It’s strange for me sometimes to read a Matt Kindt book where he isn’t doing the art. I realize he’s made them, and his writing can stand on its own, but he leaves big shoes to fill as an artist in Ether #1. Well, I am happy to say that David Rubin rises to the occasion in a big way. One of the first things you’ll notice is the fantastic cover (the Lemire variant is also beautiful) where our hero, Boone is split between both Earth and the magical realm of Ether. It really catches the eye and is one of my favorite covers I’ve seen in awhile. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but it is hard not to with comic books, and this cover should get people’s attention. Rubin’s art inside the book is just as good. He brings everything to life perfectly. The world of Ether sits somewhere beautiful, somewhere between ridiculous and spectacular. I feel like everything in the world of Ether has personality, and Rubin is a big part of that.

Magical books can be so much fun, and Matt Kindt makes sure that the story of Ether #1 is definitely full of that. Similar to titles like Doctor Strange, our main character Boone is a fun and quirky character who appears to be the hero this world needs. Now that doesn’t mean he is a sorcerer supreme, or that he wears a long cape. Boone Dias is an investigator and a scientist, and he has business in the capital city of Ether, which is named Agartha. The gatekeeper between worlds, Glum, who is a high functioning primate of some sorts (baboon maybe) tells Boone he is needed on a very important mission. Also, I must mention the way Boone passes between the worlds is hilarious. Glum basically throws him like a baseball, and each time he ends up landing painfully on the ground with a thud like it belonged in a Looney Tunes cartoon.

The world of the Ether is awesome. I found myself looking around at every panel and taking everything in. There’s a singing bird that is obnoxious but hilarious, grumpy sky lanterns, and a magic bullet that looks like a baby. A snail taxi, a bug compass, and well you get the idea. We also meet our big bad toward the end, and set up a much larger story that I cannot wait to continue. Ether deals with the silly in a fantastic way. It didn’t make me roll my eyes. It made me smile, laugh, and thoroughly enjoy this book from cover to ending. Kindt and Rubin have really built something special here, and I wish this was an ongoing series, and perhaps it will be someday.

Buy Ether #1. In my opinion, it’s got everything I’d ever want in a comic. Great writing, beautiful art, fun characters, mystery, magic, suspense, screaming birds, and a talking primate. If you like any of those things, then do yourself a favor and read this book.

Story: Matt Kindt Art: David Rubin
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review