Colonization of other people’s/countries, has been human way of life since anyone can remember.  The different nations of Europe, have bene colonizing other nations/countries for centuries. In Africa, different tribes did all over the continent, the most famous being Shaka Zulu, who united several tribes under him to suppress any outside forces. The British, being once an empire, have left their imprint everywhere from the West Indies to Canada. The Spanish, as well, have several churches in mostly Muslim countries, remnants of the Crusades.

America, although not necessary colonizing, to the extent of the examples above, we have left our marks in just about every country on earth, through military bases. This is exactly the root of the extenuating circumstances affecting the island of Puerto Rico, as it exists as U.S. territory, but derives none of the benefits of a state. The one thing that literature fails to explore on any substantial level is how these invaders/colonizers affect the people who are native to these lands. In Faith Erin Hicks‘ superbly created Nameless City Volume 1, one such situation exists.

We meet Kaidu, a member of the newest occupying nation for the metropolis known as Nameless City, and Rat, one of the city’s natives, both are unclear of the other motives and are a little weary as friends don’t come easily for either. The book dives into class warfare, misogyny, identity politics, racism, cultural bias and even on some levels, cultural appropriation, as the two become fast friends, each learning about the others culture, as Kaidu, becomes empathetic to the oppression his privilege that his upbringing, sex, and culture has afforded him. The two friends eventually team up to thwart an assassination attempt on the city’s military leader, a plan created by one of his very own soldiers. By book’s end, Kaidu foiled the attempt and the friends become closer, as the city feels more united than ever.

Overall, an excellent book, that is methodical, smart, nuanced and shines the light on the value of mutual respect. The story by Hicks is funny, fast paced, and fresh. The art by Hicks gorgeous, penetrating, and vibrant. Altogether, an excellent start to this trilogy of books as it presents a world much like our ow, where our differences are ever so present, but as they do in this book, they choose those differences to unite and not divide them.

Story: Faith Erin Hicks Art: Faith Erin Hicks
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy