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wanderlustlover's review against another edition
3.0
Fall 2021 (November);
~ 2021 Hugo Graphic Novel Nominee
Writing this review for both Vol 1 & Vol 2, as I had to read the first to be ready to read the second, which is the one on nominee status for this year. This story wasn't confusing, but it, also, wasn't very compelling. Found family & romance on a spaceship, thrown from one dicey situation to the next, while trying to take down an evil corporation and religious order that are in bed with each other. The love story definitely doesn't feel earned on either side.
~ 2021 Hugo Graphic Novel Nominee
Writing this review for both Vol 1 & Vol 2, as I had to read the first to be ready to read the second, which is the one on nominee status for this year. This story wasn't confusing, but it, also, wasn't very compelling. Found family & romance on a spaceship, thrown from one dicey situation to the next, while trying to take down an evil corporation and religious order that are in bed with each other. The love story definitely doesn't feel earned on either side.
cellism's review against another edition
3.0
This is an effective introduction to a space opera where capitalism and faith have become intertwined. However, with talents like Wilson and Ward, competent storytelling is really to be expected at the least. I wanted to like this a bit more than I did and felt that some of the emotional and narrative beats just weren't emphasised properly, leading me to keep asking 'But why should I care?'
readundancies's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
spenkevich's review against another edition
3.0
An epic sci-fi of political scandal between a well fixed religious cult and a massive corporation with only a ragtag shipping crew to expose the truth, this first volume of Invisible Kingdom is a gorgeously illustrated wild ride. Writer and artist duo G. Willow Wilson and Christian Ward plunge us into an exciting and dynamic galactic adventure that may have a bit of a cliched assortment of elements that feel rather on-the-nose at times, but the overall interplay between them feels successful and like a shortcut to excitement. Drawing on many noticeable influences like [b:Dune|44767458|Dune (Dune, #1)|Frank Herbert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1555447414l/44767458._SY75_.jpg|3634639] and the tv series Cowboy Bebop and Firefly, this is a high-stakes space extravaganza that has some early pacing issues, though there is a lot of moving pieces to coordinate in order to light the fuse of conflict that I am eager to watch play out further. A critique of capitalism and religious influence in government and the corruption that can occur, Invisible Kingdom shows a lot of promise, and some extraordinarily eye-popping artwork, despite a bit of a jumbled narrative that needs more room to breathe.
The story follows space captain Grix, who pilots a Lux cargo ship (the Lux corporation is a bit heavy-handedly just Amazon in space, but I’m into the criticisms so lets goooooo), and Vess who has just joined a religious sect called The Renunciation. This cult swears off all worldly possessions in a galaxy where rampant consumerism seems to be the only joy left for anyone. While the two groups seems diametrically opposed, an uncovered scandal links the two and Grix and Vess’ destiny cross in order to stop in, or be blown to space dust. The story really addresses capitalism head of with the major corporation doing what major corporations do best: corruption. And also how under capitalism it’s so expected that a for-profit company would be shady that nobody seems to care as long as they get their consumer goods. There is a great look at how the government’s hands are tied to the corporation and the religious sect over the need for donations and votes and why would the politicians act when it would be political suicide to expose the truth? It gives a good high-stakes tone for the series to progress, added by the fact that literally everyone is trying to kill our “found family”-style crew.
Starting with the positives, the art is incredible. The character designs are great (and are a variety of humanoid species) and the colors really pop. There is a sense of bright, in your face pop-culture marketing to the color palettes or the video com systems. It’s just so pretty to look at and there is awesome stuff like a floating cathedral.
The story is fun, but it really struggles to find its legs. It jerks back and forth like Grix’s ship doing evasive maneuvers more so than flow forward and a controlled pace, and some of the major reveals at the beginning are a bit hard to follow at first. They try to tease tension through a slow reveal but it mostly just makes it feel clumsy as everything comes at you a bit fast, especially Vess’ storyline that needs a bit more breathing space to capture the sense that they have been there awhile. It also just feels like “Epic Sci-Fi Starter Kit” with many of the elements. But it works for the most part and I enjoyed it. I do enjoy the sapphic elements as well, and that Vess’ species has numerous different genders.
Overall, I’m really enjoying this and optimistic about where it is headed. Will they survive? Will they topple empires? Tune in next time.
3.5/5
See you, Space Cowboy…
Volume 2: read my review here
Volume 3: read my review here
The story follows space captain Grix, who pilots a Lux cargo ship (the Lux corporation is a bit heavy-handedly just Amazon in space, but I’m into the criticisms so lets goooooo), and Vess who has just joined a religious sect called The Renunciation. This cult swears off all worldly possessions in a galaxy where rampant consumerism seems to be the only joy left for anyone. While the two groups seems diametrically opposed, an uncovered scandal links the two and Grix and Vess’ destiny cross in order to stop in, or be blown to space dust. The story really addresses capitalism head of with the major corporation doing what major corporations do best: corruption. And also how under capitalism it’s so expected that a for-profit company would be shady that nobody seems to care as long as they get their consumer goods. There is a great look at how the government’s hands are tied to the corporation and the religious sect over the need for donations and votes and why would the politicians act when it would be political suicide to expose the truth? It gives a good high-stakes tone for the series to progress, added by the fact that literally everyone is trying to kill our “found family”-style crew.
Starting with the positives, the art is incredible. The character designs are great (and are a variety of humanoid species) and the colors really pop. There is a sense of bright, in your face pop-culture marketing to the color palettes or the video com systems. It’s just so pretty to look at and there is awesome stuff like a floating cathedral.
The story is fun, but it really struggles to find its legs. It jerks back and forth like Grix’s ship doing evasive maneuvers more so than flow forward and a controlled pace, and some of the major reveals at the beginning are a bit hard to follow at first. They try to tease tension through a slow reveal but it mostly just makes it feel clumsy as everything comes at you a bit fast, especially Vess’ storyline that needs a bit more breathing space to capture the sense that they have been there awhile. It also just feels like “Epic Sci-Fi Starter Kit” with many of the elements. But it works for the most part and I enjoyed it. I do enjoy the sapphic elements as well, and that Vess’ species has numerous different genders.
Overall, I’m really enjoying this and optimistic about where it is headed. Will they survive? Will they topple empires? Tune in next time.
3.5/5
See you, Space Cowboy…
Volume 2: read my review here
Volume 3: read my review here
jessicafulton's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
shomarq's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rbz39's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Fun character designs and colorful artwork so far. Story is pretty routine but this is the beginning. Going to track down the next issue.
lackyducks's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A gorgeously illustrated book filled with interesting characters and worldbuilding. Whilst the characters are humanoid, they're all distinct and their alien features are referenced throughout the comic.
The plot is very standard afar for sci-fi, and depressingly close to real life (not that that's a bad thing!) I found the concept of space nuns really interesting, and wish they featured more in their 'natural' state, before the main plot kicked off.
I also really enjoyed the look at the concept art and found the idea behind the universe (taking place in a small solar system versus spread out planets) a new take on the sci-fi I've read!
I hope to keep an eye out for the following volumes in my library.
The plot is very standard afar for sci-fi, and depressingly close to real life (not that that's a bad thing!) I found the concept of space nuns really interesting, and wish they featured more in their 'natural' state, before the main plot kicked off.
I also really enjoyed the look at the concept art and found the idea behind the universe (taking place in a small solar system versus spread out planets) a new take on the sci-fi I've read!
I hope to keep an eye out for the following volumes in my library.
aralawrence's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lacewing's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0