Top Cow/Image Comics 2015
Written by Ashley Victoria Robinson
Illustrated by Fernando Argosino
Coloured by Chris Northrop
Now if you haven’t been reading the latest Aphrodite IX and think that you have to have been in order to enjoy this than you’re wrong. These are a great look at each of Aphrodite's siblings, how the think, how they work and of course how they love. I have to say what Ashley brings us here is very Shakespearean in nature and I love it. Beings based on the Greek gods playing out a drama as if it was based on one of Shakespeare's plays was a great way to go about this story.
Appolonia the region ruled by Apollo is one filled with scientists all researching technology for him seems to be one that would create new wondrous advancements. Instead we open with a setback that infuriates Apollo and as we see him and his right hand man Eros deal with this the story becomes more interesting. Apollo and Eros are lovers and it’s nice to see them so comfortable together and so firm in the desire of each other and the banter we’ve been given between them as they interview new candidates for the recently opened positions well it’s incredible characterization.
Fernando and Chris do a wonderful job on the interiors and while Eros may seem like something of a cliche in that he’s very effeminate and almost gender neutral in appearance they still manage to convey so much emotion and desire both personally and professionally in what they bring to the book. Though I will say this I had expected Eros to be more youthful and beautiful and not looking quite so old.
The introduction of Psyche and her ability as a scientist and her outspoken manner and confidence really make her a standout character. That she rubs Eros the wrong way and proves more valuable to Apollo than Eros does sows the seeds of jealousy in him that can be quite dangerous. Her job here though is to make the transporter system work and become a viable means of transportation. Her disdain for Eros’ contributions well the two are like rivals who are after the same thing even if the object of desire clearly favours one over the other still they each bring something to the table that Apollo wants and that’s where the whole Shakespearean thing comes into play.
When the time comes to test the changes Psyche made to the transporter system it’s subject of transport is Psyche herself. Much to her chagrin though if truth be told she shouldn’t have a problem with it if she’s done her work right. Now what happens during the test run shows positive results and that she’s managed to make it work correctly giving Apollo a transporter system that can be used. The outcome however needs to be seen to be believed because the way this all plays out is so dramatic and both unexpected and it couldn’t have gone any other way.
This was a phenomenal look at Apollo and really gives you a great sense of who he is and that’s why this was so good. That Top Cow/Image isn’t shying away from exploring this era and these characters more and in doing so creating a more complete and complex universe for them to live in really shines.