Black History: For painter Melvin Waring, it’s an actual super power! When Melvin’s wife mysteriously disappears, he must call on the most important Black figures of all time to help him in his search. Ancestral Recall #1 is a hell of a start mixing a trippy mystery with a dash of sci-fi and social commentary.

Written by Jordan Clark, Ancestral Recall #1 is a solid first issue. We’re introduced to Melvin, an artist struggling with his latest piece of art. Then, there’s his wife June, who is recovering from recent surgery and seems to be the grounded aspect in Melvin’s life. Melvin seems to float through time seeing the past, present, and future, as ideas float through him.

After a night’s sleep, Melvin awakens to find his wife is no longer next to him. Where did she go? Clark delivers a hectic frenzy as Melvin attempts to find his wife, a rush of emotion, fear, confusion, readers can feel it drip off the page.

Clark delivers a lot of mystery to it all in a neighbor of Melvin who has noticed neighbors going missing and new individuals moving in. Ancestral Recall #1 teases a take on gentrification and feels like what sci-fi and horror does really well, explore our world.

The art by Atagun Ilhan is solid and really nails down the chaotic aspect of the comic. There’s a visual feel to the comic that matches Melvin’s life really well, reflecting what’s teased he’s going through. Pippa Bowland‘s color and Rob Steen‘s lettering adds to the experience of it all. The style reminds me a bit of Sam Kieth’s The Maxx a bit (a good thing).

As it’s an AHOY comic, it features two extra stories by Bryon Ackerman and Dave Giarrusso with art by Ed Catto and Chris Giarrusso. Both are bonuses to an already solid comic that stands on its own.

Ancestral Recall #1 is a solid start to the series that leaves us wanting more. It feels like it does what sci-fi does really well, tell an intriguing story while also delivering something more underneath. It’s a great debut and we’re excited to see what the second issue brings.

Story: Jordan Clark, Bryon Ackerman, Dave Giarrusso Art: Atagun Ilhan, Ed Catto, Chris Giarrusso
Color: Pippa Bowland Letterer: Rob Steen
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

AHOY Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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