In the first installment of Heirs of Isildur: The Perilous Prospects #1, we’re basically flung into limbo and things are a bit confusing at first, but they quickly clear up. There’s a handy primer for newcomers to the universe in the Prologue/Foreword which does a pretty good job of catching you up. I’m fairly new to the Heirs of Isildur universe, having only read the Tales of Nocturnia title before, but there seems to be a common thread of taking the genre to an over-the-top space that runs through the universe. In this case, think sci-fi/steampunk through a heavy metal lens.

The script by Matt Knowles and Steph Cannon retains much of that metal sensibility that I’ve come to expect from them. That is to say that the script fully embraces its steampunk spirit, and if you’re in it for some Victorian-era accuracy, this ain’t for you. It’s anachronistic, it’s a tad bit bonkers, and it’s more than a bit too much in a good way. Knowles and Cannon have a very specific vision for their work, and it’s clear what that is right from the start. They ain’t coy and you gotta respect that!

The artwork from Alessandro Ventura does fully capture the vibe of the book. Ventura understood the assignment, imbuing the visuals with a bit of camp, too, for good measure. Bruno Hang’s colorwork does a good job elevating Ventura’s linework with some nice lighting effects. The electric effects do feel a bit out of place at times, but they do look really nice. I’m a bit torn on the lettering of this issue by writer Matt Knowles. On the one hand, they do convey the mood and urgency of the script, but I do wish that there was a bit more stylistic uniformity to the size and style of the lettering and the speech bubbles. It feels like a minor quibble since they do get the message across loud and clear.

As a closing note, I’d like to say how much respect I have for the creative team for pulling this project together during the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded with personal disruptions and tragedies. With new mysteries left to unfold, I can’t wait to see where Books 2 and 3 will take us next.  

Creative Team: Matt Knowles (creator, co-writer, letterer), Steph Cannon (co-writer, editor), Alessandro Ventura (artist,), Bruno Hang (colorist)
Publisher: Insymmetry Creations
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