Broken Frontier

The warrior, Kiani, deals with some new powers in the aftermath of the destruction of her world as both friends and enemies make moves of their own.

Told in a series of voice-overs, flashbacks, and dialogues, Fathom: Kiani tells the story of a warrior woman coming to terms with her newfound abilities as well as her loss. Humans have invaded and destroyed much of what Kiani once held dear, sacred. Now her views, much like her powers, are changing, forever morphed by the effects of war. Meanwhile new secrets are revealed and old plots begin to see fruition.

As a new reader to the Fathom universe I must confess that this issue is not the best jumping on point for those of us who know very little of the mythos. I will however not say that it is the worst either. Clearly there is a rich and powerful history Vince Hernandez is tapping into in order to scribe this series. Many things have happened, many characters have been changed, and this is undoubtedly just the beginning of even more changes yet to come. While I am in the dark as to why those changes took place, what exactly those changes were, and whom all they affected, there is enough exposition and hinting here and there to prove that this is a solid story with well developed characters and an astounding mythos worth further investigation. As a writer myself, I can give Mr. Hernandez a bow, knowing he has done a superb job in introducing me to this strange underwater world of the "Blue" Kiani belongs to.

Marcus To also deserves some compliments for presenting Hernandez’s story in such a beautiful light. The images are well defined and compliment the fantastical element of the tale. Additionally, with females who can present power without owing it to ridiculous physical assets, To gives us what might possibly be the closest thing to realistic-looking ladies one is likely find in mainstream comics—no small feat. While at times the backgrounds are a bit stark, this only goes to serve the team of colorists better, for they can revel in their talents. The dark blue hues blending with vibrant reds—particularly of Kiani’s flowing locks—only serve to pull the eyes to the page.

Which is exactly where your eyes will be glued upon picking up this title. Fathom: Kiani is a new story in a young, though oddly well aged, universe. It is everything it claims to be and perhaps a little more . . . .