I really enjoyed the first Zendra series, a sort of cosmic epic surrounding the last human and her quest to find a home, but the second series isn't working as well for me. Part of that is the shift from a more science-fiction feel to one closer to the super-hero genre, and part of it is a plot which relies on a strong build-up of tension but is being built on the backs of some fairly leisurely dialogue and exposition. Moore is writing an accessible story of super-heroic science-fiction with beautiful artwork by Montiel, Buelna and Garcia that should find favor with those who like a some of Crossgen's output, particularly Sigil, but this issue moved a little too slowly for my tastes.
Halle and her friends are pushing toward a mysterious machine in the center of their mysterious planet, while the threat of an invasion by an ancient enemy lurks above. This sort of thing should be full of nail-biting tension, but by never cutting away to hint at the incoming fleet or giving any signs that an invasion is near, Moore gives the whole thing a pacing and feel that is too routine. The characters have plenty of time to talk about their relationships, and there's not enough of a sense that they need to push forward, despite their injuries. Mind you, there is some interesting characterization going on, and Moore writes these characters and plot developments in a way that makes them easy to grasp even for someone who hasn't been following the series previously.
However, the characters seem a little too nice, a little too lacking in guile, which makes their interaction come off as slightly bland. Halle wears her heart on her sleeve, as does Shada, making their potentially interesting conversation about men and their lives come across as too scripted. In fact, though it seems to be part of the personality of the planet that they're on, the relatively peaceful and kind attitude that every character has is a big part of the lack of tension that I feel. They say they're concerned about a Jekkaran invasion (and the narration reinforces it), but we're never made to feel it. And the thought of an energy being inside your body hating you should be terrifying, but Halle's reaction is too calm and collected to give it the proper amount of creepiness.
The artwork has a certain sameness to it as well at times, failing to convey the grandeur of the underground caverns for the most part. However, when the action starts, that all changes, as Halle's transformation is a powerful visual change and the action is brutal and quick. Also, Garcia's colors pop off the page, particularly when he's dealing with energy weapons and other special effects.
The final page of this issue promises a more action-packed issue next time out, and I'll be glad to see that shift in tone once again. In addition, there is plenty of promise in the relationship between Halle and her inner Aesirian, with interesting questions and potentially nasty consequences, and I'm anxious to see how Halle's own "heart of fire" relates to the heart of fire at the center of the planet and in the title of the book.
