For those looking for something new when it comes to either superheroes, science fiction or fantasy, new and up-and-coming artists can be some of the best places to look at.  A lot of the shared universes at DC and Marvel are constrained by the story telling that is available.  Taking characters in completely new directions or changing things dramatically are not really possible due to editorial control.  Even cosmic stories, usually a setting which better accepts the mantra that “anything goes” is pretty regulated at the Big Two, especially as it might touch the continuity of some of the big names like the Green Lantern Corps or the Guardians of the Galaxy.  Those looking for something without restrictions therefore kind of needs to find it in the smaller publishers or even the self published.

While these stories can often be less limited in terms of their concepts and storytelling, they are also often in the hands of the less experienced.  It is evident that for those starting out in the field that there are a handful of traps that await new storytellers, be that stunted dialogue or one dimensional characters.  The series Fallen Ash is a good representation of this level of storytelling, both for good and for bad.  The story is roughly divided into two different parts, one part with Anrew training to defend the small kingdom and the other with Arly being escorted by a Bengal Fox.  The former has a way of talking and discussion which is full of the usual from the genre – a young male having to live up to the legacy of those that came before.  It is the latter where this issue finds some heart, as Arly enters into an unconventional discussion on how to live life, as guided by Akari the fox.

It is this duplicitous nature which is the frustrating part of picking up an issue like this.  One half of the story is completely forgettable while the other half is endearingly approachable.  There are glimpses of something great here, but it is not even the part of the issue that is being focused on.  As a science fiction story this therefore falls a little bit short, but equally those looking for something a little different might want to have a look.  It is not of the highest quality, but then neither is it restrained in any way.

Story: Kimberley Smith Art: Benjamin Bartolome
Story: 6.0 Art: 6.0 Overall: 6.0 Recommendation: Pass

HumanKimberly and Comixology provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.