(courtesy Artithmeric (c) Sean Hall)
Sci-fi storytelling is always an escapist joy to read because it can pretty much go anywhere.
In a universe where anything goes from lifeforms to defiance of physics to alternate universes without count, the narrative shackles are off and stories can be taken wherever the imaginative heart desires.
There’s a lot of capacity for inventive fun and meaning but it really only works to full effect if there are characters at the heart of it that are arresting to be in contact with and who have great dilemmas to resolve, often both within and without.
Agnes from S.P.A.C.E. chapters 1-3 by Sean Hall works an absolute treat because not only does this immensely talented writer and artist know how to employ sci-fi’s lack of imaginative restraints to full effect but he places a protagonist at the centre of it who is memorably captivating in all the best ways.
To put it simply, Agnes, “the youngest captain in the history of the S.P.A.C.E. corp”, is an absolute hoot to read about it – she’s angry (her crew mutinied), she’s absolutely determined to do something about it, and she’s extremely unhappy that they’ve left her on an uncharted planet with no food save for one last “space bean” which does not “triple tasty taco plate” make.
Nor does it do much to enhance long-term survival prospects which are further dented by the fact that they have denied her use of her electoblaster leaving her at the mercy of crumpkin-eating blobs who may or may not be rebels to their species and who might end up an ally in her quest to leave the planet, enact vengeance and get her ship back.
The use of some deliciously retro ’50s space terms and a general sense of swashbuckling silly fun means that while the narrative issues facing Agnes are pretty damn important and pack a surprising emotional wallop, it’s hugely enjoyable reading how she’s going to get out of a very messy situation.
A situation made all the worse by the fact that her crew are in league with a nefariously shadowy figure in a metal carapace who wants Agnes’s ship, the SGS Tricorn and also the secrets of the gloriously named Second Academy of Cosmic Exploration.
(courtesy Artithmeric (c) Sean Hall)
Obviously targeted as a younger demo than this reviewer, Agnes from S.P.A.C.E. still has a lot to offer readers and all ages, especially if they have kept their inner child good and healthy and open to lose themselves in an adventure full of all kinds of inventive creatures, not at all of whom are what they appear to be (one assumed enemy turns out to be less interested in subjugation than tea parties), existential dilemmas of some quite unique kinds and cities where life does not confirm to human standard.
In other words, imagination of the leash that’s been invested with heart and humanity and a sense that the strangest connections can often have the most unexpected and transformative of impacts.
Agnes from S.P.A.C.E. excels too because Hall’s artwork is both vividly colourful but also instrumental in some pretty impressive world-building which bursts forth from the page with a vivacity of time and place so compellingly tangible you feel like you could walk into those environments and touch and feel them.
It recalls the very best of childhood stories of old but with the added visual element which is so arrestingly fully formed and so inviting to look at that the already involving story which would make a brilliantly good animated series becomes even easier to lose yourself in.
Throw in some deftly placed humour that involves very sudden planetary entries and messy digestive juices and a host of other fun elements and Agnes from S.P.A.C.E. is a treat for the eyes, the adventurous mind and the heart, beautifully and captivatingly brings together great characters, fabulous worlds, thrilling adventuring and a sense of fun so vivid you can touch it, and leaves you far happier than you found it at what’s possible in great sci-fi storytelling rendered with verve, charm and some serious talent at work and which ends on just the right kind of cliffhanger.
After all, when the narrative and art are this magically escapist, who wouldn’t want to keep reading about an angry protagonist with pluck, ability and a will to succeed who is determined to make sure the universe doesn’t best her but that she ends up on top, whatever strangely galactic form that may take.
(courtesy Artithmeric (c) Sean Hall)