As a fan of hip hop music, I can definitely say that it is probably the most technical and most inventive of the music genres. I know some may find this statement confounding based on their aesthetic tastes, but one must consider that an emcee must have a voice that listeners can not only listen to but their material must be relatable to the listener. In other genres, the lyrics may not really matter. With hip hop, the lyrics are as or even more important than the music that plays behind it. Take, for instance, the musical styling of Dwight Myers also known as Heavy D & the Boyz.

As much of his music was more for the dance floor then intended for any deep thought. It would not be until he lost family members and a group member, that his music became sometimes somber and definitely introspective. I remember a song he did, using a term he repeats quite often, called “The Evil Men Do”, where he sounded much like his more serious counterparts, showing the ills that humans commit. In the second issue of Winter Suns, we find out how Keth became the disparate place that the crew of the Proud Mary stumbles upon.

We’re taken to the jungles of Keth, where a few natives, are trying to take control of the Titans, giant man driven robots, but today everything changes for its inhabitants.  As some of their tribe has returned, but not as they were before, but altered by technology, stronger, more powerful, and looking not to coexist, but conquer, as waged full-on invasion, leaving who was left into hiding. As we follow Korbin’s journey through this Diaspora in his people’s history, where he saw them eventually submit and his wife dies. By issue’s end, Jonah finds his way out of captivity and is reunited with his crew

Overall, an excellent issue which shows how this world came to be. The story by Rick Hughes is stylish and well characterized. The art is stunning. Altogether, a story that shows that it is more than one thing but is definitely a sweeping space saga.

Story: Rick Hughes Art: Rick Hughes
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

One of the best shows to ever air on television was Sliders. Airing during the 90s, the show featured an intrepid group who traveled to parallel universes. It featured Jerry O’Connell and John Rhys Davies. What most endeared me to the show was how it often balanced character and story development in equal measure to be one of the best-written shows of its time.

You felt connected to each of the characters and each of their personal struggles, an archetype that can be seen in today’s serial procedurals. As compelling as each character was, it was the dynamics between the characters which made for must-watch television. It never felt like forced chemistry but as if they were old friends. What stood out in each episode was also the world-building. It gave us so many unique worlds. In the debut volume of Winter Suns, we meet a crew much like those beloved characters in Sliders, who you can relate to and root for.

We are taken to space salvage ship, Proud Mary, which is entering the orbit of a war-ravaged world Of Keth, one which has factions fighting for control.  As their entry awakens the planet’s defense system, Korbin, as it readies itself to kill if necessary. We also meet the ship’s captain, Jonah, a man with a complicated family history, who when he awakens, is the only one alive with the rest of his crew supposedly missing. By the issue’s end, we find out exactly how this world came to be and what exactly happened to the rest of the crew of the Proud Mary

Overall, an engaging debut which both endears us to the protagonist and provides social commentary which is always science fiction at its best. The story by Rick Hughes is smart and layered. The art is beautiful. Altogether, a story which shows why indie comics are always the best.

Story: Rick Hughes Art: Rick Hughes
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

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Purchase: comiXology

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