“Kingdom of Earth #1” Review – A Slow Yet Intriguing Buildup

The Run Down

The year is 2036 and monsters have taken over the world, making us their slaves and establishing a new food chain. The land is now known as the Four Territories, which is oddly divided into five sects. Now that the stage is set, join Eddie & I as we review “Kingdom of Earth #1”!

Writers: David Dastmalchian, Leah Kilpatrick
Artist/Colorist: Soo Lee
Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic

The Writing

Eda: First things first, I’ll say that I’m really digging the world set up here by Dastmalchian and Kilpatrick, though it’s leaving me with questions. How did we get here? What’s going on? While we’re let known that the monsters have only been on Earth for a few years, that’s really all we get. With only two upcoming issues, I’m hoping that we get some background and answers because I’m finding this world to be highly interesting!

That being said, what is here is absolutely intriguing. The character introductions and twists keep things interesting despite some of the questions that arise for such a short run. Despite my reservations, I’m still more than excited for what awaits in the next issue!

Eddie: In the near future, North America has succumbed to demonic forces. Strange and terrifying creatures enslave and treat people like livestock. A young girl escapes their control and is now on the run. It’s a quest for her own survival and maybe even humanity’s future? This is where we begin in “Kingdom of Earth #1” from Dark Horse.

David Dastmalchian and Leah Kilpatrick are introducing us to this dark version of our own world. The environment is equal parts recognizable and terrifying. Their mixture of post-apocalyptic and horror storytelling is reminiscent of classic stories from the 1970’s comics, harkening back to writers like Len Wein, Gerry Conway and Steve Gerber, especially with regard for the villains of the story. We can feel the fear and evil as it exists in this world.

“Kingdom of Earth” has a unique sensibility as well. Without knowing much about our main character, not even a name, we immediately identify with her. She is as lost and scared as we would be. Dastmalchian and Kilpatrick expertly steer and navigate her actions to immerse us in the action.

The Art

Eda: The art here by Soo Lee was honestly absolutely incredible! This being my introduction to her work, I’m more than enticed to check out more of her stuff. In terms of both her drawing style and use of color, she filled this world with so much dread and detail that my eyes stayed glued to every panel.

Through her art, I was able to resonate with our nameless character’s fear while feeling like I was living in this world with her. Artwork and colors do so much to provide extra story to every book and Lee seems to know that on a deep level. Even if the writing wasn’t great, which it is, her art would be more than enough to get me hooked.

Eddie: The artwork and lettering of Soo Lee and Frank Cvetkovic are strong. They paint an absurd but effective portrait for the reader. The detail of the monsters and the impact of the apocalypse on our world become palpable. Their use of lettering and changes in color are subtle but provide clues of where we’re going with this story. The fusion of script and art is a testament to the strength of the comic book medium.

Final Thoughts

Eda: While this opening issue left me with questions I fear won’t be fully answered in such a short series, I overall loved it! Through a mix of the writing and artwork, the main character is easy to relate to and the scares are aplenty. The quadruple threat is crafting something deep and dreadful within these pages and I’m hooked enough to see more!

Eddie: “Kingdom of Earth” has enough familiar elements to make it accessible, but the symphony of writing and art is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see where this story goes and so should you.

Eda’s Grade: 9/10
Eddie’s Grade: 10/10

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

For Eddie’s video review of “Kingdom of Earth”, keep an eye on Nerd Initiative’s YouTube page! Also be sure to check out WretchedHiveComics on Instagram!

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Comments

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