Artesia

(Sirius, 1999-2002)
™ and ©1998 Mark Smylie

War, love, lust, hate—Artesia has it all. Artesia is the tale of Artesia, a mercenary captain in a fantasy world that combines the best storytelling methods of Homer, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Howard, and Tolkien, adds a healthy dose of classical mythological syncretism, a deep and rich history, and engaging characters—all melded to an incredible, breathtaking art.

Smylie, in his hubris, attempts to one–up all the classical tellers of myth and legend by creating his own world, a take on our own sans monotheism and all that followed therewith—and succeeds. It is a world in which a woman can rule by her skills with the blade as well as her talents in the boudoir. Definitely not for children, this adult fantasy trivializes nothing, from the gut–wrenching horrors of war to the mystical power of sex.

The best thing about the series, though, is that it takes its time to tell the tale of Artesia’s rise from mercenary captain to Highlands queen. Nothing is missed in the rich tapestry of Smylie’s world, which will leave readers wanting more and eagerly awaiting the next installment.

— James Mishler

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Notes

Writer

Artist

#1 (Regular Cover by Mark Smylie)

January, 1999
Cover Price: $2.95
2 copies available from $2.00

Mark Smylie

#1 Limited Edition (Signed & Numbered to 1,000 copies, this issue also features different inside cover art)

January, 1999
Cover Price: $2.95
1 copy available for $94.99

Mark Smylie