Hardears

After an unprecedented hurricane forms in the Caribbean, Jouvert Island is left in ruins. Mysterious industrial magnate Mr. Harding comes to the rescue, offering to employ the citizens in his business. However, it soon becomes evident that Mr. Harding's intentions are not altruistic, and the inhabitants of the island work together to regain control of their environment. The fictional setting, created by Clarke and Lynch, is governed by guilds that represent various humans and mythological creatures, working simultaneously on world building and evoking atmosphere, with Caribbean folklore as the basis for many of the characters. The illustrations are detailed, both for figures and setting, evoking superhero comics through the level of action conveyed, and the vibrant colors are perfect for the tropical setting. At the beginning, a guide to the numerous characters helps with identity and background, and the book concludes with an academic afterword on Caribbean comics. Fans of Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings may eagerly embrace the politics and interactions between the various races of the Hardears Islands.

Lynch and Clarke (Life & Death in Paradise) reunite in this spellbinding fantasy adventure. On Jouvert Island, a setting-as-character that pops off the page, lives a man of great vibes called Bolo. When his home is devastated by a hurricane, the sinister Mr. Harding rushes in to exploit the tragedy, with his massive factory that offers the only jobs left. Bolo's love interest Zhara gets swept up in Harding's plot, and it's up to the pair to stop Mr. Harding from draining the island dry. The lore, magic, and history of Clarke and Lynch's realm render it immersive, fanciful, complex, and deeply Caribbean. Instead of allowing any singular character to shine, they convey the shaking of a community, which explores all aspects of a traumatized society. Hypocrisies are pointed out and the ending is not a neat happily ever after, thus staying true to the overarching social commentary. All this is only heightened by Clarke's dramatic art, which frequently employs larger-than-life splash pages, creating a palpable atmosphere. The spectacle carries the staying power of a bona fide folktale. (Apr.)