Search
Resize text+=

‘Invisible Kingdom #1:’ Advance Comic Book Review

It’s been a while since an entirely new series had me this intrigued and hyped. Invisible Kingdom #1 gave me whiffs of Firefly, Dune, Avatar, and Saga, and yet presented a story that was unique in both its tone and visual style. The first issue does an amazing job of setting the scene, presenting some of the themes that the series seems set to tackle (consumerism, class/race dynamics, and self-determinism vs. destiny), and introducing us to a rather diverse cast of characters with possibly conflicting or converging interests and agendas.

At the heart of this series seems to be the two female leads: Vess, a young aspiring None (a seemingly ascetic order of “space nuns”), and Grix, a hardened captain of a cargo carrier for Lux (think interplanetary Amazon). Both characters come across as outsiders but in different ways. Vess seems to be bucking her race’s traditions for a life of nunhood, while Grix seems to chafe at the notion of corporate expectations and bureaucracy. I’m not familiar with G. Willow Wilson’s previous work, but I’m definitely paying attention now, especially to this creation of hers. The world seems familiar – paying homage to various influences – and yet is wholly new and fresh.

I’m not gonna lie, I chose to review this piece based on the solicitation blurb (intriguing female characters, sold!) and the stunning cover art work. Christian Ward’s art is nothing short of revelatory to me. It bears some of the painterly stylings of Fiona Staples and the surrealism of J.H. Williams III’s work on Sandman: Overture. The colors are so intensely beautiful, giving the book’s visuals a sense of Tokyo meets James Cameron’s Avatar.

Final thoughts: The first issue sets up some interesting character dynamics along with a meaty, scandalous conspiracy. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this story goes and how the agendas of the two leads will intersect, seeing as they independently uncover evidence of shady dealings by their respective organizations.

Creative Team: G. Willow Wilson (writer), Christian Ward (artist), Sal Cipriano (letterer)
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Click here to purchase.

Wenxian Tan, Fanbase Press Contributor

ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=150&d=mm&r=gforcedefault=1

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top