From Vince Hernandez, Oliver Nome, John Starr and Aspen Comics.  Coming to all good comic book stores on March 14th!

Well, the spoiler is out, I mean obviously Kiani is coming back from the dead or else this would be an oddly named book.  The how and the why of it all is what’s important.

Pardon the use of this pun when discussing a book that takes place underwater, but Kiani is far more than what you see on the surface.  She is stronger and more powerful than previously thought.  Her back story becomes larger and much more intricate.  There are many characters within the world of Fathom but not many can carry their own book.  It takes an elite, or an Elite Blue if you prefer, to bring the drama necessary in carrying a title.

I’ll admit while I liked Kiani before she never had that “it” factor for me.  There is something about this new series though that changes all that.  Even the information that fans already knew comes across as bigger within these pages.  The new information excites.  Of course, zero issues are intended to entice but this one not only succeeds it conquers all doubt any reader may have while debating adding Kiani to their pull list.

The art is maybe the best art I’ve seen in an Aspen Comic since I started to review them.  That is not a knock against any other title by any means.  If the rest of their line is a ten then Kiani takes it up to a Spinal Tap level eleven.  The “rules” of the Fathom titles can make many artists run for cover.  Unique technology, energy, and a near constant need to convey the motion of everything in and around water is a daunting challenge.  Oliver Nome can handle all of that and then some.

Speaking of art, lets address the elephant (or in a title such as this, the blue whale) in the room.  Kiani, while drawn to be visually stunning, is also dressed appropriately.  An underwater being would need freedom of movement, even when ready for war.  Kiani (and every other character in this world) is wearing outfits that make sense for the character.  This is what underwater people wear, going all the way back to Namor.

I’m excited to follow Kiani’s journey throughout this title.  The preview art at the end of the book only whets the appetite for future trips to the local comic book store.

Another win from Aspen Comics.