Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!
For this entry, we are checking out a brand-new book from Humanoids re-introducing fans to a universe poised for a big future with a certain Hollywood director attached to adapt the project. In case you are new to this franchise, The Incal by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Jean “Moebius” Giraud made its’ debut in 1980 in the pages of Métal Hurlant. Since that time, the series has gone on to influence many creators throughout the years with itss’ ground-breaking visions and storytelling. Now, 43 years later, the property is still making a buzz as Taika Waititi (THOR: RAGNAROK, THOR: LOVE & THUNDER) is adapting the series as a full length major film!
With all the hype surrounding the movie, it’s a perfect time for another story to unfold from the Incalverse into new and well-versed reader’s possessions. The Incal: Dying Star by Dan Watters (The Seasons Have Teeth), Jon Davis-Hunt (Shadowman, Bloodshot: Unleashed), Troy Peteri, Jake Thomas, and Rob Levin unveil the latest installment of the franchise. Let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening here, shall we?
The Incal: Dying Star by Dan Watters, Jon Davis-Hunt, Troy Peteri, Jake Thomas, and Rob Levin
Credit: Humanoids (On Sale May 9th, 2023)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
In case you are new to this franchise, The Incal is centered around John Difool. Difool is a lesser-known detective making his way through a nightmarish landscape when fate has other plans for him. He stumbles across an object that would change his life forever: The Incal. The journey following has been one that has had so many elements mixed in, the effect it has had on readers has never wavered after all this time.
In this latest chapter, the story is focused around Commander Kaimann, the head of the Dying Star. Kaimann is a mutated figure who has suffered great loss when we catch up to him. Kaimann has no homeworld or lover as both have been eliminated. The only thing left of his crew are ghost spirits. Kaimann is broken and dealing with a losing battle with his reptilian mutation.
As this chapter begins, readers see a mysterious figure reading a story to some young children. The story comes to life as the panels focus on Kaimann flying in space alone and broken. He activates a switch and his crew appears in ghost form. Kaimann explains he has a need for them: to assist in raiding a ship with some very wealthy people on board. During the raid, Kaimann gets into a confrontation with a passanger and kills them, along with blowing up the ship shortly after. As readers find out, this was no ordinary raid. This was an act of revenge.
The raid brings a reward: A syritonius Mourner (violin) which Kaimann has a belief of its capabilities. As he plays, the music brings him in contact with a person who will have major implications on his next move. Her name is Aurora. Why do this pair connect? Readers find out how their paths have intersected as Kaimann is given a newfound purpose but needs to address a past that is catching up to him quick.
The story mixes in many elements as Kaimann is desperately trying to hang on to hope while looming threats close in. There are some tragic turns mixed in that throws more obstacles in Kaimann’s way that compel the captain to be tested like never before. The best laid plans set forth start crumbling around him and the new reality he’s envisioning. Can he recover? The resolution is a bittersweet closing that will leave many possibilities for readers as Kaimann’s actions will leave a lasting memory for all long after the final page has turned.
BREAKDOWN: Watters makes Commander Kaimann a complex character with his portrayal. When readers first meet him, he comes across as a stereotypical pirate stealing from the rich. As the tale progresses, Watters gives him some valuable emotional layers to connect with the audience. Coming from his losses, Kaimann is grasping for anything to recreate his lost happiness. The connection with Aurora makes for some unique interactions that translates throughout the chapter, building to a strong conclusion. The pacing covers many directions while adding in no shortage of violent moments bluntly bringing the despair of the people of this universe to the forefront. The ending brings the story back to square one while opening some areas to take things further should that arise with another tale involving this section of the Incalverse.
Davis-Hunt spares no expense bringing the brutality of this world when the fighting happens. Considering his previous work on Shadowman and Bloodshot, readers know Davis-Hunt has no issue delivering on these moments. The initial raid of the wealthy is prime example of this. The swordplay is bold and bloody. There is no grey area of how dangerous Kaimann comes across to those on board. This element carries further when actions are taken against Aurora later in the book. Those moments are not for the squeamish. The sci-fi vision of the universe is laid out to readers delight. There are some characters that define the homage to the original series. The closing wraps things up with some strong panels and an excellent full page one displaying a huge reveal. There’s much to enjoy from the visuals.
FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10
The latest addition to Jodorowsky and Moebius makes its mark, presenting a tale that is sure to please longtime fans of this series while welcoming new ones to this universe. Watters, Davis-Hunt and the team paint a distinct vision of tragic loneliness with harsh reality as a commander tries finding hope in a bleak universe. This is one to keep an eye out for on New Comic Book Day.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of The Incal: Dying Star. thanks for reading.
