Review: Samsara Vol 1: A War Within
How about a comic that is described as a cross between Avatar the Last Airbender and Kingdom of Heaven? A story that is an exploration of religion and its power to shape and be shaped by those in power? A story with demons, gods and magic? If that's what you're after, then Samsara Vol 1: A War Within by Shriram Swaminathan, John Henry Esteban and Mariam Yasser Farouck could be what you need in your life.
Arya is in the midst of a holy war. The Gurkhan Empire rules the north, converting or executing those who refuse to submit to their god. Rebellions in the south have their own vision for a free Arya. Caught in the middle is Lakshman, the World Serpent. After a massacre, he journeys to the Panchavati Forests, seeking a cure for his affliction. Can he reconnect with his faith in time to bring peace before chaos reigns in both mortal and heavenly realms?
Starting with the artwork, John Henry Esteban has a nice style that focuses on capturing vivid facial expressions. Although they may seem exaggerated at times, they effectively convey the emotions of the characters in a comic. Esteban's artwork is full of intricate details which showcase his talent.
I particularly like the shift in style at times. The detailed, expressive panels are used regularly and look great. Yet there are also panels that look rushed and rough and are used to emphasise a character's speed and fluid motion. This contrast between the two styles creates a dynamic visual experience that adds depth and complexity to the artwork.
Mariam Yasser Farouck colours the book and does a great job bringing magic to life. The colours she uses perfectly match the story's mood, helping to immersive you into the story. There's attention to detail in colouring, and this is the kind of story where colouring skills are put to the test with a wide range of scenarios and colour palettes to use.
In terms of the story, Shriram Swaminathan does an excellent job of weaving together a captivating narrative that takes us on a journey around the world to meet different factions and characters all with different motivations. Each group is unique and exciting, incorporating both familiar and unexpected elements. The internal struggles and conflicts within each group add depth and complexity to the overall world-building.
The story also features demons, magic, and other mystical/magical powers. The demonic side adds a dark and sinister touch to the narrative, and the origins and sources of their power are intricately linked to the larger world at play. There are numerous factions and characters to keep track of, but despite this, the storytelling remains well-crafted, enabling the reader to engage with the story and its world fully. We're one volume in, and this already feels like it'll be an epic saga spanning many volumes.
Swaminathan also letters and, for the most part, does a great job. There's a particular font used near the end that is the same as the text on the cover, though that isn't the easiest to read. It looks cool but is not very accessible.
Overall, Samsara Vol 1: A War Within is an impressive start to this saga. It blends mysticism, superpowers, and religious elements seamlessly into the story. The religious aspect of the tale, combined with themes of conquest and exploration, plays a significant role, and I found myself engrossed in the broader aspects of the narrative. It's another comic series that Markosia are surely proud to have on their books, and one that I can't wait to see where it goes - and how long this will be because the scope of this is massive, and I'm here for it.
Rating: 4/5
If you want a copy, head over to the Markosia website, where there are numerous links to where you can grab yourself the exciting beginning of this epic tale.
