Review: Another Space #1
How about some sci-fi of a rag-tag crew being thrown together for a mission to investigate a mysterious signal set in the universe of TTRPG, What's Old is New by En Publishing, in some raw underground comix edged art? Well, the good people at Dicepool Party have published Another Space by C.J Durbin and J.R Turvey.
C.J Durbin or Chris "RelentlessFish" Durbin is a writer, musician and Dicepool collaborator. Another Space is his comic writing debut, but his eclectic mix of experimental music can be found on YouTube and Bandcamp.
J.R Turvey is a creator, writer, artist and founder/figurehead of Dicepool Party. Previous work includes flagship comic series The Embodied, the story of superpowered teens sent undercover in a school to solve the mystery of 100 Degrees. Dicepool Party is a really interesting group dedicated to escapism through creating exciting comics and developing board games and RPGs. Their mission is beautiful, so check them out. Right, on with the review.
So, let’s start with the art. J.R Turvey presents some raw art with an underground comix feel to it. The character studies, although rough in places, have some great detail and fun design choices. Speaking of fun choices, a big highlight for me was the chuckle-inducing CopyCat ship design, which I felt was particularly inspired.
The colour work here is pretty strong throughout as well, with some nice highlighting work. I do feel the art perhaps suffers in places for being too busy, where a less is more approach might elevate the art on offer. It's fun art that serves its purpose with clear and boldly presented visual storytelling. With the art addressed, what about the story?
Another Space has a strong story. C.J Durbin and J.R Turvey, with a little character help from Josh Eaten and Darren James, have created an opening chapter of an intriguing and fun affair. Another Space is a typical tale of a rag-tag group of individuals being thrown together for a mission of mystery. It's a strong cast of characters weighted towards the less likeable spectrum of anti-heroes, with a bigoted hot-head pilot, entitled dynasty wannabe captain, out of their depth, sad past security and barkeep with a mysterious past and a dislike for bullies.
These half likeable rogues are really well written. In fact, all the characters offered here stand out as being fully rounded out conceptually, the drink-quaffing captain standing out for hitting all the notes of hard-drinking higher-ups. There's a really nice balance of trope hugging individuality on offer. The other fine balance drawn here is of light-hearted comedy, some dry, some slapstick and some inventive visuals that all good sci-fi comedies manage.
As someone with no knowledge of the What's Old Is New TTRPG and with it being referenced on the comics opening title page I was worried that there could be a delude of inside references and jokes I completely miss, there may well have been, however I feel a lack of knowledge there really didn't detract from the story. Indeed, it seemed more like a utilisation of races, species and existing parameters to sandbox these characters. I also felt the biggest signification of the connection to What's Old Is New is from a character development perspective. This level of complete character persona in the main cast feels adjacent to TTRPG creations with that same level of carefully thought-out character quirks and voice that comes from experienced gamers. Whatever the root, the result is an entertaining read that deserves a vehicle to be fully explored. Instantly investable characters in character-driven storytelling.
For fans of sci-fi, What's Old Is New from En Publishing, strong characters, space unions, sort of likeable rogues, heart shaped birthmark or tattooed faced bartenders with a mysterious slave based background who clearly have a rich past that may prove t make them the most likeable character although there’s clearly sadness to the security guard even if their inept, cat shaped ships, say that three times fast, drinking and door locks in art to get the job done recruit a copy of Another Space.
To get your copy of this new series, you should go to the Dicepool Party website here. The team has a great message, and you'll be able to learn more about them there. You can also check out flagship series The Embodied.
Review: 3.8/5 For story and heart of the team
