The freedom that writers and artists have at Image Comics is something that the rest of the industry attempts to emulate but mostly fail at it. The freedom I am talking about is one where there is no such thing as crazy idea, which in turn makes them the real “House of Imagination”. A good example of this philosophy is Kel Symons and Nathan Stockman’s book, Reyn, which as exactly their preview says:

Freelance swordsman and monster-hunter Reyn is the last of the legendary “Wardens” whose ranks long ago faded from the land of Fate into myth. Not a white knight, Reyn’s haunted by visions from his “guiding angel” Aurora, who sets him on a great quest against the mysterious Venn, teaming him with Seph, a woman with witch-like powers. Together they discover Fate holds an incredible secret.”

As a long time anime fan, I saw shades of Berserk and Samurai Champloo, in its concept, which not only grabbed my attention, but wanted to see just how close their story would stick with them.

Issue #6 begins a new story arc, as Reyn and Seph gets adjusted to what Fate really is as everyone on the crew feels as though they have been betrayed by each other and those long gone. They end up discovering a history that no one knew of, and the cataclysm that lead their ancestors to where they are now. While being acclimated to this new history and to the truth of their existence, they are suddenly attacked by the Venn who have been on a mission to destroy Fate. The issue ends with a fatality and will definitely get your throat to close up, as it is someone who no reader would have seen coming.

This new reality is comparable to the truth of the FOX TV show Wayward Pines, as it actually makes you see the series as something different then what it started out being, This is very much true in my case, as it had me comparing it to many hybrid sword and fantasy with outer space operas, but in the end it does what good science fiction should do, make the reader think. This issue has caused the character of Reyn to evolve from Han Solo in New Hope to Han Solo in Return of the Jedi. The tragedy that Seph faces will also evolve her character to one that is stronger.

This new story arc is off to a great start, as the collaboration between Symons and Stockman has made this story greater than its concept. Symons writing has strong balance of humor and drama to offset the action, which makes for smart storytelling. Stockman’s art is riveting as it captures all the nuances of space and the facial expressions of the characters are, at times, breathless. Overall, an interesting mythology and one that I will definitely be back next issue to see what happens.

Story: Kel Symons Art: Nate Stockman
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review