Aspen Comics 2015
Written by J.T. Krul
Penciled by V Ken Marion
Inked by Mark Roslan
Coloured by Juan Fernandez
Ara’s voyage across the Tenali Sea continued aboard Boro’s ship as the crew arrived at the Black Rock to trade goods for the precious Ziar energy source. Yet, their agreement came to a deadly halt when one of their own stole from the Tykthas creatures inhabiting the island, forcing Ara to battle for their safety and ultimately...sacrifice the thief herself…
I do like how this opens up with members of Boro’s crew none too happy with him. I mean it would be nice if Boro were truly a Captain of a merchant style vessel but let’s face it he’s got thief and pirate written all across him and from what we seen so does his crew. After all we saw what happened last issue and an honest respectful crew well they don’t behave that way now do they? One of the things I really like about it however is that is gives Ken a chance to really get into expressing himself with such diversity among the crew with his art.
The same art that is spectacularly carried over to Boro and Ara themselves. I mean page two alone with it’s feast on the table captures everything you need to know about them in one single shot. He’s a charming man full of tales and lust she bemused by him and allows him his sense of being who he’s not. It really does say a lot about how talented he, Mark and Juan are to be able to pull that off in one spectacular pinup page.
I am a huge fan of J.T.’s and the dialogue between Ara and Boro clearly showcases why I hold him in such high regard. Add to this the imagery we get while he’s talking about himself, his past and growing up well you really get this bigger picture of who he is. There’s this whole thing happening here where he’s trying to dispel the way Ara sees him but at the same time much of it is correct but not because of the reasons we think. This is the kind of characterization that the reader is privy to but the person he’s talking to isn’t so we get to see this more in depth look at him which makes him more relatable and likeable.
How Ara’s own past ties into what he says is equally as interesting as Boro does have a way with words. That going along with his dashing good looks makes him more than formidable character. There’s a connection between these two that may be a flight of fancy or something but as of yet that’s undetermined and that alone is capable of drawing us back time and again to see what will happen transpire between them.
What would this book be however without a nice unexpected visit from supposed creatures of myth causing them to battle? Once again Ken gets to stretch his imagination muscle and create his own version of what mermaids in this world look like. Under the sea they appear ravishing and seductive until it’s too late and their true visage is seen in the midst of their attack. I like this it’s kind of a cross between traditional mermaids and Ursula and they are indeed hideous yet deadly opponents making them a wonderful addition to the series.
One of the reasons i’m enjoying this as much as I am is that while Ara is beautiful she isn’t objectified and Boro is as easily handsome as she is beautiful. There’s more than just physical traits in the book but they do certainly enhance the reading. With J.T.’s writing and Ken’s pencils it’s no wonder this is such an all around stunning display for any reader.