The Indie Comix Dispatch: Embarking on Voyage #1

4.05/5.0 StarsRating if the Book Were a Movie: PG-13

Creative Team:

Writer: Michael MoreciArtist: Todor HristovColors: Francesco SegalaLetters: Nate PiekosCover: Kyle LambertEditor: Spencer CushingPublisher: Dark Horse Comics

Ratings:

Story: 4.0 StarsArtwork: 4.2 StarsCover Artwork: 4.0 StarsDialogue: 4.0 StarsMechanics: 4.1 StarsEditing: 4.0 Stars

About the Book:

Jacoby Cunningham is captain of a freight ship called the Persephone. Business hasn’t exactly been booming. That doesn’t mean the bills stop coming in. When a group of Soviets ask for passage for themselves and some cargo from Alaska to Kamchatka, he has to take the job. When one of his crew members goes missing in the middle of the Bering Sea his whole world will be turned Upside Down.

Reader’s Notes:

I’ve been a fan of the Stranger Things franchise for quite some time. I’m always excited when we get new content. Stranger Things: The Voyage #1 gives us a whole new cast. There’s one familiar face in the story and I love it that way. We may not have all of their names, but do we ever get some interesting personalities!

As much as I have enjoyed the adventures of the kids from Hawkins, it’s nice to get away from the teen drama every now and then. For a change of pace we get a reminder of other parts of the 80’s than a myriad of pop culture references. We also get subplots that promise to be entertaining.

There’s tension between the crew and passengers that stems from the Cold War. Because of Reaganomics we have a man who’s made his living on the seas his entire life that is in financial dire straits. We also have something in the cargo hold that will gladly kill anyone that crosses its path.

I’m not completely sure of where in the timeline Stranger Things: The Voyage takes place. From the best I can tell, it’s somewhere during the second season of the television series. Knowing when it takes place compared to what was happening in Hawkins doesn’t affect the story, so don’t fret about knowing exact dates.

I like how Mr. Lambert did this cover. It reminds me of movie posters from the 80’s. I appreciate that before we even open the book we get to see all of the players in this story. Having the Soviets on one side and the ship’s crew on the other was a nice touch. It lets us know what the sides are right away.

Hristov’s artwork on the interior pages is terrific. We get incredibly detailed panels that help set the tone for the story. I was particularly fond of the panels that were below deck. The background work puts us on board the Persephone.

For fans of the franchise the story is a little predictable in places. To get new content of this quality, I’m willing to make that trade. As a geek on a budget I believe you’ll be happy to do so, as well!