SHAHRAZAD #1 Review


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The prologue issue hit a striking tone, but is this really a new franchise that’s worthy of your money and attention?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Big Dog Ink:

A new heroine rises from the legends of the ancient world. Shahrazad was known for her amazing stories of 1001 Arabian Nights, but now it is time to tell her story! She lives a life unlike anything you could imagine. An existence that spans generations as well as genres. In this new ongoing series, Shahrazad stares into the storms on the horizon with determination, but the forces of nature, and of history, are not to be taken lightly!

Shahrazad 1_CI can’t say it enough, I’m absolutely digging this new property.  The talented creative team has found a way to take this protagonist, and weave a visually interesting tale that’s sure to impress even the most discerning eye.  From beginning to end, the hard work on display more than sells me on the authenticity.

Kim Hutchinson and Kari Castor deliver a tale that not only makes strong use of its already compelling lead character, but they leave enough room for just a hint of flashbacks in order to properly flesh out her odyssey.  The authors bring originality and a distinct perspective to this world while employing a minimalist approach to what could have been a verbal barrage.  A slimmed down body of text allows this comic book to glide through tough waters while maintaining its innate sense of awe and wonder.

The art by Mike Krome matches the quality of the script in every possible way. He handily builds up an elegant vision that touches on beauty and terror that are sure to be key to this journey moving forward.  My main complaint comes from the design sense of our some of the outfits, they just don’t fit in as neatly as they honestly should.  Beyond that minor gripe there’s far too good on display to let these hiccups sully the experience.

Shahrazad #1 is a strong start to an odyssey that earns the right to be on everyone’s pull-list.  Recommended.

4/5

fourstar

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