One of the freshest science fiction comic book series is back this week and lo, the government super power continues to ruin everything as they always do. Ken Garing ramps up the political intrigue as the smiling gov stabs our protagonists in the front!
Written and Drawn by: Ken Garing
Publisher: Image Comics
So what’s it about? The official summary reads:
Onica investigates who is behind the recent attack on The Settlement. Meanwhile, Aden and Zuri venture out on their own.
Why does this book matter?
Aside from science fiction being one of the best ways to convey difficult to discuss social commentary, Ken Garing is also drawing the heck out of this series. The world and its inhabitants feel very fresh and new which makes the reading experience feel one of a kind.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
This issue sets a lot more up than I ever anticipated, from Onica preparing for the worst, Aden and Zuri discovering a mysterious past of the planet itself, and a few fresh faces being introduced too. It’s clear that the tension is rising and the introduction of two women that are part of the Settlement living happily may pay a price in a future issue. As is, we’re getting both sides which makes the story feel honest. That said, the leader of the Settlement is robot like and so calm one must wonder what he’s really planning. The addition of Aden and Zuri’s exploration is a welcome surprise as any world building Garing does is welcomed. This issue is a prime example of a series not holding back and trucking forward for the better of the story.
Damn, he’s strong.
The art is pretty darn good too. Structures and vehicles all look sharp and realistic, which helps make any creatures or plants pop in this very alien landscape. Layouts get so varied it’s never boring to read with your eye falling every which way depending on the needs of the story. Cinematic wide panels are used to allow the pace to breath, while tighter panels help convey the tension in the dialogue between characters. The issue ends with a rather inventive concept which plays well due to the believable looking drones and the abstract thing they do.
Interesting…
It can’t be perfect can it?
There really aren’t many flaws in this issue. One might argue there’s a lot of starts and only one plot that progresses things, but those starts should capture your interest.
Is It Good?
This is an excellent issue that’s stronger than the last. Ken Garing is ramping up the tension and revealing new and interesting paths that should reveal amazing revelations.
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