Review: ‘Slightly Exaggerated’ #1 Is A Fantasy Version Of Indiana Jones

Mia’s time is running out, but that’s not stopping her from treasure hunting. That’s made her a target of the authorities who see her archaeology expeditions as theft. Her arrest is just one of her problems. The sky pirates are looking for blood and Mia is dying anyway. Things could be better.

Slightly Exaggerated introduces us to a wondrous fantasy world. Mia’s story is just getting started and we don’t get a ton of her background just yet, however I found myself content with just exploring this amazing setting. Artist Pius Bak has laid out a land full of possibilities with flying sea creatures and a shattered moon as just some of the incredible visuals on display.

Bak’s pencils are thin and crisp. They’re filled with some great detail work. Coupled with light, airy colors, the artwork shows that we’re just scrapping the surface of this world. Bak conveys a sense of adventure very well. There’s something so thrilling about a character looking out across the wide open sky.

Much is implied about Mia’s condition, shown with some stone-like marks on her arm. It’s made clear that she’s dying, although we don’t know how much time she has left or what’s going on with this sickness. That doesn’t slow her down though. Writer Curtis Clow quickly gets us wrapped up in her life and her quest.

Mia’s thoughts are shown in borderless red caption boxes by letterer Toben Racicot. This gives her an edge as this color contrasts with the lighter tones of Bak’s pallette.

Slightly Exaggerated is like a fantasy version of Indiana Jones. It’s full of fun and adventure with just a bit of attitude. This is worth checking out just to pour over the amazing artwork and this incredible setting. There’s so much more to explore in this world and I’m very much looking forward to where it goes next.

Slightly Exaggerated #1 from To Infinity Studios is currently available directly from the publisher. A Kickstarter for the second issue will launch next month.