When all options run out…
Creative Staff:
Story: G. Willow Wilson
Art: Christian Ward
Letterer: Sal Cipriano
What They Say:
The thrilling conclusion of the first arc! At the height of a mega-battle against Lux’s formidable ship, Grix manages to out-maneuver their opponent despite the Sundog’s less-than-battle-ready defenses. Will Vess and Grix ultimately get the help they need from Duni? And when faced the unsettling truth, will the public be with them . . . or against them?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The first arc, a long beginning as it’s called, wraps up with this issue and we’ll get it in trade form in October along with the sixth issue and the start of the next arc. G. Willow Wilson has produced a really engaging book overall that leans a little too hard on our reality at the end here, which is frustrating, but it’s also offset by some absolutely gorgeous artwork. Christian Ward has done a lot of good stuff since the first panel of this series but his use of panels and layouts to move us through a battle between Lux and the Sundog is damn impressive, especially with the color design behind it all.
The arrival of the massive and massively overpowered Lux ship in front of the Sundog is something that’s psychologically imposing. But Grix and the rest largely hold themselves well here as Grix gives orders and everyone follows. They’re basically in a situation where they have to try something rather than just giving up after all that’s happened but it all comes with sacrifices, especially for Eline since she didn’t exactly formally sign up for it all. I love how everyone moves quickly into positions to deal with what’s to come and that even Vess does what she can by finding a quiet spot to pray. Christian Ward pulls off a beautiful few pages here as we see the way the Sundog goes up against Lux and it’s just impossible to describe but beautifully illustrated. Space battles either look hokey or indecipherable in comic form and the latter is my preference because it can just go all out with colors and weirdness.
While a bit of a trick buys them some breathing room – and a close encounter for Grix and Vess that looks intriguing – the main save comes from the planet below that provides for a reprieve. That’s not a surprise as you don’t want everything blown up quick here at the end. The problem is that just before that Grix opts to just send everything they collected out on an unencrypted channel so at least the truth about Lux and the Renunciation can get out there. Sadly, sentients that get a hold of it are so cynical and jaded that it feels like US politics all too clearly. It’s too on the nose as is the reaction and explanations of those on the Sundog. It’s not a surprise, exactly, but I would have preferred that the book wasn’t a reflection of reality on this point but rather a guide to where we should be. But that’s not to be and instead, there’s a lot of uncertainty as to what ramifications there will be to this reveal, if any.
In Summary:
I’m really enjoying what Invisible Kingdom is bringing to the page and am eager to see what’s next. I do like that it’s taking a break between arcs and giving it a bit of space, especially if we need that to maintain the excellent quality of artwork that we’ve been getting. Science fiction comics still feel few and far between and ones of this quality that’s exploring a lot of different subjects even fewer. This installment is a bit awkward in setting up a pause when it comes to the way Lux is after our leading cast but we get to see just what defines their character as they stand tall against such an impressive threat. It may be a few months until we get more but I’m excited to dip into this particular world again as soon as I can.
Grade: B+
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Dark Horse Comics / Berger Books
Release Date: July 24th, 2019
MSRP: $3.99
