Aspen Comics 2015
Written by J.T. Krul
Penciled by Alex Konat
Inked by Julie Slavattierra, Mark Roslan & Gabe Carrasco
Coloured by Federico Blee
Taki, a S.W.A.T. member tasked with identifying and eliminating magical beings in San Jose, quickly learns his objective is a merciless one--as his team perished trying to take down a dragon. But, a more docile target emerged as Cassidy, a young and fearful high school student, also learned a devastating truth about the perilous nature of magic, after her wings were exposed to all. However, her lesson could end up getting her killed…
I really enjoy the world of Soulfire with it’s vibrant colours, magnificent and proud races and the struggle not only for survival but also acceptance. J.T. really manages to give all of that such relevant meaning and this girl a high school outcast already now has to find a way to get over her own fears about what’s happening and embrace her new gifts if she’s going to survive in this new world. Our differences make us unique and by embracing our own and those of others is the way to live in harmonious society.
Unfortunately as in any “intelligent” society the law enforcement agencies and government feel it’s their right and duty to capture, detain and destroy anything which they feel they cannot control and that goes for Cassidy and anyone like her. It’s all fear based and then believing the yarn you’re spinning to the point of irrationality. It’s done all the time we see it when the news outlets finally cover a story without spin, yes a very rare thing indeed, and with camera phones and the internet the way it is it’s harder to keep more quiet.
The S.W.A.T. team and Griff in particular is a prime example of how not to engage a situation. This girl while yes is an unknown factor but it’s obvious from their initial encounter that they could have simply talked to her and gotten her to come in, likely with lies yes but still. Regardless this a wonderful example of the characterization J.T. is bringing to the book. Not only with the S.W.A.T. team members but with Cassidy and Lily. It really goes a long way to giving us readers a look into this world and the roles these characters are going to play in it and that makes it much more interesting.
Alex’s pencils laying the groundwork for the finished interior artwork really help in bringing this all to life so effectively as well. I love the individuality we get from each character, the facial expressions, page layouts and attention to deal not to mention the backgrounds or in some cases lack thereof. A perfect example of the art is the camp Lily takes Cassidy to. Also the colouring is a major factor in this series as the depiction of the wings and Cassidy’s hair keep the essence of the Soulfire world alive and well.
If you’ve never experienced the world of Soulfire than this is the perfect opportunity to jump into it. This is completely new reader friendly with a new cast of characters taking center stage so that longtime fans and new ones alike can immerse themselves in a time when magic and science coexist against all possible odds.