Lost Raven Review

Lost Raven

writer- Darren G. Davis

artists- Keu Cha and Sean Murphy

Right now, there's a lot of buzz about the re-release of Lost Raven.  The comic about a big city lawyer with HIV, who gets lost on a seemingly deserted island. Originally, Lost Raven was released in print five years ago. On December 1^st, the award winning graphic novel was made available as an e-book on Kindle, Nook, and iTunes just in time for World AIDS Day. Writer and publisher, Darren G. Davis wrote the story to reduce stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. Davis was diagnosed with HIV in 1999, and entries from his journal at that time also serve as narration throughout the book. He's said that he created Lost Raven to hopefully make a difference, so that those living with AIDS/HIV wouldn't feel so alone.

One thing I like about this story is that even though Zak Raven has AIDS, he isn't a victim. He doesn't give in when it comes to the difficulties in his life. He accepts responsibility and he moves forward. The story begins when Raven resigns from his law firm and sails off just to get away from it all. He crashes on an island inhabited by monstrous creatures designed through the government's genetic experiments and finds himself running from the creatures and the men who want to kill him. The story isn't about being a victim. It isn't about HIV/AIDS. It's about survival. Davis' journal pages, which double for Zak Raven's journal pages, talk about finding that thing that makes him strong. The words on those pages evolve from the words of a numb and lonely man, to the words of a strong, self-efficient, courageous hero who can overcome anything. Raven finds allies on the island. He finds that he still has resources, and he uses them to point out that there's a difference between having life and living. Darren G. Davis and Zak Raven both have life and they both choose to live. It's what makes this “comic book” so inspiring and so important.

The art on Lost Raven is also strong. Artists Keu Cha and Sean Murphy make the visuals of the book feel fast paced and exciting. It's an energy that is transferred to the reader from the moment we see Zak Raven walking along the city's bustling sidewalk to the moment he reaches his boat and is sailing away from the mysterious monster island. I like the design of the character of Zak Raven. It gives him a certain square-jawed, brick-fisted quality we like in our heroes and subliminally let's us know that he's a strong, brave, capable man who can stand up to whatever the world throws at him.

Like I said to Mr. Davis himself, I'm inspired by Lost Raven. It sends a very important message to everyone who faces all of life's obstacles, big or small, by letting us know that there is hope. Reading this book, I can't help but see being trapped on an island of monsters as a metaphor for living with HIV/AIDS, or anything else that makes us feel like quitting. I want to personally thank Darren Davis and the gang at Bluewater Productions for re-releasing Lost Raven. Maybe now, my and your “Monster Island” will be easier to conquer.

Go to Bluewater Productions for more information on how to get your copy now.

There are approximately 42,000 new infections in the U.S. each year and estimates of new HIV infections indicate that 33% are attributed to heterosexual sex.  The rate of decline in AIDS related deaths, and the progression of HIV to AIDS due to advancements in treatment are slowing dramatically.  To donate to The Evergreen AIDS Foundation, contact:

Evergreen AIDS Foundation

1509 Cornwall Ave

Bellingham, WA 98225

(800) 249-2437