Share this
Quest #1 – Image Comics
Creative Team: Jonathan Luna & Crystal Wood
Welcome to another New Comic Book Day review from the NI Bullpen!
If you have been searching for a new fantasy adventure to sink your teeth into, then I would say Quest #1 from Image Comics is a solid title to check out. Writer/Artist Jonathan Luna (The Sword, Alex + ADA) teams up with up and coming writer Crystal Wood (The Black Ballad & Hearts of the Fallen) for this Southeast Asian inspired fantasy epic.
Romance, royal intrigue and mystic realms abound in this new series. Along with demonic threats, a kidnapping plot, and a defiant princess, Quest #1 is looking to be a great addition to the Image Comics lineup.
Let’s jump in and check out Quest #1!
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD***
The Lay of The Land
The story takes place on a fictional continent, the name of which has yet to be revealed. On the very first page, however, we are given a partial map of the region where our story begins. Naming such places as the kingdoms of Menidush and Yachai, which lie just next to each other along the coast of the Sidang Sea. On the far eastern side of Yachai, we see a location called “Demon Lands Border.” The rest of the map is covered in a fog.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the region’s layout, let’s dive into the story itself.
Want More Fantasy Comic Book Adventures? Click HERE
It All Starts With A Wedding
Issue 1 opens with a wedding ceremony between the Prince of Menidush, Devyan and the Princess of Yachai, Anya. We are told a bit later that the two were betrothed to be wed years ago, but this has turned into a true marriage of love, not just duty.
The two exchange some very lovely wedding vows and their god has blessed and approved the marriage through a ritual done during the wedding ceremony. While the happy couple are celebrating, their respective bodyguards are discussing a peaceful future when the festivities are interrupted…violently.
Wedding Crashers
Just as the reception for the wedding is about to get underway, the peace and happiness in the room is shattered. Three demons have just burst through the wall, and they aren’t here for the wedding.
Without warning, the demons begin to slaughter wedding guests and guards. Devyan and Anya’s bodyguards are unable to reach them through the crowd of fleeing wedding guests. Seeing that help can’t get to them, Devyan grabs Anya’s hand and attempts to lead her to safety. Anya refuses, instead grabbing a sword from a fallen guard.
Anya, her bodyguard Tor, Devyan and his bodyguard Nuru begin to try and fight back. Tor and Anya are actually able to injure one of the demons during the ensuing fight. Once the other demons join the fray, it’s simply too much for our heroes. Devyan is knocked unconscious and is kidnapped, while Anya, Tor and Nuru are powerless to stop it.
The Rescue Plan
In the aftermath of the chaos and bloodshed, Anya and Devyan’s parents, the rulers of the kingdoms of Yachai and Menidush, are arguing amongst themselves about what to do. Anya’s father is preaching caution and patience. Devyan’s father is hell bent on leading an army across the Demon Lands Border to rescue his son. Anya has her own plans.
After a heated argument with her father over her stated intent to lead a band of warriors herself into the Demon Lands, he orders his daughter confined to her room.
Need More From Image Comics? Click HERE
A Princess’ Defiance
Anya obeys and returns to her room. She has no intention of staying a prisoner in her own home however. As she begins to don her warrior garb, her bodyguard Tor comes into the room.
Immediately, Anya accuses him of wanting to gain favor with her father by ensuring that she remains detained in her quarters. He retorts, stating that in fact, as she should know after his years of loyalty, that he is with her in whatever she decides to do. So rather than keeping her here, he intends to go with her into the Demon Lands to rescue her love.
Story Review
Johnathan and Crystal have begun to weave a beautiful fantasy story here. While there is no shortage of violence and gore, there is an overall theme of a woman who is willing to risk everything for the sake of her husband.
Anya is defiant, independent and fierce, refusing to idly sit by while Devyan is taken to who knows where by a group of demons. She is tempered by her bodyguard Tor, who brings some calm to her rage and fury in the aftermath. He is her rock, and she is his only concern. Rather than currying favor with her father by holding her against her will, he defies his own King, resolving to remain loyal to his charge, rather than his actual “employer.”
There is a true sense of panic in the dialogue after the wedding. The two fathers are screaming at one another, the mother’s are not much better. Anya is, for the most part, ignored and told to stay out of danger. The writing here wonderfully reflects the sheer frustration from Anya, and the reader begins to feel that frustration with her.
By the end of the issue, I was cheering to myself as Tor and Anya leapt through the window to set off on their rescue mission.
Artwork Overview
The artwork from Luna is some of the cleanest interior work you will see in a fantasy comic book. While it is certainly not your typical “comic art style” as far as heavy inks and motion lines, the detail and realism that has been put into the character and environment design is some of the best I have seen recently. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it matches the story and theme beautifully.
Whenever magic is being used on the page, it FEELS like magic is being used on the page. The colors are bold and vibrant. Everything that should pop and stand out does.
The inclusion of the map on the first credits page is an excellent detail for this series. Being in a fictional world, it can be hard sometimes to picture what the land and world itself actually looks like beyond what we see printed. Add in the fact that we are only given part of the map, suggesting that there will be more revealed in subsequent issues, makes me excited to see what the rest of this world actually looks like.
Overall Score: 7.5 OUT OF 10 – “Pull”
If you are looking for something new and unique this week on New Comic Book Day, I honestly say that Quest #1 from Image Comics is a solid choice. Beautiful artwork and a wonderful story combine into a fine new addition to the Image Comics lineup.
Make sure to check this out on New Comic Book Day this week at your local comic book shop!
As always everyone, Be Safe, Be Kind, and Take It Easy!
