Volume 1 collects Issues 1-6.
Here is a comic book that is a treat to introduce to new readers, share with fans, and genuinely marvel over its beauty. There is nothing calculated about it. What I get from this comic is a feeling that Derek Kirk Kim is simply compelled to share his vision and it’s that feeling that drives this quirky cosmic sci-fi adventure. We’ll take a look here at the first five issues of this series which is slated to run for about 30 issues total. Take note that the first collected trade (#1-6) will be out this October.
I recall Derek from back in the day, ten or more years ago, when he did autobio comics, notably Same Difference, published by First Second. And so it was great to see this amazing new project. I appreciate that Derek became successful in animation and that this process has influenced his new comics: lush approach; 16:9 storyboard panels. Having read the first five issues, I totally get the general response from readers about it being very immersive. And then there’s the whimsical touches, especially Lottie, a cute little salamander sidekick. On top of that, many more layers. This is a post-apocalyptic story. There’s a number of influences in anime and manga. And it’s a story that begins with touches of levity but promises to get more gritty, maybe a little grim. So much to unpack and yet the end result is a very smooth entertaining ride.
How about that silver trident?
The big takeaway is that this comic is really for everyone, although it will get darker as it progresses so that will lean it more firmly into teen and up. It’s a comic for new readers, non-readers and all of us who sometimes think we’ve seen it all. The mysterious mermaid is definitely a big draw. It’s five issues in and we still don’t know her name. We do know that she wears this enormous body of armor to get around, more like a rover with arms and legs. It’s called a hybrid aquatic vehicular chamber. She’s always on the run, looking for fresh water in a world with very little of it, and she’s on a quest. For someone who is short on words, she delivers what has got to be the best line in comics this year: “Have you ever come across a giant silver trident impaling the sun?” Now, that’s a question to keep you up at night.
Issue 6 wraps up the first story arc and comes out August 28th. Visit Image Comics.
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