Mochi, Claire, and Hiro are just your average kids, except they live on a planet where gravity shifts on a regular basis and the local animal life resembles dragons. (Unsurprisingly, they are referred to as Draconius.) The story takes place twenty years after a seismic event opened a portal from Earth to another dimension called the “The Rift.”
Colonial scientists were sent to study it and decided to remain. Mochi, Claire, and Hiro are first-generation settlers who have never known Earth. One downside is it appears the trip to Earth is one way for adults unless you want your brain to turn to mush. On a typical day of taking measurements and fighting over M&Ms, the kids notice the mining of a local crystal has increased, and with it comes unusual aggressiveness from the Draconius. The attack is sudden and begs the question: What does this mean for the kids and the colony?
The story starts right where it should: in the middle of a conflict between the three kids who might be in their early teens, but have a certain innocence burdened by responsibility. (Probably has something to do with being aware they are living on an alien planet. And if you don’t pay attention, you could die.) Still capable of silliness, it’s obvious these three care for each other and their planet. Each of their characters is well defined and asks just enough questions to foreshadow coming problems. Tightly written, we get to the action and the dilemma they face quickly.
I found their silliness to be a bit over the top, but that could just be me. I can also pretty much guess where this is going, but I hope I’m wrong. I typically enjoy Camille Longley’s work (Lampblack, Our Faceless Fears), so I have pretty high expectations. Delving into themes of friendship and sacrifice, I look forward to seeing where she’s going with this.
With bright colors and a simple layout, this comic is accessible to all ages for content, as well as entertainment.
Creative Team: Camille Longley (writer), Sarah Bollinger (artist), Fahriza Kamaputra (colorist), Joel Saavedra (letterer)
Publisher: Camille Longley
Click here to purchase.
