Readers are going to be hard pressed to find a comic book that's more beautiful than this one. Steve Uy brings a fascinating landscape of the future and fantasy to life here and populated it with quirky characters, and one specific figure that's a joy to see in action. The dialogue is charming as well, and up until halfway through the book, I was mesmerized. After that, though, some achronological storytelling made for a confusing read, and I was at a loss when it came to determining exactly what was going on. Uy's talent is undeniable, but I get the feeling he could benefit from a little bit of collaboration, even if it's just an editor as opposed to a writing partner.
In a future in which the human race and other sentients on Earth were devastated by a long-past war with dragons, an adventurous boy named Sehven makes friends with a winged girl -- Leeka -- who claims to be a dragon herself. Sevhen's desire to grow up to become a dragonslayer doesn't seem to deter them from being friends, though. The boy disappears one day after making a discovery at a local trading wagon, and as they wait for him to return, Sehven's brother and Leeka begin to form their own bond in his absence.
Uy's artwork is stunning. The detail to be found in Leeka's wings is stunning, and the leathery design comes off as naturally beautiful. The flying cycle Sehven designs makes for a sleek and interesting contrast. The artist's bright yellow and dull brown colors really drive home the arid nature of this post-apocalyptic setting quite well. The characters all seem to be in their early to mid teens, so I was a little disappointed that Leeka is depicted in nothing but her underwear in one scene. But it's a fleeting moment in a book that otherwise boasts a refreshingly innocent feel.
Sehven exudes an enthusiasm that the reader will envy; his excitement and refusal to let any obstacle get in his way makes him an attractive character. His brother's more grounded, realistic approach to life, though, is one to which it is much easier to relate. Leeka brings a sense of mystery and the exotic to the book. Those dragon wings make enthrall the reader, and Uy achieves a nice balance between an everyday outlook and a more alien perspective in the character.
I'm guessing what's tripping me up in the latter part of the book is the size of Leeka's wings. Perhaps she retracts them or shrinks them or something, but the changing size threw me for a loop upon first reading. Uy has developed a sense of mystery around her, but the mystery associated with her physiology makes for some confusing moments. Furthermore, how and why Leeka comes to wait with Chip for Sehv's return isn't clear either. Those elements got in the way of the story, but this issue's worth checking out for the art alone.
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
