Broken Frontier

Pretty, fun, and pretty fun. That’s what this tale focused on a family of undersea adventurers is all about.

While artist Brouwer is new to comics, Taylor is known for his work on Star Wars: Invasion series of miniseries, plus other work with The Deep publisher Gestalt such as the gripping The Example and historic zombie series, Rombies. Although Taylor has wielded the pen behind other all-ages tales, under the Star Wars banner, this 88-pager is perhaps the greatest departure from his previous work, and what a joyous departure it is. Beginning off the coast of Greenland with what every good maritime tale needs – a destructive wave – things quickly kick off with introductions to the Nekton family within their submarine, the Aronnax.

We meet Ant, who is trying to teach his fish Jeffrey to fetch, his older sister Fontaine who is not amused by his antics, and their parents Will and Kaiko. The latter is curious about the Greenland event from a week previous, plus more since, and after examining an old map concludes that there may be dragons in that area and takes the family there. On the way the history of Greenland is explained and they soon come across a blue whale, or a half-chewed one at least. When they get their sea legs, and the Nektons interact with a wizened fisherman (who believes a huge sea serpent visits every 55 years), a doubtful local, and a ditzy reporter, the humor ramps up considerably. 

Taylor and Brouwer make for a dynamic partnership. Comedy in this artform can always be tricky, but the pair know what they’re doing and elicit the most laughs out of each comedic moment, thanks to great pacing, expressions, and dialogue. Brouwer’s art is a perfect fit for this breezy, well-paced adventure. His expressions are great and add to much of the comedy.

The technology and costume designs are pleasing to the eyes too. It’s like a Pixar film and a line of action figures just waiting to be made. Ending with an intriguing nod to a hopeful future entry, and with character descriptions, including Jeffrey the fish, this is one of those rare comics that, to use a phrase from board game adverts, is for those from 6 to 60.

The multiracial Nektons are the coolest family of heroic scientists since the Bionic Six. Don’t worry, it’s okay if you don’t know who they are. Don’t ignore the Nektons though. They’re lovely people.