The wild tasks set forth by The Amphibian make for an engaging and action packed issue of “Undertow” that is sure not to disappoint. Don’t be dissuaded by the detour before the final chapter. It’s necessary as Steve Orlando shows the scope of his world, the robust history he has created, the formation of a pivotal moment in Anshargal’s journey.
WRITTEN BY: Steve Orlando
ART BY: Artyom Trakhanov
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: June 25, 2014
Gone are the rich neon pastels of issues past. Well, not entirely, but for the most part. This issue takes a step to the left and shows us a very foreign part of this world. As our heroes trek up the mountain behind The Amphibian, Artyom Trakhanov dulls the color palette and broadens the scope, making for an incredibly unique issue in this already strange and beautiful series.
It’s almost as if Steve Orlando wanted to show the reader just how far he built this world before saying goodbye to it, and frankly we’re all the better for it. The journey up the mountain offers Anshargal his toughest challenges yet, and sees him overcome them with ease. While Ukinnu is almost left in the dust, he gets to prove himself later in a daunting battle sequence that was unlike anything I had come to expect in this series.
Artyom Trakhanov really gets to enjoy himself here. While he may subdue his wonderful colors he balances everything just right to give a cold foreign feeling to the mountain. Ukinnu’s face is filled with fear on most of the pages, but someone it washes away in the moments of pure confrontation.
This month Trakhanov showcases just how beautifully he can structure insane action, and does so with relative ease. Everything about the middle part of this issue is frantic, fun, and expertly paced. The art settles in small moments of relief amidst an insurmountable task, and the dizzying act of finishing the battle should have been confusing but is communicated with large beautiful panels that use sound effects to carry the action. It’s riveting stuff.
“Undertow” is all about leaving home. Usually that means being faced with certain insanity in the tasks that you’ve assigned yourself. Change can be disorienting, especially in the face of a mentor, but Steve Orlando makes Ukinnu’s journey an incredible amount of fun. The art is sublime, and the characters are relatable in a world where they should be anything but. This is a book that doesn’t hold your hand, but it doesn’t slap it away either. If you let yourself go along for the ride you’ll be enthralled with a tale of disillusionment, rebellion, and growth.
Despite the heavy themes at play, reading this book is a delight rather than a chore. The expansive world feels like it’s about to burst with content, and the conflict is tense and resonates with every page. I can’t say I’m too happy about only having one more issue to review, but it’s been a hell of a ride.
See you in thirty for the final journey. And if you want a tasty treat of that last issue head here.