CREDIT: Image
Rating: 5/5 – Story of the Rise & Assumed Fall of a Planetary Empire
by ComicSpectrum senior reviewer Shawn Hoklas.
Invisible Republic keeps getting better with each issue in the series, and number six is no exception as it kicks off the second story arc in this science fiction epic. After the surprise ending in issue number five, the two journalists Croger Babb and Fran Woronov come face to face with the Maia Reveron, cousin to Dictator Arthur McBride and author of the journal Babb luckily finds within the slums of the planet Avalon. That journal describes the rise and fall of McBride and the Malory Regime, becoming the centerpiece of this series published by Image. This sixth issue is packed with new information, new clues and of course, wonderful characterization.
Creators Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman are producing one of the best books this year. With each issue they’re uncovering new layers and new characters that all connect in a sprawling story about a rise and assumed fall of a planetary empire. The ideas are enormous, but the story still feels small by their choice to tell the tale through seemingly small events. In this issue we’re introduced to a brand new character that appears in both the present day and the flashbacks to the past, and who seems as though she’ll be playing a major role in future issues.
In terms of the art, Hardman and colorist Jordan Boyd are a perfect match. The planet Avalon isn’t pretty. It’s run down and full of muted colors. Boyd knows just how to make the planet, and Hardman’s pencils look and feel aged, dirty, and worn. Soft grays, light but dirty greens, and touches of browns all add to a planet that looks and feels sickly. The outdoor scenes always give you the feeling of being cold and wet, while all the characters look as though their surrounding has negatively affected them. Hardman and Boyd have created a world that fortunately they take seriously. For example, a single run-down building first revealed in issue number four in one single panel is fully explored through multiple panels here in issue six. It’s a sign that these creators care about every detail that’s placed on every page.
In this issue of Invisible Republic we also get the introduction of a letters page, another smartly written article by Corrina Bechko explaining the potential and realistic use of space elevators, and a much too short single-page describing the behind the scenes process that went into the creation of this issue, which is my only complaint..we need more! This series continues to be one of my favorite books of 2015 and when my only complaint is that I wish there was more, well, it must be pretty darn good!
Reviewed by: Shawn Hoklas
(shawn@comicspectrum.com)
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