Writer: Stuart Moore
Artists: Martin Montiel(p), J.C. Buelna(i), Mike Garcia(c)
Publisher: Penny Farthing
To discover the source of the global illness affecting the whole of Zendra, Zendra's champion Halle with her fellow naturally enhanced humans Robyn and Shada burrow into the hollow planet designed by the Aesirians. Their sojourn sours quickly and culminates when the Great Machine renders them unconscious.
The first thing that will strike you about Zendra is the utterly gorgeous artwork. Independents may offer good artwork, but usually that work is of a kind that ill-fits with the traditions of the big two. Mr. Montiel's work can grace any super-hero tale. He clearly has studied anatomy and possibly film theory.
Zendra unfolds like a personal work one may see at Sundance but gifted with judicious effects and eye-inviting cinematography. Part of that feeling can be credited to the tactile inking of J.C. Buelna and Mr. Garcia's vivid colors.
That Zendra has a fascinating story as well as magnificent artwork is almost unbelievable. Stuart Moore this issue reveals the secret villain behind the assault. He also anticipates some of the faults I found with earlier characterization. Unfortunately, part of the format for comic books and critiquing forces one to make assumptions that may be later unproven. Mr. Moore explains the reticence of Tau--the Aeserian who shares Halle's consciousness and body. He also expresses Halle's rage as well as her intellect and heroism. None of these aspects stand alone. All these elements tie directly into the plot and subtly uncovered.
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