Skyward #1 (Action Lab)

Rating: 3.5/5 – Solid but standard fantasy opening

Skyward, by writer/artist Jeremy Dale,  tells the tale of a young boy (Quinn) and his family living out their lives in peace. One day, one of his dad’s old companions returns to try and bring him back to the warrior life he left behind, but his refusal is met by violence and Quinn must set out on his own.   Dale’s art is excellent and conveys a sense of fun.

The story is well executed, but at the same time it’s an extremely standard fantasy story opening with no particular twists to the typical formula.  There were elements that might have been surprising had you not read much fantasy fiction before.  As it was, once the elements played out in the story there was more of a sense of “Ah, yes, this fantasy trope.  Check.”

This is not to say that the story is bad, I look forward to seeing where Dale goes with the story in subsequent issues.  That’s where he’ll have the chance to distinguish himself.  From this opening things could really go anywhere, and I’m definitely interested in reading more to find out.

Reviewed by: Stephen Bretall – stephen@comicspectrum.com
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