03/05/2018
Writer-artist Ellis’s sci-fi/fantasy heist comic is buoyed by stellar worldbuilding but dragged down by derivative, though pretty, art. A group of thieves is sent to retrieve a mystical MacGuffin (the Chimera) that is crucial in an ongoing holy war involving a self-proclaimed god, the Resistance Coalition, and the Zodiacal Conclave. Ellis establishes strong characters and intrigue: Who’s a traitor within the group? What’s the deal with an imprisoned demon? And what the heck does the Chimera do, anyway? These questions are answered in satisfying fashion, leaving plenty of room for sequels. The heroes are hard to resist: a charming group of rogues in a Star Wars–ish universe that’s far more adult, diverse, and relevant than George Lucas’s. Ellis shines a light on the creepiness of religion through, for example, the seven “holy priestesses” who are abject and veiled before a male deity. But while imitating the popular Saga series is nothing new, Ellis’s character design and facial expressions are so akin to Fiona Staples’s sprightly, tight art style that it’s hard to ignore the flattery. Unfortunately, however attractive (if familiar) the comics art is, it can’t quite keep up with the script. Ellis’s provocative social commentary makes for a solid entry in the genre, but this graphic novel lacks the inventiveness to win a broader fan base.(June)
06/01/2018
This Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity nominee sees a band of four thieves in a timeless space frontier planning to use a device called the Chimera in order to earn enough money to escape the ongoing interstellar holy war between the Resistance Coalition and the Zodiacal Conclave. Russell, a telekinetic, jackal-like alien; Alice and Charlie, human brother and sister with slowly revealed pasts; and an enigmatic, chameleon-like translator quickly find themselves facing off against a demon from the Conclave. A third figure, who simply calls himself "God," is on his way to retrieve the Chimera and with his seven priestesses cleanse the galaxies by offering a choice: convert or die. While God has an ace up his sleeve in the form of a traitor in the group, even by stacking the deck, his plans are falling apart. VERDICT Reminiscent of Fiona Staple's art for Saga but not as detailed, debuter Ellis's digital illustrations get the point across well. Though the opening issues are rather static plot-wise, once the story gets moving, the motivations of the characters draw readers in, leaving them wanting to know what happens next. Contains strong language and mature themes.—Melanie C. Duncan, Washington Memorial Lib., Macon, GA
