (from 2006, while the book was published in 2009). There were a few times in the book where I felt as though I was a little bit behind as a result. Some of the characters appeared to treated as though I should already know them, but I had yet to make their acquaintance in either story-telling format. Or some of the gadgets used by the Panda and/or sassy sidekick The Flying Squirrel that were treated as common-place items were new to me.
That's not a huge deal though. There's a conscious effort to make each book or episode a jump-on point. You could listen to episode #64 and still follow along and the book is consistent with that approach.
And of course, since the "radio" shows and the books are written by Gregg Taylor, all the elements from the former are included in the latter, most noteworthy among them the simmering romantic relationship between the two main characters, and their excellent teamwork.
Cabal also provides a little more background information about both characters, something that would seem easier to accomplish in a written (as opposed to audio) format.
Up next then: The Mind Master. It's a little disappointing that there are only two books left in the series. They were released a few months apart, and the last one was in August 2010, which doesn't cause optimism as to future volumes, but then again, I have about 70 audio episodes to catch up to, so...If there is a fourth book in the works, you know what I think would be fun? Have a cover-design contest on deviantart. One of my first posts here was about a Captain Canuck anniversary art contest in which the winner won $100. It generated a variety of styles, designs, etc.
It'd be interesting to see what people come up with for the Panda and Squirrel, I think. Just thinking out loud.
I found the Crime Cabal to be the weakest of the three books. Mind Master I thought the best, while Android Assassins was just uneven. The first one-half/two-thirds was excellent, but after that the book slid into on over-extended denouement that dragged considerably. It was still a decent read, however.
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand the impulse to be cynical about most Canadian super-hero projects (as I write this Richard Evans just posted on his facebook that he's done with comics, so it looks like 'Legion' is finished) Greg Taylor has a great track record on getting his works out on time and on a regularly scheduled basis. So it wouldn't surprise me at all if there are more Red Panda Books coming as he's stated he'd like to do more.
I did not know Mr Taylor had stated that. That's good to hear.
DeleteMy concern (though that's a stronger word than I'd like) was only based on the larger gap of time since the 3rd book, combined with the fact that books are not his primary story-telling method. In his case, I'm surprised he's still able to get that many audio shows out, so regularly, after several years.
I don't think I'm cynical about Canadian superhero projects, but somewhat realistic that independent books in general are rarely long-lasting. To tell you the truth, when I started this, I thought I'd post a few times early, then about once a week or two as tidbits were heard from Legion, Red Leaf, maybe Northern Guard, etc. I knew nothing of The Red Panda or Gryfalcon, didn't know Sparx or Night Raven were Canadian characters, didn't know about Two Gargoyles and Red Five out in Alberta, etc. I have a draft "backstage" of topics I have yet to address. I'm pleasantly surprised at how much more there is out there than most people realise.