THE GOLDEN VINE is an alternate history - what might have been if Alexander the Great continued his conquest of the world. Deftly switching between flashbacks, memories and straightforward narrative, writer Jai Sen masterfully constructs an ambitious and sprawling epic.

Young Alexander IV, heir to Alexander the Great, will ascend to his father's throne - but first must decipher a secret that could destroy the empire. At times familiar, but always exotic, THE GOLDEN VINE is many things - a mystery, romance, adventure, historical extrapolation - all of which succeed magnificently.

Sen has so thoroughly researched his characters and setting, you'd swear that history unfolded exactly as shown in THE GOLDEN VINE - and when you turn the final page, you'll mourn the loss of what the world could have been.

Three Japanese artists provide the artwork, each illustrating a different aspect of the tale. All are effective, although my favorite is Umeka Asayuki's crisp rendition of young Alexander's tale. Each artist is paired with a different colorist, insuring that each section of the story has its own unique look.

VINE is perhaps what Cecil B. DeMille might have created if he did comics - it's a whopper of a book, clocking in at 300 pages. However, each panel serves the story and the symbolism, and the unique size and format allow for some truly stunning visuals. Sprawling landscapes, imposing cities, and breathtaking vistas are presented with the ultimate "big screen" effect.

As in their previous offerings, Shoto Press has introduced a fifth ink to the printing process - here, it's gold, an apt choice for this tale. The beautiful art is made even more dazzling by this uncommon enhancement.

THE GOLDEN VINE is a majestic, career-making work - I dare you not to be captivated by the lyrical world Sen has created.

Reviewer: Doug Giffin

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Doug Giffin is the creator/writer of Harlow's End: Elijah's Tale (as previously seen in Digital Webbing Presents #3). To see more of Doug's work, visit his website at www.psychoengine.com

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