Archaia/Boom Studios 2015
Created by Trevor Crafts, Matthew Daly & Bruce Boxleitner
Written by Matthew Daly & Mairghread Scott
Illustrated by Carlos Magno
Coloured by Chris Blythe
Lettered by Deron Bennett
So after Sander found himself trying to infiltrate the guard by assuming a Captain’s identity and befriending his wife and her son he found himself in the lower regions where he encountered Killian. After saving his life, neither men should have been where they were a friendship of sorts was struck between the two and Sander finds himself in a new role. Still searching for his family who were taken he now finds himself deeper and deeper into things he cannot control or understand yet.
As each issue of this series comes out i’m more and more amazed at the world they’ve created and the characters that live in it. There’s this wonderful almost Victorian feel to it alongside all the steampunk aspects of it and the technology that is far more advanced. Carlos has always been an amazing artist and he shines here with page and panel to really give you that unique feel this place has. Seeing his new apartment i’m like damn I want to live in a place like that.
While a part of me is a little surprised at how well Sander, Terna and Jom are getting along it really shouldn’t. They know his secret and it’s a case of survival to trust each other but to see them start actually caring is nice and complicated. We like complicated because it makes for interesting plot developments down the road. The characterization here is phenomenal and it really helps you get into these characters.
I love that Sander is in over his head here. Killian is the ruler of this place and that seems tenuous at best considering those around him. Still there’s this unspoken bond between them and while I can see Killian betraying him should the need arise I don’t think he will. I’ll be interested in seeing how this relationship grows but for now it’s in his best interest to keep Sander as well informed as possible in terms of blending in. In return this is making Sander the man to really watch. I mean he’s risen so far above his station and he’s learning so much if this new education can stick i’d almost believe he could be the most important thing to happen to Lantern City in a very long time.
That this isn’t about heroes clad in colourful costumes flying around to save the day but a more cerebral and complex look at what it takes to survive is making for some absolute intense reading. It’s intelligent and makes your mind think and go directions on instinct when reading what’s occurring. It’s got so many layers and hidden agenda’s and all that fun stuff that make the stuff of intrigue so darn popular. This is one of those stories that could be a high drama science fiction show with a little action thrown in here and there. It could be among the best soap stories around period.
With character you love, love to hate, trust and keep a wary eye on surrounded in the stunning visual interiors Archaia has hit the proverbial nail on the head. This should be considered one of the brightest new series of 2015!