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CANTO #1: Clock the Will to Survive

8.2/10

CANTO #1

Artist(s): Drew Zucker

Colorist(s): Vittorio Astone

Letterer: Deron Bennett

Publisher: IDW

Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Mystery, Romance, Sword and Sorcery

Published Date: 06/26/2019

Recap

From the writer and co-creator of comic books, such as; “Powerless” and “Alien Bounty Hunter”, David Booher and now with co-creator Drew Zucker bring us a fantastic tale of love and adventure in Canto. This is a new all-ages tale where fantasy, steampunk and fairy tales collide. Inspired by Labyrinth, NeverEnding Story and Dante’s Inferno to Dark Crystal, and of course Wizard of Oz.

Canto’s adventure begins!

Review

Often at times, when we notice a new comic book series and that “#1”, it’s like candy to our imagination. Then at the same time, we are apprehensive to pay the piper, because the music may not hit our soul. CANTO #1 is a worthy beat and the sugar that excites our imagination.

Immediately, after the first few pages, I was in love with this classic-like fairy tail. This is a fantasy story where one unique Knight saving the princess, but also so much more with cruel treatment for controlling the slaves. Canto is about helping others no matter how miserable times seem, there’s always a little bit of light in the dark. The tin people are slaves to this world and have no real knowledge of anything. These slave-people are not allowed to have names, tell stories, or have romantic relationships. A typical political bully tactic to keep the people, slaves in this case, in line. Canto defies his people’s masters.

Not only that Canto has a name, he “knows” that his masters are wrong. How can Canto fall in love with a tin girl, if his masters are not fallacious? The story continues with the death of a friend and the furnace is not an acceptable means of burial! Shortly afterwards, Canto’s girlfriend’s ticker is damaged. Her clock is beyond the Elder’s ability to repair. Canto must go on a dangerous quest to bring her a heart and save her life. This journey leads him to monstrous creatures, but are they allies or foes?

Canto’s adventure begins! He is that hero that is needed so save a life. Canto is willing to seek through the unknown territory, face the danger of the unknown, and fight any evil supernatural or non-tin man creature that challenges his will to succeed. There are limitless possibilities for what lies ahead for Canto’s journey.

David M. Booher is building a complex world to serve Canto’s story. It’s clear that there is much more in store for this story. We are not only intrigued by the plot, we are falling in love with Arcana, its people, and the world yet to be explored by Canto. Booher has created a new world for our imagination with cultivating ideas, particularly for each setting. Thus far, we have seen a clear vision of Arcana. Booher strategically places some social classes, which makes this fictional place feel realistic. The captivating characters, the personifying ideas that entice us to believe it, there is no denying that Booher carefully took the time to consider how many carrots to place in the first issue.

Drew Zucker and Vittorio Astone show that they are a perfect fit for Booher’s Canto story line. From the first page to the last, this team captured the essence of the land of Arcana, the small tin-people, and the beasts of the land. The artwork and coloring is absolutely eye catching, especially the dark and creepy beasts.

I just wish there were more action scenes. However, whipping the slaves and the intense feeling when Canto was surrounded by the hellhound-looking Malorex were just enough for the first issue.

Promising notification: the publisher, IDW, shared on Twitter and other social media some awesome news just one week after the release date!

Final Thoughts

A solid start to a dark and magical story with a sense of hope and will. I’m ready for the next issue to learn Canto’s discoveries as his journey continues.

CANTO #1: Clock the Will to Survive
  • Writing - 9/10
    9/10
  • Storyline - 8.5/10
    8.5/10
  • Art - 8/10
    8/10
  • Color - 8/10
    8/10
  • Cover Art - 7.5/10
    7.5/10
8.2/10
User Review
5 (1 vote)
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