"Emissary of the Anunnaki: The Tale of the Fire King," is a graphic novel/comic book based upon the early days of the vocalist/guitarist Ashmedi of Black Metal, MELECHESH. I've been a fan of the band since their 2003 release "Sphynx," so the concept is rather intriguing to me. However, the story is entertaining enough for anyone to enjoy but obviously it was made with us Metalheads in mind and, of course, fans of MELECHESH.
Being a fictional book, epic fantasy elements were added as well as Sumerian myths. Lyrics from MELECHESH's discography were a source of inspiration and also used in the graphic novel itself. Author Hasmik Hovhannisyan does a really good job of blending real life events and all the fantasy/myths into the story of the band-it never comes off corny but instead remains engrossing throughout. It is a lengthy read-over 120 pages so it really has a lot to tell. I appreciate the entire tale was on display and I don't have to track down dozens of issues to get everything.
I don't want to give away any plot spoilers but, basically, the story follows Ashmedi has he grows up and becomes a musician. It turns out that MELECHESH's music is the only power that awaken the forgotten deities of Sumeria. He ends up becoming a pawn between the eternal struggle of the gods of Nibiru and Irkalla and must make a fateful decision However, the dialogue isn't just centered on telling an entertaining story. At its heart is a story about the nature of good and evil-and how the constant battle between the two ideologies isn't always black and white. Ashmedi's perspective is particularly arresting because his deals with finding one's way in an often confusing world---and the choices one has to make to live a life in this world.
As good as the writing is, as a graphic novel, it wouldn't matter all that much if the artwork was bad. However, artist Andranick Asatryan does an outstanding job-his creations are detailed enough to capture the essence and emotions of the story but also clear and concise enough where it isn't hard to see or becomes cluttered on the page. Throughout the story there are many references to various Metal and Rock bands, everyone from AC/DC to MEGADETH; as a Metal fan I, of course, appreciated that but is also help show the roots of the band and what made them tick in their formative years.
I've seen some pretty bad musician based comic books over the years but this one is definitely on a different level. It is good enough to stand on its own even for readers who know nothing about MELECHESH. If you're a fan though, what are you waiting for? Add this to your reading list and comic collection today.
