The enemy of my enemy is my friend … maybe?
Creative Staff:
Writer: Joe Brusha
Artwork: Sergio Ariño
Colors: Dijjo Lima
Letters: Kurt Hathaway
What They Say:
One hundred years in the future, the “age of pirates” has returned as mankind reaches out for the stars. Schooners have been replaced by starships and these pirates wield space-age weaponry, but they are as bloodthirsty and ruthless as their predecessors were centuries before them. Experience a new universe of swashbuckling action and adventure in the vast reaches of space!
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
Major Karr has finally shown her true colors, as her treachery proves which side she has always been on – her own. After abandoning Alpha Corporation’s flagship with Korvarian fuel cells in tow and heading to the Mar homeworld, all others watch as the frigate explodes in spectacular fashion against the vastness of space. However, as the crew of the Fury struggle knowing they can do nothing to save the thousands on board, there are other problems which take precedence, such as the numerous battleships coming in to finish the job. Although Sable does her best to maneuver through the deadly barricade, one of the fighters blocks their path and all prepare for the inevitable – but it never comes. Twin beams of crimson energy blaze across their bow, surgically cutting through the invader and adding debris to the fearsome space battle … but who saved them?
Seemingly having done the impossible, the Captain spots their savior reeling from his concussive blast, it appears Officer Stanas survived the destruction of the Corporation ship. With both sides now having a common foe, Sable orders Helmsman Tanger to release a retrieval line, much to the crew’s surprise in now having to save the enemy. As she is securing a new ally, the Fury receives another surprise as the bridge alerts the Captain of an unexpected call, from of all people, President Speck of the Alpha Corporation. Having now confirmed Karr’s treachery and her partnership with the aliens, this desperate man has no other choice than to contact any non-Mar ships in order to launch a rescue mission. The shark fleet is laying siege to all off-world sites and they need reinforcements to defend their property, even if they need to rely on pirates. While they are sending their own troops, those will not arrive in time to be of any assistance, however, this leader has overlooked one obvious group who can help – the slaves. Although he does not want to rely on their property to secure the bases, Speck sees little choice since Sable has her own idea to end this conflict … yet it will not be a simple task. But since has Captain Sable ever looked for an easy way out?
In Summary:
From the start, this series appeared to be a clichéd tale of piracy on the stellar seas, and writer Joe Brusha does not disappoint for this classic story genre. And yet to have the crew lead by an alluring captain may have seemed to be a departure from the standard norm, but Sable is as ruthless as any man, and on the opposite side of the coin, she can also be caring in not wishing to see innocents harmed needlessly. However, even with this supposed moral dilemma, the Captain still looks out for her men, wanting to make the voyage profitable with the least amount of risk, until she runs into Blake and his foolhardy scheme. It is from there when everything slowly slides downhill, and with each step she takes to give this roguish scoundrel another chance, it only buries them deeper in trouble and blackens the ire of the Fury. To extend the suffering seems counterproductive, most pirates would want a quick score, and yet Sable kept following this rascal even as she was warned and in no uncertain terms wanting to let him walk the plank. It is from here where the story begins to convolute into a sordid space opera, inhabited with disreputable characters who were after the same treasure, but that was where the main crux of the problem occurred. Throughout the entire narrative, there was never a clear explanation given as to why Korvarian fuel cells were such a prize – it was always implied they had value, but no history was given as to why they matter so much to both pirates and the Alpha Corporation. Brusha implies they were cherished, that was it … no import as to what they did or could do for anyone. You would think that should merit something, a few panels for history, but readers were given hollow satisfaction and nothing more.
However, this is when the spectacular talents Sergio Ariño salvage this title, enticing readers back like a celestial siren, returning for a new voyage with each issue due to his commanding power in depicting this story. And yet it would not be as mesmeric without Dijjo Lima’s visually enticing arrangement of wondrous colors unto this lifeless environment which is space. Each book is a jewel unto itself, especially when we are treated to the pirate beauty named Sable – to see this voluptuous woman be so well respected by any she meets even as she squeezes into a costume which hugs every curve, and yet the raw power of her determination shown in actions and facial portrayals become the driving force behind the story. Every panel is a feast in itself with each nuanced detail building upon the previous, the mounting excitement unfolds like a blockbuster cinematic masterpiece, with special effects being at the forefront, and the set decorated to maximize the blackness of the void via indulging frames of intensity. It is the synergy of Lima’s dazzling array of light borne vividness which causes you stare in awe, but Ariño gives us a dynamic passion via overwhelming intensity and explosive action that allows the reader to become entranced into the universe of The Black Sable.
Although The Black Sable may seem to be a fulfilling space drama of fantastical adventure and a thrilling treasure hunt, it falls short by to trying too hard to create an encompassing atmosphere. With each issue there seemed to be new token characters introduced or another subplot interwoven to add more intrigue, however, none of them carried through with reinforcement to tie the threads together with a sufficient backstory. And while the fantastic illustrations and phenomenal colors may have lured us back for more, the satisfaction felt hollow since nothing solidified with so many tangential factions and subplots; and though the finale did conclude the main premise, it also felt rushed and filled with too many uninspired conclusions seen in other gangster/pirate style movies. If the narrative concentrated on the main protagonist or lengthened the series to allow for more explanation, this title have been more fulfilling, but instead chose to extend the tale with more melodrama to make frustration seem like the norm. The Black Sable had the potential, but it falls short of giving the reader any emotional investment which would have made the story praiseworthy in becoming a modern classic.
Grade: B+
Series Grade: B+
Age Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: June 20, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
