From Aspen Comics, Big Dog Ink, Kim Hutchison, Kari Castor, Mike Krome, Nei Ruffino, HDE.

Shahrazad is the woman who told the stories in 1001 Arabian Nights in order to keep herself alive.   We all know that most fiction contains a bit of truth and for one person to create so much fiction implies she must have had some adventures of her own.  The Shahrazad title from Big Dog Ink and Aspen Comics tells those tales.  And they are some incredible tales.

Huge credit to the artists for the amazing splash page showing Shahrazad as “”Slave.  Princess.  Queen.”  Its a shining example of what comics can do that no other medium can touch.  Its not one of the official preview images, so I don’t want to give it away.  Buy this comic to understand the tangent I’m about to go on.  The page is split in three, showing Shahrazad as all three – the slave, the princess and the queen – but still at the same time herself.  All three versions of herself have radical differences.  In hair, in dress, in color, in accessories.  Yet her eyes traverse across time and across panels to show that it is still Shahrazad at the core.  This is a bold move and a sure sign that Shahrazad is not some mere throwaway cheesecake, she is all woman.  A woman who can be all these things and much more but in the end is still Her.

There’s a story here too!  Damn good one as well.  This is a true 3D tale.  Whether battling the sirens of the sea or the wisps in the air, Shahrazad’s adventures are not bound in two dimensions.  From the highest clouds to the deepest fathoms her commanding presence shows no fear and a command over those who follow her no matter the obstacles.

My only complaint is that the story moves to quick.  It has a Silver Age feel to it.  Back in the days when Superman is on a mission and half way there has to battle a monster for no good reason then continues on his journey.  Shahrazad has that break neck pace.  The other companies who like to spread stories out for no good reason would have six issues of over inflated story in this one issue.  And not for the better.

I know that the Big Dog/Aspen deal is going to bring not only more Shahrazad but also more of other Big Dog titles.  Even if you bought any of it before I highly recommend buying it again.  There is a panel that seems grossly out of place in the book.  Thankfully the creators commentary at the end of the comic sheds light on the page and it not only makes more sense with the explanation but also becomes a symbol as well.  A true peek behind the curtain and a learning moment.

I’m on board, on a boat, or on a giant bat with Shahrazad for every issue.