Engaging and hugely enjoyable comics anthology of wonderfully diverse science fiction that include the following selection.
Alex Rogers, Fashion Designer of the Future. Dan Rafter (Writer), Vanessa Cardinali (Art), Mike Rickaby (Letters). The designer of the universal jump suit worn by the global population has to update it every year and has a chance to make a major change. A really smart idea that set up the reader before very happily going somewhere unexpected. Vanessa Cardinali’s angular art is a pleasure to read,the cat are vivid and expressive, the story changes are captures beautifully. Her colouring is subtle and deeply effective, amplifying the nuances of the story with great craft and detail.Mike Rickaby’s letters are quiet and unobtrusive, they guide the reader without any apparent effort, very strong work.
David & Goliath. Marcus E.T (Writer), Alejandero Lara (Art), P.A.Nolte (Letters). The context is neatly updated to a decisive one on one battle between the champions of two armies with opposing visions about robotics. The astounding black and white line art by Alejandero Lara is so compelling in its beauty and detail that it simply swallows up the reader. P.A.Nolte quiet letters do not distract from the art while being easy and natural to read, the sound effects are a pleasure.
Disaster. An Anecdote of Abander. Tue Sorenson (Writer), Kristoffer Kjaer (Art) is a short and wonderful space opera that has managed to combine scope, scale and compression with skill and telling detail. A mistake on an orbiting space station creates a emergency, a medical technician acts fast. The action is played out against the huge backdrop of space and is wonderfully realised by Kristoffer Kjaer, a hugely engaging and enjoyable slice of romantic science fiction.
The Adventures of Galaxy Girl in Outer Space: The Pilot. Andew Taylor (Writer, Colours, Letters), Catia Fantini (Art), takes classic science fiction and gives it exuberant energy and joy to blast off for adventures in the unknown reaches of the galaxy. Norman meets his new neighbor and the creatures pursuing her at the same time and the story goes exactly where it should at warp speed. When Galaxy Girl reveals herself things simply get better and more fun. Cliches become cliches because they work, in the hands of talent they reveal themselves, Andrew Taylor reveals why the dream of running away for space adventures is just so desirable. Catia Fantini’s art is perfect for the story, everything is powered with energy and drama, Galaxy Girl is the forceful hero in a tight fitting space suit, Norman is wide eyed and ready for infinity, glorious.
The Universe Wants to Love You. Abraham Martinez (Writer), Alex Sarahia (Art), Guillermo Regalado (Colours), a journey through space that takes a superbly realised unanticipated turn. Milda is a robot on a ship travelling through space, programmed to be a companion and medical office, keeping the crew sane and satisfied, an event allows her satisfy their deepest desires. The writing moves smartly, setting up the reader and following a powerful logic to unexpected ends. Alex Sarahia’s art is beautiful, the physical context and the cast are delivered with care and detail. Milda is given a expressiveness that develops exactly as it should, the story transitions are delivered with force and very strong internal plausibility. Guillermo Regalado’s colours are vital to the success of the story, they are the bright vivid colours of the science fiction future and then they are the bright colours of another future.
The Woman in the Moon. Jack Wallace (Writer), Nick Hadley (Art), Chris Allen (Colours and Letters), is a warm and engaging love story that takes an enormous risk and it pays off hugely. A lonely astronomer makes a discovery that may be rooted in the disintegration of his mind or in the possibilities of space, the story balances both carefully until coming to a joyous conclusion. Nick Hadley’s friendly art allows the story possibilities to emerge carefully, the emotional context of the strory, friendship and the possibility of love, are expressed quietly and strongly. Chril Allen’s colours give the weight and depth needed to allow the story to breathe and emerge, his letters are natural, fitting into the panels with understated skill and craft. Romantic science fiction for romantics everywhere.
Tales from Orbit 4 is a superb anthology, it showcases talent creators showing the extraordinary possibilities and range of science fiction comics.
Chief Wizard Note: This is a review copy, very kindly sent by Kim Roberts, to purchase a copy of Tales from Orbit 4, which you should do to sink into the delights that await you within, it can be purchased here, http://www.wpcomicsltd.com/
