by Pellé & Runberg
Publisher: Cinebook
ISBN: 978-1-84918-080-1
Orbital is a refreshing look at comic-based science fiction, with gorgeously detailed and coloured illustrations created around a solid core of original storytelling. It's a good mix of political intrigue, racial tensions and personal conflicts that make for a well-paced, mature drama.
The two central characters, the human Caleb and the sandjarr Mezoke, are on Earth in their roles as special agents for the celebrations that mark the end of the conflict between the two races. Although the ceremonies in Kuala Lumpur are proceeding without incident, events nearby in the recently restocked ocean and bordering mangrove are becoming problematic. A third race of nomadic aliens have made their home there, but it has coincided with much of the newly introduced fish being found dead, so the local fishermen naturally suspect the newcomers. All is not as it seems, though, and tensions are rising rapidly which threaten to spiral out of control.
We also get further glimpses of Caleb's past, and a greater understanding of Mezoke's as she shares her bitterness about those present from her home world, allowing us to get closer to these two unlikely partners.
This is shaping up to be a superb series, and it's over-riding strength are the powerful pages of art featuring some glorious alien, cityscape and spacecraft designs. A hugely enjoyable 21st century take on the SF comic with its heart firmly planted in the classic series of the past.
And if you liked that: You'll need to pick up volume 4: Ravages, soon
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