Welcome to the Grass Kingdom, a microcosm of civilization. In Matt Kindt’s newest series, Grass Kings, a collective of people have laid claim to a small territory of land. Here, they abide by their own laws and rules. The first issue has the local officer escorting a trespasser off the private land. The trespasser is a young man who calls the people who live there squatters. From there, the first issue is mostly expository as we’re given a tour of the Kingdom; it’s not a terribly involving first issue story-wise. Despite its lackadaisical beginning, Kindt has earned my trust in building a story, which only comes into focus at the end of this issue. Echoes of the past point to conflicts in the future, conflicts that appear to rise from a mystery that has been left unsolved: a crime.

Kindt breaks pace with much of his other work right now, which is far more science fiction and fantasy based. Grass Kings plays like a drama in a deceptively heightened reality, even though it only appears to be slight at the moment. Like in most insulated communities, there is something secret, even violent, hinted at underneath the happiness and contentment. That kernel is planted in the first few pages and touched upon in the final moments.

Tyler Jenkins’ artwork plays the opposite of this possibly rotten core. It’s wistful, slightly romantic, and earthy. Through browns, reds, tans, and blues, Jenkins’ watercolors create an almost nostalgic feel. For the dwellers of the Grass Kingdom, this is Heaven.

At this point, I really have no idea where this is going or what’s it’s about exactly, but I’m willing to give it a couple more issues before I call foul play.