Review: Kingdom United: Clean Up London #1
If you're seeking a fresh perspective on dystopian fiction in comic form, Kingdom United: Clean Up London #1 may be exactly what you need. The latest work by Henry Chebaane begins a new series set in a near-future London, featuring a diverse cast of characters looking to clean up London. This is the start of a four-issue self-contained story that is scheduled to be published quarterly.
The first issue of 'Clean-up London' includes the initial two chapters of the series, featuring cover and artwork (chapter 1) by Fabio Jacomelli and illustrations (chapter 2) by Marika Cresta. Vittorio Astone provides the colours for all eight chapters.
Kingdom United is a blend of action, thriller, and family drama that follows Neeta Rao, a botanist skilled in combat. She faces the dilemma of either being a devoted daughter and ideal citizen or transforming the family's cleaning service into a covert vigilante group to protect her community. The streets of London are descending into chaos, and they need cleaning up in more ways than one.
The artwork in this comic is impressive, as Fabio Jacomelli and Marika Cresta skillfully bring Chebaane's vision to life with stunning detail and dynamic compositions. The fight scenes are particularly notable, feeling as realistic as possible in comic form. The action sequences are fluid and intense, immersing you in the battles, which are the artistic highlights of the story. Additionally, both artists beautifully depict London, with intricately detailed background buildings - there's real intricacy with things like brickwork that help immerse you into the world.
The transition with artists between chapters is smooth, thanks to the consistent styles used throughout. The same colourist, Vittorio Astone, contributes to this uniformity from beginning to end. The shading and highlights are beautifully executed, creating textures that make the illustrations almost tactile.
The story by Henry Chebaane immerses us in a dystopian London, where the city grapples with chaos. Prisons are overcrowded, authorities are in disarray, and questionable property developments are transforming the city into hazardous construction sites. Gangs are terrorizing the streets of the capital. Chebaane's writing is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of London on the brink of collapse. It might even feel alarmingly close to the concerns we have about what our country could become if we are not careful.
The plot is intricately crafted, with each page unveiling new layers of intrigue and suspense. The dialogue is sharp and natural, effectively capturing the essence of each character's personality and motivations, and the building conflict between Neeta and her brother is going to add a whole other dimension to her increasing problems.
If you enjoy dystopian fiction filled with rich characters, stunning artwork, and plenty of action, then Kingdom United: Clean Up London #1 is a comic series that you need to check out. This series explores themes of resilience, unity, and survival in a divided society. Chebaane skillfully weaves these elements into a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The story makes you reflect on the potential extremes of our own society that we hope to avoid, making it an impactful and memorable read. If you want to grab yourself a copy, you can head over to Etsy, where it's available for £12.99 with free delivery.
Rating: 4/5
