A wonderfully unexpected and engaging continuation of the Salvagers story. The crew having survived the journey to salvage the wreck are returning to the space station to offload the cargo and settle the debts. The cargo is not quite what it seems and that is the point where Bob Salley takes an unexpected route with the story. There is a vivid and deep expansion of the context with the introduction of the Klandarian Pirates. They are not simply roving thieves, there is a strong and sharp back story that intersects nicely with the salvagers. The greater political and historical depth gives the story considerable depth and gives the action a considerably sharper edge. The Klandarian Pirates have been employed to recover the cargo the salvagers now have, they get more and less than they expected when they arrive at the ship and the plot reveals are very smartly staged. The following conflict has a increased set of layers that are carefully put together to mover the whole story very far forward.
Bob Salley has the confidence to move the story out of the expected while still managing to hit all the genre beats, they all take a different flavour in the light of the extended context. The hovering threat from Blackbane, a private security force comes into focus and the political and social wreckage from the Galactic War becomes significant. The developments arise naturally and steadily from the story and they draw the reader further and further into the action.
George Acevedo, Chris Gevenois, Eric Godeau continue to shine with the art, the space opera context is delivered with all the relevant detail and physical weight. The new cast members are as energetic and forceful as the rest, they have a determination to pursue their aims that make them very powerful. The social and political context is captured with sufficient detail without ever overwhelming or slowing down the action. The action kicks up a notch as the plot threads starts to wind around each other and cast respond expressively and energetically.
DeSika, Fahriza Kamaputra colours give physical depth and weight to the dynamic art, they bring out the subtle differences in the cast and make the body language clear and critical. HdE’s lettering and sound effects are as subtle, unobtrusive and vital as they were in the previous volume.
Really good space opera is a rare treat, Salvagers has the confidence and talent to deliver it, using of the unlimited budget of comics and the superb story this is the real thing. Taking the reader seriously enough to push the story possibilities, having the confidence to dive deep into the genre this griping story is just a deep pleasure to read and enjoy.
