How would you cope with life in an apocalypse? Not the fighting for survival part, but the everyday life part: living and going about your business knowing you could die any day—that most of the people around you are already dead. What ways would you find to deal with that daily horror? That’s what Orphans of the Impact Winter is about.
Chuck is a young boy who lives with his dog, Addie, in a bleak, desolate Earth where people are scarce and food is scarcer. But in his mind, he’s a heroic space explorer, navigating a strange, alien world. And Addie is his Chewbacca: the faithful, furry, anthropomorphic companion who speaks in a language no one but Chuck understands.
By using this fantasy world, the horrors of the real world become more tolerable. The abandoned streets are a barren, desert wasteland. Other survivors are the alien inhabitants of this strange world. And the quest for food and supplies is… Well, still a quest for food and supplies, but on an alien planet, which makes it an adventure, rather than a tragedy.
This comic feels inspired by Calvin and Hobbes—which is a plus in my book. Chuck’s space explorer persona is a bit like Spaceman Spiff, with all the elements of the “real world” taking new forms in his imagination, and everyday surroundings becoming a highly detailed alien landscape. Likewise Addie, in anthropomorphic form, feels—and even looks a little—like Hobbes.
And much like the works of Bill Watterson, a large part of the appeal of this comic is in the artwork. The “real world” is bleak and monochrome, while the desert alien world is vibrantly colorful and full of strange, intricate details. Even if you didn’t pay attention to the story at all, this comic is amazing to look at. Though the story is pretty compelling, too. Maybe read it twice: once to focus on the story, once to focus on the art and the world.
However many times you read this comic, it’s definitely worth reading. Can’t wait to see how things continue in the next issue.
Creative Team: Lee A. Carlisle (story), Ross Carlisle (art), Marina Gonçalves (colors), Marco Ventura (letters)
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