“Low” # 1 is a blueprint for an astonishing series. A flowing sci-fi fantasy future is promised in its pages and I’d encourage everyone to dive in.

WRITTEN BY: Rick Remender

ART BY: Greg Tocchini

PUBLISHER: Image

PRICE: $3.50

RELEASE: July 30, 2014

Reviewed by Nick Brehmer

The story begins with a passionate juxtaposition of two worlds, realism and optimism. The two lovers, Stel Caine, the faithful dreamer, and Johl, her strong practical husband, welcome the day when they bring their two daughters out beyond the safety of their underwater city, Salus. We learn through the soft bedside exchange that there are three underwater cities, one of which is thought to be a myth, but still a possibility.

While the search for these cities goes on, Stel turns her daydreaming eyes upwards, towards the surface and even the stars. A new planet – one not being engulfed by a dying sun’s radiation, the reason for their submersion – may be their best hope. Their daughters, meanwhile, are taking up the family mantle of ship helmswomen and huntresses, as they are the last of the Caines. An epic and heartfelt mythology is hinted at in these first few pages that I’m hoping is further expanded on in the upcoming issues. I’m sure it will be.

There are a lot of similar science fiction tropes to Frank Herbert’s Dune work, such as warring factions amidst significant elemental harshness as well as the elevation of the feminine, family history, and family bloodlines. Jodorovsky would be pleased. Given the aquatic setting, Remender makes sure to include the most natural of oceanic villains, pirates. The aptly named Scurvy Horde is the opposing force to the grace and beauty of Salus’s civilization. They are a harsh, cruel, and vindictive crew, twisted and deformed by the denial of necessary technology to thrive under the sea. The ending pages of “Low” #1 see Stel’s optimism tested but not broken as her family is torn apart by the horde’s hatred of the hunters.

The first issue contains a significant amount of exposition and dialogue but it’s Tocchini’s artwork that really stuns you. You can see his homage to the fantasy forefathers such as Frank Franzetta in the character designs and the colouring pulls you down into the depths of “Low.” I found myself returning to specific panels frequently to ensure I didn’t miss anything but also because they’re so goddam beautiful. You can get lost in this one, trust me. Willfully lost.