Benitez Productions 2016
Written by Joen Benitez & M.M. Chen
Penciled by Joe Benitez & Martin Montiel
Inked by Studio J-13
Coloured by Mike Garcia, Peter Steigerwald & Beth Sotelo
Lady Mechanika endeavors to put an end to the Jinetes del Infierno, the Demon Riders who have been terrorizing her newfound friends in the small town of Santa Catrina. But have her efforts caused more harm than good?
This is a really great story for so many reasons. It focuses on the Day of the Dead celebration from an angle many of us may not be familiar with, the characterisation and depiction of all the characters in this story has been wonderful to see and it’s just gorgeously rendered. This story for me is much like the lead character I have heard of both and yet haven’t had the opportunity to explore either. So this for me as been an utter treat. The writing has been exceptional from the way it’s been structured and the execution, the pacing and just the way the story makes you feel.
That Lady Mechanika is a stranger in this land and the actions that she has taken have consequences and those are things she isn’t prepared for. She went into protecting this town full of people who have taken her in and been kind to her beyond her expectations. Without proper research or reconnaissance she acted rashly and with arrogance thinking her own skills would serve her well. I like the message here that despite your best intentions things are going to happen that are beyond your control.
As well written as this is the interior artwork is as equally important and stunning to see. The use of page layouts with their angles, perspective and the attention to detail that we see is astonishing. The use of backgrounds here is dynamic and brings things into clearer focus as well. There’s so much emotion and expression in the art here that you feel what the characters are going through so much more fully than by the words alone.
Sometimes you find people who truly understand the power of storytelling and can use that to it’s fullest. This is one of those instances. This creative team can infuse their love, passion and talent into a story to educate, thrill and explore worlds that touch us. To be able to delve into worlds, places and people that we don’t get to see often or at all is a treat. The way the characterisation can be shown and change how the character feels and have it simultaneously affect the reader is why I adore this.
So come and take this unexpected journey of love and loss of joy and heartbreak alongside Lady Mechanika. Be prepared though because this will make you run the gamut of emotions and sweep you up in something you might not be expecting.