Boom Studios 2015
Created & Written by Simon Spurrier
Created & Illustrated by Jeff Stokely
Coloured by Andre May
There really is something quite imaginative about the denizens of this world the buys have created here. That so many species are present makes this so much more like some kind of outer space style old world type of story that it really captures the reader’s imagination and draws you into the story. What does it say that the humanoid species seems to be the ruling class mean for this world? I find this fascinating as we see the Spire as something of a mix of the world’s species under human rule and all of this amidst a change in the city’s ruler.
Jeff does a wonderful job bringing this to life as well. While it isn’t normally the type of work I gravitate towards it has this charm and uniqueness to it that you find yourself becoming so enamored of. It’s this combination of simple and intricate that defies classification but has enough attention to detail and lovely page layouts and panel usage that you really get in touch with these people through his work as well as the words.
I’m still creeped out a bit by these flying old men things that were meant to guide the other tribes to the Spire. On some level they are cute and funny but ultimately they really are just kind of creepy because of their visage but again by making them this way they add something unexpected to the mix that works and keeps the interest factor high.
When we see the Captain again she’s investigating a murder scene where the victim has had her eyeballs removed. She’s called to Upcity and Marchioness Julietta because she’s been attacked. I have to say I love her and as she takes control and issues orders it becomes clear that there’s a lot more to her than meets the eye. Even when talking to her Eminence you see just how uppity the ruling class is and how they see those whom they consider beneath them such as Sha. The conversation they have here is telling and incredibly well scripted by Simon and it really kind of sets a tone for things to come and Sha’s support in doing her job.
I like the ending too it’s something unexpected and it’s ramifications are something I cannot wait to see explored.
This has everything going for it, interesting premise, great characters and it’s own charming interiors that really grab you and keep you thinking and leaving you with a desire to return.