ISOLA from Image Comics hits your local comic book store on April 4, and you should be excited for Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl’s work, as they have created a fascinating new world.
About ISOLA #1:
The captain of the Royal Guard has fled the capital city with the Queen of Maar, who is suffering under the effects of an evil spell. Captain Rook’s only hope of returning Queen Olwyn to her throne, and saving the kingdom from impending war, lies on an island half a world away—a place known in myth as Isola, land of the dead.
The book is written by Brenden Fletcher, with art by Karl Kerschl, colors by Msassyk, and lettered by Aditya Bidikar.
Kerschl’s art is amazing with Msassyk’s colors. ISOLA has the feel of Lord of the Rings, the look of Akira, and the color palette of Don Bluth’s Dragon’s Lair. The tiger eyes of Queen of Maar are mesmerizing, and the fact that she can’t talk gives the book weight and silence. The movement and the action of the panels are top-notch. The first issue is filled with arrows and Kerschl’s art makes you jump out of the way of getting shot. ISOLA is one of the most gorgeous books of 2018. Msassyk’s colors build up to the action and yet are so relaxing, making this a pleasant read as you get caught staring at each panel.
ISOLA is one of the best-looking books of 2018.
Bidikar’s letters are great as well. He adds to the mystical world as opposed to distracting. The sound effects Bidikar uses in the book are original and fit well.
Fletcher does a decent job introducing the world and the main characters involved, while also leaving out a vast amount of information to peak the reader’s curiosity. The first issue is like looking through a keyhole into a room. When and where Fletcher opens up the door will be interesting for the reader. The only downside of the issue one is the lack of a cliffhanger as you approach the last page. You only get one shot to grab the reader; you should never hold back on a first issue as you might never get a chance on a second.
Overall, Kerschl’s art leads the way as Fletcher slowly reveals the world. Issue one is a must read, but issue two really needs to dig its claws into the reader.
