Okay... the above set up the background for me.  I read the first issue, and then most of the second, as the copy I received is not the 'final' version with full dialogue that is to be used.  

So what did I think of this?

Well, I appreciated the 'behind the scenes' look at this project, and could see where this story was headed.  Maybe that's 'cheating' a little by having this whole project preview, but since the project is not completed yet, it was good to compare the actual pages ready for print versus the project's 'road map'!

From what I could see via Davy Fisher's art...It is a well laid out story, with art that fits the tone of the project.

I had to read the classic story of Dante's Inferno years ago, so seeing Lenny's thoughts of a 'Dante Family' in a 107 page outline was interesting to me. And seeing those thoughts transformed to pictures was kinda 'cool' to me also, (wink!).

The two issues that I read were not 'over the top', and the dialogue was well written.  Whereas this topic would not be one that I would usually search out for my own reading pleasure at the LCBS, the storyline and storytelling via pictures is presented well.  Thus this should be aimed toward a more 'mainstream' reading graphic novel audience.

Talking about the artwork, Davy's artwork is not understated nor over the top either in presentation.  It had a nice consistency in presentation, considering the subject matter and certain characters that were illustrated in the two issues I read.

I'm going to keep my eyes on this project, so as to bring you more about it in the months to come.  The Graphic Novel, which I understand to be more of a compilation of the issues presented in comic book format, is due out in August 2010!

Leonardo tells me these are the websites that YOU can see more of his project at.  I've already become a 'fan' at the Facebook Fan Page shown below:

WEBSITES:

http://www.facebook.com/armyofhaven

http://www.myspace.com/armyofhaven

http://www.facebook.com/leonardoramirez

Also, Lenny added the following creator bio about himself that I am posting here, so you can see where he is coming from:

CREATOR BIO

Leonardo Ramirez

An American author, Leonardo has been scribbling words and thoughts onto paper for over 20 years in the genres of children's books, fantasy, and alternate reality with his first work being published (Haven)  through Markosia Enterprises and available August 2010. Inspired by the horrendous assault on his wife years ago, Leonardo wrote the graphic novel in a humble effort to encourage others who have shared the inner struggle between love and hate, anger and resentment, and utter loss while drawing on the work of Dante Alighieri's masterpiece of redemption.

His greatest joy is spending time with his wife of 11 years and young daughter. Together, they are committed to the study of the martial arts at the American Karate Academy in Brentwood, Tennessee where Leonardo passes on what he has learned as he continues his training.
 

Okay... that's it for today's first update on this project.  I've reviewed what I've seen transformed to sequential picture format, and given YOU the opportunity to sign up for more updates directly at Lenny's own websites!