Villordsutch reviews Wild Blue Yonder #3…
“Before he can become a full member of the Dawn, Tug will have to pass one last test… getting past Scram. Plus, the crew of The Dawn will be put to the test when an unexpected attack comes from irradiated Sky-Pirates. “
All three writers Mike Raicht, Zach Howard and Austin Harrison are clearly laying out a universe that is going to be a skybound, steampunk opera within lightning streaked, radioactive skies that stretch across as far as the eye can see. Our players are jetpack-wearing pilots smeared in grease and oil as they maintain their lives and the family by repairing and defending their huge hulking home of a floating metal airship, defending it from both the elements and the Sky Pirates (I’ve dubbed them that moniker). This sounds great however strolling in midway isn’t the best place to start especially as this appears to be predominantly focusing on characters who have been in action from the previous issues, and I am given virtually no information to update me on what I have missed. This is a big shame really as this comic really does prick my interest, perhaps a small blurb (at the front of the comic) on what has passed before would be a huge benefit for those of us new to this place.
The look of this comic is perfect for universe it lives in as Zach Howard and Nelson Daniel have created a perfect look for the lives these people lead. The palette could have been daubs of old engine oil, copper grease and soot as it loots dirty and grimy; clearly, its genesis comes from the time period that my late grandfather and father occupied, where life wasn’t computer terminals but lathes, boring and Swarfega. These colours match the style of our drawn world with hectic and rough characters occupying the same space as barely held together bits of machinery – you feel grubby just by reading this. At the same time this place also feels like a more seasoned style of the Borderlands universe with small bits stuck to bigger bits hoping an even bigger bit holds together, and the vicious deaths our Sky Pirates succumb to. I like it a lot.
I’m very much taken with this comic as it’s artwork alone makes me think of it as ‘something for me’, I’m absolutely positive though that if I’d been with Wild Blue Yonder from issue one I’d have loved this, but joining late and the lack of a “Previously…” has left me feeling slightly excluded to this tale. I do feel slight miffed at myself for being negative with this comic as It looks great and perhaps I’ll seek out a trade paperback if one arises to see what I’m missing out on.
Villordsutch likes his sci-fi and looks like a tubby Viking according to his children. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter.
Originally published October 29, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
