Amala's Blade #1

When you crack open Amala’s Blade #1, the very first thing that greets you is a map of Naamaron, the land where the comic takes place. It’s a simple inclusion that speaks volumes about the events that are about to unfold. Why? Because if fantasy novels have taught us anything, it’s that maps equal epic quests and epic quest are totally awesome. Even better than the map itself, is the fact that Amala’s Blade is on the right path towards its own epic-ness.

Dark Horse is toting the book as spiritual companion to Avatar: The Last Airbender which accurately sums up the book’s tone.  There’s the reluctant hero, technology vs. nature and some great over-the-top fantasy inspired art. Amala’s Blade tells the tale of Amala, the self-professed greatest assassin in all the land and our titular hero. There’s just one problem; she’s haunted by pesky ghosts who don’t understand the meaning of the word ‘stealth’. Due to her new found notoriety brought forth from her last mission, Amala’s life is turned upside down when she takes on an apparent suicide mission at the behest of the Vizier, the books mega-fat and powerful big baddie (not to mention a great tongue-in-cheek reference to Frank Herbert’s Dune).

While the story hits the standard adventure plot points, Steve Horton and Michael Dialynas have successfully created a wonderfully fleshed out world. Naamaron is just emerging from a civil war between the Purifiers, self-made people powered by steam, and the Modifiers, those who worship technology. The separate factions and their life choices lead to some excellent character design and creative twists. Amala herself is turning out to be a great character. Smarmy, with the perfect amount of warmth, she makes the story accessible and more importantly, fun.

The art is gorgeous as well with Dialynas taking on full duties. The book is colourful and subtly violent. It’s this playfulness in the art that makes the spurts of violence stand out. A carefully placed knife amidst a raging inferno goes a long way.  From the burning down of the dive bar in the opening act, to Amala’s home town training, each scene is uniquely coloured which makes the set-pieces stand out. I for one look forward to exploring this world as the series unfolds towards greater things.

Amala’s Blade #1 is the start of a grand adventure that the reader will have no problem embarking upon. Whimsical and fun, Horton and Dialynas have laid the ground work for an epic series. Let’s hope that the fun continues as the stakes begin to rise for the next issue.

Amala’s Blade #1 (of 4)

Script & Lettering: Steve Horton

Art & Colouring: Michael Dialynas

Cover(s): Guy Davis with Dave Stewart