Advance Review — ‘The Odyssey’ #1 Cleverly Sets The Classic Epic In Outer Space
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
There’s a reason that Homer’s The Odyssey remains a classic 2800 years after it was written. Not only does the story stand the test of time, but it’s also infinitely adaptable — even if it’s set in space. Throw in some stunning artwork, and you have a great start to an epic story.
Overall
9/10If in space, no one can hear you scream, are the Sirens going to be much of a threat?
Ahhh, but that would be getting ahead of the story.
Over the course of nearly three millennia, Homer’s The Odyssey has been adapted into countless media, including literal versions like the upcoming Christopher Nolan film, the Coen brothers’ feature O Brother, Where Art Thou?, a symphony, a ballet, and even an opera.
Now writer Bruno Catarino is setting the story of Odysseus in outer space. If the first issue of this epic is any indication, it largely works. All the familiar elements are there. Despite its impregnable walls, Troy has fallen. Replacing the city-state’s physical walls is a planetary force field. The Trojan Horse is a spaceship. Ultimately though, those details don’t matter as much as Homer’s original story. And Catarino clearly respects the source material.
This first issue, which is being offered through a crowdfunding campaign launching May 26th that splits its time between following Odysseus’ exploits during the Trojan war and his son Telemachus, who is looking for his father in the vastness of space. Telemachus’ mother is being pressured to marry one of her many suitors who are looking to take control of the planet Ithica. Even in space, it seems, women aren’t trusted with power.
The other star of this story is Erwin J. Arroza’s artwork. Each page is a painted piece of art. Arroza’s painted double-page spreads are stunning, whether they depict a planetary blockade or the ensuing invasion. And Catarino knows enough about storytelling to pull back on the script at certain points to allow Arroza’s work to stand on its own.
This premiere issue is a strong one. But The Odyssey is an epic story — meaning it’s long and involved. The creative team has its work cut out for it to keep up the momentum (and the crowdfunding) for the next several chapters. Still, if this initial work is any indication, it’s a story worth telling, no matter where it’s set.
The Odyssey #1 — written by Bruno Catarino, illustrated by Erwin J. Arroza, and lettered by Matias Zanetti – is expected to be available following a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.
