Imprisoned in a tower within the walls of the Pale City, Kroma is believed to be the most evil creature alive. But a chance meeting with the mysterious orphan Zet creates an opportunity for Kroma to escape her cruel fate...that is, if they can survive the strange dangers within the city walls and the monstrous threats that lie beyond!
Writer-artist LORENZO DE FELICI (OBLIVION SONG) creates a breathtaking adventure like none other, filled with strange creatures and unparalleled beauty, in a colorful world unlike anything ever seen in comics.
Of course this has an obligatory afterword penned by De Felici, explaining where his ideas come from. And he does mention it's a bit cliched, and this first issue certainly is. I also have a problem with the monster, whose true nature nobody but our hero seems to see, which seems impossible..? Could be they're choosing not to see it, but there is no indication of that as of yet.
But, you know, only the first issue and all that.. let's see where this goes.
For those readers that want a mix of The Giver with Pleasantville with a dash of monsters inside and outside the gate this is definitely something to pick up. This has many surprises in it which I will not spoil, but worth reading. It takes advantage of the comic medium in a way I haven't seen in a long time. Will probably pick up in trade since this will be a story I would like to revisit.
The subtle dull-moonlight grey/white wash makes the later use of colours really pop. **** #1 – “Yes! Birds have colors. My blood, the birds, and the sky are the only colours I’ve ever seen.” – Korma. “I thought I knew things, what I believed.. it was so PERFECT and SMOOTH. But now, now I see come CRACKS. I think I know what I have to do.” – Zet
I really wanted to give this a five but for some reason it seemed so slow to start and try to understand what was going on. The art is beyond amazing and beautiful. I am hoping the 2nd issue speeds up and gets more exciting.
Amazing. Great artwork and writing. Paced well. Brutal ending that makes me want to read the next issue all the more. Brilliant story. Finally a comic book with characters I care about!