The first issue of a fantasy story that set up the story possibilities with skill and care and leaves the reader with a pleasurable anticipation of where the story will go next.
Kia is a young woman living in the city of Arrak-Al-Tar, The City of Wonders. The city is engaged in a war, part of an alliance with others against a common enemy. The war is taking a toll on the city that the city is trying to ignore. Kia is bored and feeling stifled, running the rooftops at night offers freedom and the possibility of adventure. A meeting with a legendary thief sparks her curiosity and leads her to an unexpected place and a consequential action. The story is slim, it has to introduce the cast and context which does not leave a lot of room for plot, that is presented at the end as the story engine gets properly started.
Kia is a very engaging lead character, craving adventure and stimulation outside of the limits of her life, she has the energy and curiosity that engage the reader. She is never entitled or annoying, she is impulsive and willing to take a risk.
Ian Ashcroft’s art has to carry a substantial burden in this issue, to establish the context and create the visual form for the story. His luxurious art is a pleasure to read, using panels to frame and extend the story, the details are beautiful and telling. There is a lush romance to the art that is exactly what the story needs to fly.
Kia Wordsmith has the feel of a contemporary version of the great romantic science fiction comic strips of the early days of newspaper comic strips. Space was filled with vividly realised alternative civilisations that were the playgrounds for adventurers and magicians. Kia Wordsmith has the same confident approach to the possibilities of what might lie behind a door in a magicians floating castle.
Dave West and Ian Ashcroft have opened a door to a deeply inviting universe where a spirited adventurers who will make her mark to the deep joy of the readers.
