From Image Comics, writer Steve Orlando, and artist Artyom Trakhanov comes Undertow, a new sci-fi adventure about the underwater world of Atlantis, the infamous man who terrorizes the kingdom, and the creature that may hold the secret to life on land.
Atlantis is the world superpower and Redum Anshargal is its most hated enemy, as much myth as man. For any wishing to break free of Atlantis, he can offer them a place exploring the surface world. After taking on a new hostage-turned-protege in Ukinnu, Redum journeys once again to the surface, hunting the mythic “Amphibian”, a creature that may just hold the secret to living on land and breathing air. But when Redum and his crew become they hunted, will they be able to survive an encounter with the godlike beast?
This first issue is one that fully immerses the reader in a well-developed world. Orlando and Trakhanov has obviously thought a lot about the world, technology, and people of Atlantis. Orlando is able to quickly get the reader interested in the story by starting the issue in the middle of a bloody battle, but it’s the very human interactions and extremely realized world and concepts that really make this story something special. Trakhanov’s art and colors gives the book a pulp feel. He’s also able to really bring to life the concepts and technology of the world. Atlantis and its citizens have a rich history and the designs that Trakhanov brings to the page really get the sense of history, technology, and innovation across well.
This is another first issue from Image that is sure to be a sellout. It takes the well-known concept of Atlantis and takes it in new directions, all while making it a fully realized world. This is the sort of first issue that other comics should seek to emulate. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that Orlando and Trakhanov make something this great in what is their first mainstream comic work. It’s not fair when creators made something this good so early on.
Art: 10/10
Script: 10/10
Parental Concern: Moderate. Blood, violence, language.
