Earthward, Book One

by Bryan Q. Miller, Marcio Takara (Illustrator)

"ANCIENT EARTH" is a FAIRY TALE.

No human alive... no human for at least the last 500 years, has seen the fabled "Earth" in person. It was taken from us, stolen by "THE HIDDEN" - a deadly race from beyond the galaxy who "moved the stars themselves" to hide our home.

Or so... that's how the story goes...
SIX FRIENDS, against the UNIVERSE.

The I.S.V. MERCURY, an Independent Science Vessel, explores the cosmos, free of both the overbearing SCIENCE COUNCIL and the watchful eyes of the UNITED ARMADA war machine.

Whatever the scientists aboard have been working on, they don't want anyone knowing... not even their children:

Eldest BEN and his hot-tempered sister, ALYSSA; SMACK, the hustler; CODY and TRIN, the learned, proper set of twins; and little DANIELLA, orphaned by a SPACE PIRATE assault, then taken in as one of Mercury's own.

The MERCURY SIX are sent on a standard supply run, but return to find Mercury adrift, and their respective parents missing. The only clue as to what happened - a warning recorded by their trusty TEACHBOT:

"DON'T COME LOOKING FOR US."

The quest to piece their family back together will take them to the edge of known space and back, with the Armada, the Council and Space Pirates, all in hot pursuit. The one thing everyone wants, everyone needs, is the SECRET PROJECT the parents of the Mercury Six were working on:

THEIR PARENTS FOUND EARTH!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Science Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Young Adult

139 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Bryan Q. Miller is an American television and comic writer most notable for his work on the CW’s “Smallville” and DC’s “Batgirl.” (with Stephanie Brown as Batgirl)

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I backed the kickstarter for this a million years ago and then mostly forgot about it, so it was a really fun surprise to find it in my mailbox today. The story is set in the far future, a group of kids separated from their parents, trying to find them and the long-lost Earth. It's an all ages comic and one I'd definitely like a second copy of for my classroom. The characters are a little stock, but it's nice to see a diverse cast with lots of different choices for kids to identify with. Definitely a good gateway for kids into the wider realm of science fiction.

Also, SCIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've followed Marcio Takara for years on Deviantart and was linked to the kickstarter for this book from there. The premise sounded great and now that I have it in my hands I'm glad I backed it.

The art is gorgeous, as expected. The story is kind of a mix of Lost in Space meets Titan A.E. meets Treasure Island. The cast is a great mix so far and I can't wait to read their further adventures.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I Kickstarted this adventure of six kids (and their robot teacher) who are searching for their parents and their homeland, lost long ago. It's beautiful, it moves, and I'm going to be in agony waiting for the next volume.

[Jon Allanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. "All ages" in truly the best sense of the phrase. Reads like Firefly/Serentiy if Mal and his big damn heroes were teens/children rather than adults, but replete with all the same tropes. A fun and impressive book, and I very much look forward to more.

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

I, too, supported the creation of this book through Kickstarter and received a copy. Although I'm not all that fond of graphic novels (give me back the good old comic books of the 50-70s!), the storyline sounded interesting and I liked the advance artwork.

On those areas, the book is successful from my point of view. It's appropriate for all ages, really, and I won't hesitate to give it to my 10-15 year-old grandkids. I appreciate that the story was upbeat (even for kids looking for their missing parents across the galaxy!) and the language and subject matter not offensive. Part of why I don't care for other graphic novels I've read they often seem dark and bitter with stuff I wouldn't share with the grandkids.

My major objection probably says more about me than the book. Since I'm not a reader of graphic novels the style seems so lacking to me. The storyline moves along and I can tell what's going on, usually, but there are no explanations! In a standard fiction book you get some fleshing-out of the story, you feel like you know something about the characters, their motivations, and their relationships, among other things. My imagination can paint a very specific picture and I can move the characters about in that world/situation.

A graphic novel shows you the artist's view of the characters and world, and the shorthand style makes you jump before you're ready.

So, my 3 stars are based on the fact that I still liked the idea of the story, the kids seem likable, and the artwork reminds me of my old comics and that's a comfort thing. For those that enjoy the form of fiction and a non-offensive storyline, give it a try. (Yes, the kids are awfully precocious!)

Second reading, 2022. Most of the above review still applies, but I think I've gotten more acquainted with the graphic novel now. I still prefer regular print books, but still find the basic story interesting here. I wish another volume was published to continue the story

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Kickstarter that I funded and one of the few where the price point let me get the hard copy and not the pdf (nothing wrong with pdf except I don't own a tablet or laptop at this time). Between this and Forager Kickstarter appears to be where comic book creators are going to do science fiction.

All right there may not be a lot of science but there is plenty of adventure suitable for all ages (I really want younger readers to experience more science fiction and not just fantasy). Earth is a legend, a tale told to children because humans fled the planet and scattered among the stars when The Hidden arrived.

The Independent Science Vessel Mercury operates within the law but outside the military, pirate and science organizations that seem to run space. Six youths of varying ages, the oldest ones being pragmatic Ben and adventuresome Alyssa, the very intelligent twins Cody and Trin, the reprobate Smack and Daniella about whom no one says anything. Their shuttle returns to the Mercury after a supply run to find the adults gone, and everyone is now chasing them.

Well paced and executed. Miller hope to produce one book a year in the series and this installment's conclusion is left open ended.

The closest thing to a spoiler: Think Dumarest of Terra and not Titan A.E.

[Anne Langston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too often, we see a book labeled "all ages" and automatically translate that to "just for kids, and probably not good". In the case of Earthward, that would be a real mistake. I read this on a plane ride to visit my grandkids, and then again with my 8 year old granddaughter and her cousins, one of the same age and one a 6 year old boy. I enjoyed it when reading it on my own; the central mystery and the world building both kept my attention. The kids loved it (in all fairness, I should mention that one was named Alyssa, and so was automatically enthusiastic about the story). I was a little concerned that the plot of the story--parents mysteriously disappearing--would be upsetting, but all three children didn't seem to have a problem with that. (A younger child or a child with abandonment issues may have issues with it, though.) They were very involved with the story, and at the end, were making up their own resolutions to the search. So, I recommend this book for anyone who wants a book that they can enjoy with their kids and for anyone who enjoys light science fiction. I look forward to the next volume.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully unique comic. I was exposed to Bryan Q. Miller's work through my favorite TV Show, Smallville. He wrote a lot of my favorite episodes during the latter run of that show. When he made the jump to comics with the Smallville season 11 comics, I was not disappointed. This is a unique science fiction graphic novel appropriate for the whole family. Bryan Q. Miller's love of 80's sci fi definitely shines through. The book had a Goonies/Star Trek like feel that was lovely to read. . I really loved this book and would recommend it to all! Like I said, any reader of any age can read this book and enjoy it. Check it out, if you can. It very hard to find right now. If you can get ahold of it, definitely check it out.

[***Dave Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a Kickstarter effort I supported (hey! look! my name!), with no regrets in seeing the finished product. Bryan Q Miller does his usual fine job with this YA tale of scientists' kids left stuck in space as events and politics around them start spiraling out of control. There's a bit of cute, there's some high adventure, there's some serious stuff, and it's a pleasant introduction to what I hope will be a longer saga. Marcio Takara's art s smoothly crafted and light-hearted. Good stuff, and good to share with some younger folk.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excitement to finally have my hands on this book. Miller combines fun characters with a fast moving (but not confusingly complex) plot as six kids hunt for their parents - and the legendary human homeworld of Earth - in space, tangling with pirates, scientists, and an intergalactic army along the way. Takara's artwork is a perfect fit for what really is an all ages comic book. Here's hoping volume two is forthcoming soon!

[dogunderwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really hoping we get a sequel! This is a great all-ages book, in the sense that people of all-ages could enjoy it, rather than it being dumbed down. If you like teen superhero books, you'll probably like this even though it's not a superhero story. Cute characters and a good introduction to what I hope will be an on-going series.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I supportd this project on Kickstarter and I'm really pleased with the results. The art is great and the story is promising. Earth is a myth and a group of kids and teens are the only people who might have the key to the truth of that. The cast is greatly diverse and all of the kids are quirky and fun to read about.

I only hope they get to make a Volume 2!

[Relena_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is going on my signed shelf. It's not quite signed, but my name is in the thank yous, so I think that sort of counts.

I really want to see where this goes. A nice mix of action and storyline. It's a bit like BSG without the terrifying apocalypse.

[Emmaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my review at http://noflyingnotights.com/2014/10/3...

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flat-out adored this book. The only part I dislike is that there's still no volume 2.

[Hunter Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great start to a really fun all ages sci-fi series. Great for everyone!