The Traveller, Reviewed. Sci-fi Alt-History Wrapped in Steampunk Aesthetics.

by Joe Thompson
4th March, 2020
5 minutes

The Traveller cover

How about some sci-fi alt-history wrapped in steampunk aesthetics? Neil Gibson, Tasos Anastasiades, Jan Wijngaard and Hass Otsmane-Elhaou have you covered with the altogether surprising The Traveller.

Exploring a very interesting thought experiment through the ideally suited medium of sci-fi. Tpub comics delivers, a certainly not run of the mill, steampunk adventure story. I feel science fiction as a storytelling narrative can be most inspired in the “what if?” framework. These stories tend to take well-known events and flit along the lines of logical fantasy and alternative history which can allow when done well a story full of surprises. The Traveller written by Neil Gibson, illustrated by Tasos Anastasiades, coloured by Jan Wijngaard and lettered by Hass Otsmane-Elhaou hits all the right marks. Even managing to throw in some big philosophical questions and political commentary. We will get to that later though.

So for continuity sake, let’s start with the art. Tasos, Jan and Hass create a very pleasing example of complimentary, synchronous art. Tasos holds a wholly unique style and offers some stunning panels - in particular his approach to the more violent and visceral moments. His set designs truly stand out also, being absolutely stunning while giving great weight to the story in its world-building. The character designs work wonderfully with emotions being particularly well-formed. Tasos interpretations of the sci-fi elements also provide some of the more stand out panels, with the steampunk aesthetic working subtly and practically, solidifying and breathing more life into the presented world. Jans colours really emphasise all the best parts of this art while also serving the narrative drive expertly. The lighting work also stands out as being just as accomplished. With Hass sewing up the beauty of this art with superb lettering. Altogether it is an excellent complement and ideal foundation for a good story, which is where Neil Gibson offers an increasingly surprising one.

Neils story at face value is a steampunk, science-fiction, adventure based around the central character Ioseb. Through the narrative device of a letter he is writing, we learn Ioseb is a troubled man. The son of a Russian Empire soldier killed in action and a mother who drank herself into oblivion following his death. Ioseb found himself tending to a diseased flock with no future to live for. On the edge of oblivion himself, Ioseb has a chance encounter with a stranger, that not only saves his life but literally and figuratively hands him a new start. The encounter leads Ioseb into an adventure that comes with emotional and physical consequences. With the emotional being catalyst for the narrative letter which combined with the physical pushes our lead into one more journey to save the life he was so prepared to end. This is the basic introduction that leads to the first act where the story sets itself as one of a man trying to keep his life, long enough to define it. Caught between people's ideologies, fueled by an unequivocal need to be a man of action and purpose with a pinch of a guilt trip Ioseb begins his “hero’s” journey.

The Traveller preview 1

It’s a story that at its core is asking just how far is one person willing to go to do what they believe in, while fully exploring the what, whos and whys aspects of this theme. What is the responsibility of the individual? Who if anyone should take responsibility for the larger population? What cost do such responsibilities come with? What is the practicality of action? Finally, why would one individual take on such responsibilities? There are also small bread crumbs exploring aspects of mental health, the power of thought, relationships of the individuals and of the individual to the state. Along with this, there are big theme questions around political ideology and governments power musings.

There is, I feel, a superb commentary on the nature of oppression and its definition. It is not inaccessible or solely deep thought philosophy, however. Tasos steampunk aesthetic is bolstered by some more entertaining bread crumbs with nonchalant references to available technology. My particular favourite is “it looks like it’s just cancer.” There’s something quite poetic about that “just cancer”. Neils story also explores a particularly interesting thought experiment which to define any further may spoil some of the biggest surprises this story has to offer. That is as much as should be known, I feel, for you to enjoy this comic. It is at its most entertaining on its first read blind as possible to any further notes. There is still plenty of readability, especially with those bread crumbs but it is certainly more impactful the first time around. The Traveller is a great comic delivering a surprise-filled story with some deep philosophical pondering packaged in a fun sci-fi steampunk adventure. To grab your copy head to Tpubs website www.tpub.co.uk which is chock full of other great titles. For the final review score, scroll straight to the bottom but just in case you’d like a bit more in-depth I offer a bit more review, with potential spoiler-ish content. Only because that thought experiment and some other key story points are worth further exploration.

The Traveller preview 2

!?!# WARNING POTENTIAL SPOILER EXPLORATION SCROLL PAST TO MORE BOLD FOR REVIEW FIGURE #!?!

 

As mentioned earlier this is a story about a man finding new purpose and meaning in life. This is instigated by the interaction with a traveller. The item he “acquired” from this event is the main sci-fi element. We’re talking time and or dimension-hopping fun. Equally as interesting I find is that the positioning of this item is (or at least it intended to be) a fun first easter egg clue to the story's biggest surprise. I believe the history and political buffs will be able to piece together the subtle nods towards Iosebs identity. Regardless, it is very clever storytelling that gives rise to the thought experiment I keep alluding to. So the thought experiment I see goes like this. What if a figure of significance from historys reign of power originated or was informed from a much more interesting place? What if the individual acted more this way because…? From a standard narrative point of view, the questions are merely a great vehicle to have deep philosophy in the plot and throw in a big twist. However, it adds an extra narrative about influence and reasoning. This leads me to another spoiler-ish factor regarding the “travellers” and their technology, perhaps giving physical forms to fate? Perhaps offering blame for atrocities elsewhere? Most likely just a fun sci-fi way to neatly tie up the story. Either way, it's the things that this comic had me thinking and feeling. So please if it sounds intriguing, go see for yourself.

 

!?!# HOPEFULLY ENOUGH SPACE TO HIDE SPOILERS CREATED #!?!

Review score: 4.5/5

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