Astika

    (Deux Graphica, 2003)
™ and © Deus Graphica Studio

This Argentinean import shows great promise. In a market not lacking for comics depicting freedom fighters against corrupt future societies, Astika may have something new to bring to the table.

It’s set in the India of 2100 A.D., which is a different locale. While clearly manga-inspired and featuring plenty of martial arts, it does try to introduce different cultural elements. (The introduction tells us that the people have “the social and religious principles of a millennial civilization,” whatever that means!)

Occasional production errors, such as botched word balloons, are easily overlooked in what is generally a well-produced comic book from a new publisher. The art is typically realistic, especially buildings and tech, but characters are occasionally a little too cartoony for the serious nature of the story.

Most of the book is run-of-the-mill near-future stuff. But don’t peek at the last page; a competently concealed jaw-dropper is waiting there. This is where things heat up and may separate Astika from the herd.

Or not. We’ll have to see.

— Jack Abramowitz
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