Broken Frontier

I must say I’m not at all familiar with the concept from Aspen MLT, but this is an interesting debut issue. What immediately struck me was its resonance with X-Men. Not that it has costumed characters running around filled with confusing sub-plots and twists. Quite the opposite actually. This issue is refreshingly accessible, but does bear some similarities to Marvel’s mutants, primarily with its focus on attractive, youthful heroes learning their powers while gathering together and facing opposition from hostile authorities. Replace the mutant gene with magic and you’ve got Soulfire. That’s a simplification, to be sure, and it’s certainly not a bad thing.

It begins with two winged creatures fighting in mid-air before being grounded with the introduction of our protagonists. Cruz is the hulking fighter of his cousin Manny’s gang. He has been hiding his newfound abilities of increased strength, but seems to have a more relaxed relationship with his sister Ava. Meeting a young Hawaiian girl, Pili Cruz is told that he can thank magic for his new talents. Another young magic user, Heather, discovers the pair as they travel to the San Francisco Exploratorium – a sort of haven for magic wielders. They also meet motorcyclists calling themselves Dragon Raiders, who work for Rainier Industries. Thrown in for good measure is a growing cult called Gabriel’s Voice which claims these magical creatures popping up throughout America are actually angels. There also seems to be an evil winged creature who feeds on others.

So far, this seems like an easy to follow adventure with a dash of mysticism and teenage bonding. Nothing too revolutionary, but it sure is pretty to look at. Herrera’s art is light while the colours are dazzling. It’s all hard edges and exaggerated faces. At times the characters do look similar, especially Pili and Heather, but the vibrant page designs and occasional glimpse of hi-tech gadgets make up for it. It’s manga influenced, to be sure, with similarities to the late Carlos Meglia, but it all works well in the fantasy world it inhabits.

The reawakening of magic within a futuristic world is a great concept. It could go anywhere. So far, it looks to be a very straightforward affair however. There are no real surprises, or any depth, but for those just discovering the joys of sequential art this could be a fantastic gateway book.