Book Review Summary: La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo

Introduction

La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo is a comic book series written by Gerard Way, the frontman of the band My Chemical Romance. This debut series is part of Way's new imprint, Young Animal, and features the cult-favorite misfits of the Doom Patrol. Incorporating surrealism and irreverence, Way reimagines the classic run of Grant Morrison's Doom Patrol. This article will provide an overview of the book, introduce the author, analyze readers' views, and summarize the reasons for recommendation and not recommendation.

About Gerard Way

Gerard Arthur Way is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and comic book writer. He served as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the band My Chemical Romance, which gained popularity in the early 2000s. In addition to his musical career, Way has authored the Eisner Award-winning comic book series The Umbrella Academy and The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys. He also released a solo album titled Hesitant Alien in 2014. Way lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.

Analysis of Views

1. Re-reading and Enjoyment: Many readers who have previously read the Morrison run found that re-reading La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo provided a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the story.
2. Surrealism and Experimental Art: The experimental art style and surrealist storytelling in the series were praised by readers, who appreciated the bold approach to comic book storytelling.
3. Character Development and Storyline: The character development and storyline were highly regarded by readers, with many citing them as the best in any comic they had read. The emotional depth and relatability of the characters were particularly appreciated.
4. Absence of Linearity: Some readers found the absence of a linear narrative challenging, but appreciated the exploration of non-linear storytelling and the immersive experience it provided.
5. Themes of Belonging and Acceptance: The theme of finding a place for outsiders resonated with readers, particularly those who felt like misfits or outcasts themselves. The message of acceptance and companionship was seen as a powerful aspect of the series.
6. Engaging Writing and World Building: The writing style and world building were praised for their ability to immerse readers in the story and create a sense of wonder and excitement. The attention to detail in both aspects contributed to the overall enjoyment of the series.
7. Artistic Merit: The artwork was widely praised for its exceptional quality, with many readers highlighting the phenomenal linework, emotional expressions, and overall aesthetic appeal. Derington's art was particularly commended for its modern Doom Patrol tone and ability to evoke nostalgia for previous runs.
8. Callbacks to Classic Characters: The incorporation of classic Doom Patrol characters from previous runs was appreciated by fans of the franchise, providing a sense of continuity and familiarity. The revival of these characters was seen as a testament to Way's understanding and appreciation of the original series.
9. New Characters and Evolution: The introduction of new characters, such as Space Case, Sam, Lucius, Fugg, Terry None, and Lotion, was met with enthusiasm by readers who enjoyed their quirky and eccentric personalities. These new characters added depth and diversity to the team dynamic.
10. Emotional Resonance: Many readers found La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo emotionally impactful, with moments that evoked tears in a positive way. The themes of acceptance and belonging resonated deeply with readers, leaving a lasting impression on them.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Deep Character Development: Readers highly recommend La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo due to its exceptional character development. The characters are well-written, relatable, and emotionally engaging, making them stand out in the comic book genre.
2. Surrealist Storytelling: The experimental art style and surrealist storytelling in the series add depth and originality to the narrative. Readers appreciate the bold approach to comic book storytelling and find it refreshing compared to traditional superhero tales.
3. Themes of Belonging and Acceptance: The themes of belonging and acceptance resonate strongly with readers who feel like outsiders or misfits themselves. The message of companionship and acceptance provides a sense of comfort and encouragement for those who may feel marginalized in society.
4. Engaging Writing and World Building: The writing style and world building are praised for their ability to immerse readers in the story and create a sense of wonder and excitement. Readers appreciate the attention to detail in both aspects, which contribute to their overall enjoyment of the series.
5. Artistic Merit: The artwork in La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo is widely regarded as exceptional, with praise for Derington's linework, emotional expressions, and overall aesthetic appeal. The art adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.
6. Callbacks to Classic Characters: Fans of the Doom Patrol franchise appreciate the inclusion of classic characters from previous runs, which adds continuity and familiarity to the series. The revival of these characters is seen as a testament to Way's understanding and appreciation of the original series.
7. New Characters and Evolution: The introduction of new characters adds depth and diversity to the team dynamic, making La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo an exciting read for both old fans and newcomers alike. The eccentric personalities of these characters make them stand out in the comic book landscape.
8. Emotional Resonance: Many readers find La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo emotionally impactful, with moments that evoke tears in a positive way. The themes of acceptance and belonging resonate deeply with readers, leaving a lasting impression on them.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Confusing Narrative: Some readers found the narrative confusing due to its non-linear structure and lack of clear references to previous events from 10+ years ago. This confusion may hinder readers' understanding of certain plot points or continuity from previous runs.
2. Lack of Linearity: The absence of linear storytelling may not appeal to all readers who prefer more straightforward narratives or find it challenging to follow non-linear storytelling techniques. This aspect may limit the accessibility of La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo for some readers.
3. Artistic Differences: Readers who prefer more traditional comic book art styles may find Derington's experimental approach to be less appealing or visually jarring compared to previous iterations of Doom Patrol. This difference in artistic style may affect their enjoyment of the series.

Conclusion

La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo is a highly acclaimed comic book series written by Gerard Way that reimagines Grant Morrison's groundbreaking Doom Patrol run while incorporating surrealism, experimental art, and a brash tone that appeals to a new generation of readers. With its deep character development, engaging writing, world building, artistic merit, callbacks to classic characters, introduction of new characters, emotional resonance, and themes of belonging and acceptance, this series has garnered widespread praise from both fans of the original Doom Patrol run and newcomers alike. However, some readers may find certain aspects confusing or lacking in linearity due to its experimental approach to storytelling or prefer more traditional comic book art styles. Overall, La Patrulla Condenada: Ladrillo a Ladrillo is recommended for those seeking an immersive reading experience that challenges conventional storytelling norms while exploring complex themes that resonate deeply with its audience.