KAYA BOOK ONE, a refreshing take on sword-and-sandal stories

For a ebook about believing your self to be one thing that you just aren’t, solely to be destroyed by the fact of what you might be, Kaya: Book One appears like a no-talk displaying on the Alamo Drafthouse of the Kaya comedian sequence.

Through no fault of its personal, Kaya has crafted a recent take on the present direct market indie comedian by saving all its bells and whistles — a letters column, behind-the-scenes idea artwork, covers with cover-blurb refreshers, and private messages from creator Wes Craig — solely for the month-to-month single points. So what’s collected within the commerce? Let’s unpack.

What didn’t make the month-to-month sequence was a 16-page prologue chapter that ran within the anniversary anthology Image! for 4 points (#1-4). This prologue establishes a belabored tone for the lead relationship between siblings Kaya and Jin who’re on a chosen-one escort mission by treacherous, or seemingly treacherous, excessive fantasy landscapes.

Now, what did make the month-to-month sequence was Kaya #6, a never-to-be-collected origin story for Kaya’s magic golden arm that suggests the “Golden One” is definitely her lonesome self as a substitute of her wee babe bro, Jin. This lights their core dynamic with such dramatic irony that it essentially adjustments what’s introduced in points #1-5. But for that, you gotta learn Kaya month-to-month!

Sticking sorely to the commerce, Kaya reads like a Kamandi-riff on Andrew Maclean’s ApocalyptiGirl or Head Lopper in that Craig clearly wished to attract a throwback sword-and-sandal journey, however for at the moment’s sensibilities and lightweight on depth. What rollicks out in chapters 1-3 meets an abrupt, tidy finish in chapter 4 the place too many cornerstone arcs wrap up as they hit their narrative turns. What doesn’t assistance is chapter 5 begins new feuds to cliffhanger the commerce on, however feels seemingly out of nowhere. This forged of final people and lizard folks are simply offended, emotionally fragile younger adults making their method by it; they even include an “I didn’t tell you I’m betrothed” romance if that’s your OTP.

Kaya, an indigenous lady, does endure from an unlucky trope as being the final of her form from a razed village, the guilt of which weighs upon her gasoline pedal, and begins to really feel like “honor” for my fellow AAPI characters. It’s unlucky that’s her present trajectory since she persistently options a good portrayal of dreads with Craig using a dry brush and opaque black ink to contour Kaya’s silhouette and replicate her emotional state the place attainable.

Much just like the diversified lizard folks populating the sequence, Wes Craig followers will likely be accustomed to the combined use of closely silhouetted characters towards watercolor backdrops. Comfortably, colorist Jason Wordie brings a vivid, although washed method to Kaya’s lush visuals. Opting for seasonal moods and time of day to dictate web page palettes, Wordie’s selections look gorgeous atop Craig’s stipple-heavy fantasy realm.

Equally price reward is letterer Tom Napolitano utilizing balloon tails so as to add tone to Kaya’s forged. Sometimes the font can really feel too massive for its balloons, however when Kaya’s balloons have a rectangular finish to deal with her curt mannerisms it not often causes a kerfuffle. Even extra, the lizard riders have a wisp of a balloon tail, which is cute. Another galaxy mind maneuver is dropping the phrase balloon define, which lightens the composition of every web page to stability out with the stark black Craig employs.

All in all, Kaya appears like Craig traded his mind-bending layouts from Deadly Class for mind-bending compositions and a fast studying stream to ease readers into the journey. The commerce could really feel like a stripped down displaying of Kaya, nevertheless it’s extra like a refreshing breeze. If you need the commentary observe on this one or Wes Craig’s love (he stated “don’t tell the trade-waiters I said this, but I love you (monthly readers) the most.”), then try Kaya month-to-month! If not or within the temper for a sword-and-sandal speedrun, try Kaya in commerce!

SPOILER: Kaya solely punches with the massive Kirby krackle arm 4 (4) occasions and by no means as soon as can we see contact made. If you’re a meathead like me, or that’s what piqued your curiosity, I’m sorry to report these investigative findings.