Celflux issue #1
GemGFX
Story: Dixie Ann Archer-Mcbain and Everard J. McBain Jr.
Illustration: Everard J. McBain Jr.
Reviewed by: Scott Mack
Summary: For 100 years, war raged between the 6 realms of Rilon, Erqa, Yoro, Tandra, Uomi and Cegaron, culminating the battle of Omicion. After a peace is brokered, citizens from all worlds enjoy harmony on the planet of New Genesia for 700 cycles, overseen by the High Council and enforced by the Imperial Wardens, hunting down dissidents offer resistance from the High Council, the most recent of which results in the death of Dr. Louis De Planq, who has escaped with vital information, information the Imperial Wardens failed to recover.
Six strangers, one from each of the realms, awake in a room without any knowledge of why or how they got there. As tensions of the past rise between them, a dark future looms over New Genesia, threatening the stability of the alliance and impending Armageddon....
Review: This is a most unusual book. Not 'unusual' in an uncomfortable way, but in one that is scarcely seen. As this is a cross-over book between the Sci-Fi and Superhero genres.
Now that you may say, is not unusual at all, it's been done many times before. And indeed it has, but unlike many of its predecessors where there can be a sense of awkwardness, either struggling to achieve balance between the two, or otherwise ultimately choosing pre-dominance of one genre. Leaving a feeling that the other has become merely a token gesture, Celflux is seamless.
If Han Solo or Hal Jordan walked into a bar on New Genesia, it wouldn't feel out of place with its high-future landscapes, alien beasts, and super-human abilities. But it is the understated inclusion of the latter that makes this book work. The super-powered element, while impressive, feels a natural part of the universe. If anything, it's adopted in a similar manner to how magic is utilised in a fantasy genre. It's perfectly integral, as is the costume design.
Series co-creator Everard McBain's art is gorgeous, with vivid colors and solid blacks, but what really stands out even more is McBain's ability to portray action and story-telling. There's a perfect flow to the entire book, while the action is kinetic, the visual effects used aren't gratuitous, simply heightening the image. Rather than attempting to dazzle us to compensate for poor story-telling, as I've seen in other books. That said, there were a couple of points where negative space is filled with multiple hues, which I feel aren't necessary, but call it a personal preference.
Writer Dixie Ann Archer-McBain, opens with a good first issue, giving us a foundation for everything we need to know about the world and characters involved. Largely focusing on our main character, Okira Abousson; an Erquan Priestess. And Genocyde. Chief enforcer of the Imperial Wardens. On occasion, the narrative seems a little excessive, though admittedly, what we're being told isn't irrelevant, I'd rather see it evolve in the dialogue.
At first read, some of Genocyde's villainous speech may appear a little contrived and corny, but surprisingly, that's actually a good thing. It feels like a classic villain diatribe, like Dr. Doom mixed with the essence of The Operative from Serenity. Genocyde is a quintessential enforcer, relentless and ruthless.
But what is particularly mind-blowing, is something I learned from my conversations with Everard. Which is that the McBains are newcomers to the comic scene, but the production and quality on this book is the grade of veterans. Everard called this book “a labor of love” and it certainly shows.
Editor's Note: To see about acquiring your very own copy of Celflux #1, head on over to here! You can also acquire a copy of this title over on this week's Submit titles from ComiXology for $1.99!
GemGFX
Story: Dixie Ann Archer-Mcbain and Everard J. McBain Jr.
Illustration: Everard J. McBain Jr.
Reviewed by: Scott Mack
Summary: For 100 years, war raged between the 6 realms of Rilon, Erqa, Yoro, Tandra, Uomi and Cegaron, culminating the battle of Omicion. After a peace is brokered, citizens from all worlds enjoy harmony on the planet of New Genesia for 700 cycles, overseen by the High Council and enforced by the Imperial Wardens, hunting down dissidents offer resistance from the High Council, the most recent of which results in the death of Dr. Louis De Planq, who has escaped with vital information, information the Imperial Wardens failed to recover.
Six strangers, one from each of the realms, awake in a room without any knowledge of why or how they got there. As tensions of the past rise between them, a dark future looms over New Genesia, threatening the stability of the alliance and impending Armageddon....
Review: This is a most unusual book. Not 'unusual' in an uncomfortable way, but in one that is scarcely seen. As this is a cross-over book between the Sci-Fi and Superhero genres.
Now that you may say, is not unusual at all, it's been done many times before. And indeed it has, but unlike many of its predecessors where there can be a sense of awkwardness, either struggling to achieve balance between the two, or otherwise ultimately choosing pre-dominance of one genre. Leaving a feeling that the other has become merely a token gesture, Celflux is seamless.
If Han Solo or Hal Jordan walked into a bar on New Genesia, it wouldn't feel out of place with its high-future landscapes, alien beasts, and super-human abilities. But it is the understated inclusion of the latter that makes this book work. The super-powered element, while impressive, feels a natural part of the universe. If anything, it's adopted in a similar manner to how magic is utilised in a fantasy genre. It's perfectly integral, as is the costume design.
Series co-creator Everard McBain's art is gorgeous, with vivid colors and solid blacks, but what really stands out even more is McBain's ability to portray action and story-telling. There's a perfect flow to the entire book, while the action is kinetic, the visual effects used aren't gratuitous, simply heightening the image. Rather than attempting to dazzle us to compensate for poor story-telling, as I've seen in other books. That said, there were a couple of points where negative space is filled with multiple hues, which I feel aren't necessary, but call it a personal preference.
Writer Dixie Ann Archer-McBain, opens with a good first issue, giving us a foundation for everything we need to know about the world and characters involved. Largely focusing on our main character, Okira Abousson; an Erquan Priestess. And Genocyde. Chief enforcer of the Imperial Wardens. On occasion, the narrative seems a little excessive, though admittedly, what we're being told isn't irrelevant, I'd rather see it evolve in the dialogue.
At first read, some of Genocyde's villainous speech may appear a little contrived and corny, but surprisingly, that's actually a good thing. It feels like a classic villain diatribe, like Dr. Doom mixed with the essence of The Operative from Serenity. Genocyde is a quintessential enforcer, relentless and ruthless.
But what is particularly mind-blowing, is something I learned from my conversations with Everard. Which is that the McBains are newcomers to the comic scene, but the production and quality on this book is the grade of veterans. Everard called this book “a labor of love” and it certainly shows.
Editor's Note: To see about acquiring your very own copy of Celflux #1, head on over to here! You can also acquire a copy of this title over on this week's Submit titles from ComiXology for $1.99!