Special 11-page preview! China, the late 1700’s. In a village, high up in the mountains, a young innocent girl, whilst out gathering flowers, is called back home to discover that something dreadful has happened to her family. Who is to blame? Could it be the local Bao Gang known for its dealings in opium or someone closer to her? Beautiful art and covers from Kit (Monster Club, Wonderland) Wallis.

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview offers an intriguing glimpse into a world filled with mystery and potential. At the same time this preview sets the stage for an engaging series, combining elements of fantasy and suspense that had capture my interest.

The narrative in this preview introduces us to a world where air is a precious commodity, and survival hinges on managing this vital resource. The creators of this preview create a plot that is both compelling and thought-provoking, exploring themes of scarcity and resilience. The storyline is well-paced, maintaining a balance between action and exposition, which had kept me engaged from the start to the very end of this comic book.

The character development in this preview is promising, though somewhat limited by the brevity of the format. The protagonist is introduced with enough depth to pique interest, showcasing a blend of determination and vulnerability. While the supporting characters are not extensively explored, their interactions hint at complex relationships and potential for growth in full version of this comic book.

The writing style in this preview effectively sets the tone and atmosphere, capturing the tension and urgency of a world on the brink. The dialogues are sharp and purposeful, contributing to both character development and plot progression. This approach helps establish a connection with us as readers, making the narrative more immersive.

The artwork in this preview complements the story with its dynamic and expressive style. The illustrations vividly depict the harsh realities of the world, using a palette that enhances the mood and themes. The visual storytelling is strong, adding an extra layer of engagement to the reading experience.

The pacing of the preview is generally well-managed, providing a steady flow of information and action. However, some scenes could benefit from deeper exploration, particularly in terms of the protagonist’s background and the intricacies of the world. Expanding on these elements could enhance character development and enrich the plot.

One of the strengths of this preview is its thematic exploration of survival and resourcefulness. These themes are woven into the narrative with subtlety, offering us as readers moments of reflection amidst the unfolding drama. Expanding on these themes in the full version of this comic book could provide additional layers of depth and resonance.

While the preview successfully introduces the world and its challenges, it occasionally relies on familiar tropes and clichés, which may feel predictable to picky readers as myself. However, the unique setting and character dynamics offer enough novelty to keep the story intriguing.

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 3 / 5