Shahrazad #1 - Exclusive Review

Mike Krome Cover

Shahrazad #1 - Exclusive Review

Writer:
Kim Hutchison
Kari Castor

Art:
Mike Krome

Covers:
Mike Krome 
J Scott Campbell

Shahrazad is my new favourite warrior and protector.

Big Dog Ink Comics offered me an exclusive preview of Shahrazad #1 to review prior to it hitting shelves on 27 November 2013...well, maybe one or two days later for us Australian comic book geeks.

Before I share my thoughts....go and order your copy from your comic book retailer now! I'm about to explain why...

J Scott Campbell Cover

The narrative told by Shahrazad herself really draws you into her adventure. As the reader you feel the sincerity behind the her story and you can't help but want to understand more about this character. The way the character has been positioned to engage the reader in this issue is first rate. Great work by writers Kim Hutchison and Kari Castor. Extreme care has been taken to ensure you have time to consider Shahrazad's mood and feeling in each panel of this issue. That is to say the narrative is perfectly paced in order for you to enjoy both the story and the amazing art work (more on that in moment). This is every bit a story of adventure and discovery for you the reader. 

In this first issue, Shahrazad is faced with the perils of the ocean (No Spoilers here!) She must engage in combat with its inhabitants and in the process be drawn to an exotic island where more danger and intrigue awaits her and her fellow sailors. I'd love to tell you more but I won't...I hate spoilers as much as the next comic book geek! But just look at these eyes (pictured below)...amazing...they will draw you in!

This issue combines the old world with the new world in a way that works really well. New world naval ship (and technology) with old world style (uniforms). Shahrazad's uniform has got to be the hottest uniform I've seen on a female navy officer in...well...ever! It compliments the character's beauty and at the same time gives her a sense of authority which she carries with her throughout her travels.

I want this review to focus on the strength of the characters because that is what makes this issue a success. The writers give Shahrazad a command presence as well as a genuine sense of compassion at pivotal times throughout this issue. You can't help but love this character.

The art work by Mike Krome is splendid. Facial expressions suit the circumstances and the drawing of female form is elegant. Colours bring this issue to life with deep blues and greens that add to the intensity of this comic book adventure.

It is quite hard to be critical of this issue. It has everything I would expect from an adventure story. I look forward to seeing how this series develops over coming months.

What do I give this issue?

Grade: A+

This is one to collect!




My favourite comic book art piece (not cover) for this week...

Normally at the end of each of my reviews I select a cover that I think represents my favourite for the week. Well, comic book shipments were late this week to Adelaide, Australia, and I was not particularly impressed with anything in particular from this week's new releases, so I have opted for this splash in Shahrazad #1...the mean girls of the water...maybe?