Previewing New Historical Comedy Sci-Fi Series ‘Ancestral Recall’ #1 From AHOY Comics

by Olly MacNamee

Ancestral Recall is a historical science fiction comedy from writer Jordan Clark (Aquaman, Star Wars Adventures) and artist Atagun İlhan (Poison Ivy, Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet) coming Wednsday 6th April from AHOY Comics. A five-issue series about “an eccentric abstract painter who taps into the literal power of Black History to solve a series of supernatural disappearances with the help of his wife and preteen neighbor”. A series exploring the importance of Black History through the lens of comedy and sci-fi.

Or, put another way:

“Melvin Warring is a famed abstract painter, known for some groundbreaking work in the late 80s, who now lives a reclusive life in East Oakland with his wife and business manager June. One day as he’s picking up June’s prescription after her hip surgery a force suddenly overcomes Melvin, displacing him from time itself. Meanwhile Myran Kang, Melvin and June’s preteen nextdoor neighbor, has noticed a string of disappearances: a few unhoused people who normally set up in the park, some people at her grandmother’s nursing home, a few of the bus drivers on her normal route… She has a feeling it’s more than a coincidence but can’t get anyone to listen to her — until June disappears too. As Melvin and Myran dig deeper into the mystery, Melvin finds he’s literally able to tap into the power of Black history when under duress and access the knowledge and abilities of Black people throughout time — everyone from writers and musicians to sword fighters and acrobats, transforming Black history into an actual super power. Will it be enough for Melvin and Myran to discover and disrupt the plans of the mysterious organization disappearing people and find a way to bring them back?”

And here’s what writer Jordan Clark had to say:

“As Black history is literally being erased all around us, Ancestral Recall feels like an urgent call to not just preserve it but celebrate the links between our past present and future. Melvin’s journey takes readers through time and space and introduces them to figures who are rarely seen in history books such as Jean-Louis Michel, the greatest swordsman of the 17th century and Cheryl Linn Glass, the first Black woman race car driver. The series is my love letter to those who paved the way and hopefully an affirmation for us here in the now.”

series editor Sarah Litt added:

“Ancestral Recall is one part Everything Everywhere All At Once and one part Don Quixote. And it’s two parts funny. Jordan and Atagun have created a surreal, mystical, charming powerhouse of a comic that will make you laugh, cry, travel through time, and reckon with the power of Black history in each stunning panel.”