Boom! Studios 2016
Written by Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly
Illustrated by Marcus To
Coloured by Irma Kniivila
Lettered by Jim Campbell
Now an ongoing series! After the chaotic series of events in volume 1, the team goes to an unexplored planet to relax. It’s a gas giant with large floating continents that also happen to be alive but unbeknownst to the team, the planet also has a chemical compound in the air that begins to affect them. How so? Well, love is in the air.
I couldn’t be more happy that this is now an ongoing series! The first four issues were absolutely delightful and the concept and premise was one that I can’t wait to see explored more. Now we’ll have a chance to see more of Dewdd’s brother who has been sent into space to find them as well as their continuing impetuous adventures exploring space and world’s they’ve never dreamed existed. I think that latter part is what draws me to this series, what Jackson and Collin manage to do with the writing is show us the different perspectives of the characters and ultimately we see the awe, wonder and joy in each of them even if it means going against their nature.
Speaking of characterisation I have to say I like what we’re seeing from Catrin here. She’s loosening up and realising that her condition, which normally sees a child killed on Earth, is nothing to be ashamed of where they are now, with present company. She’s beginning to enjoy being in space and even the company of the cantankerous Kolstak. I hope that her removal of the contacts and make-up is permanent because she deserves a chance to be herself not what her family expects or wants her to be.
Poor Dewdd though. In love with his best friend who clearly doesn’t feel the same way. It’s hard to love someone who doesn’t reciprocate those feelings and while it’s a huge catalyst for him defying his life and joining Uma on this journey. Ah maybe he’ll find love on this journey and maybe it’ll find him who knows he’s a smart and charismatic young man with great potential and hopefully we’ll see him be the one who uses his science background to learn more about their new reality and put it to practical use.
Marcus is an incredibly talented artist and storyteller. This issue shows that off in spades as he uses page layouts, angles, perspective and backgrounds. The planet they find themselves on with these magnificent creatures really are a chance to show off his creativity and imagination nicely. Along with Irma’s colouring it’s great to see the difference between the new planet and species with our motley cast of characters.
This was a great way to jump right back into the series. Something fun and lighthearted that advances the characterisation and let’s us get acquainted with them. Nothing too serious yet and I liked that, plus seeing them like they are and getting to establish themselves and how things are going to be moving forward, reckless youthful abandon, it’s nicely done here. Their new experiences are infectious to the reader and it’s like discovering your first space series and that kind of joy you can’t discount.