Edgeworld #1: Old and Familiar and Wonderful

Anytime a science fiction series debuts, there are the inevitable comparisons to pre-existing universe. With Edgeworld, the first obvious comparison is Joss Whedon’s Firefly  even though the central premise of Edgeworld is that it is localized to a single planet–Pala. The western elements will obviously be a barrier to some readers searching for a story more similar to Firefly or looking for a more purist form of SF but Edgeworld is very much its own new narrative landscape.

Edgeworld, thus far, spares no notion of “adult” expense, diving directly in to world where sex is frequently not taboo, particularly to the native Palans. The sex between the protagonist, Killian and his paramour is neither violent nor passive, giving the series a direct comparison the currently running Lovecraft Country.  The intent is, of course, unknown, but the parralls are worth noting regardless. Knowing Austen, the sense of freedom to move about in a Mature Reader title should be interesting to observe after years of restraint in the realm of “family friendly” comics and cartoons.

At the end of the day, Edgeworld #1 provides a cursory albeit perhaps important look into colonised communities (the Palans are a clear and direct colonial situation) and setting up a series that has infinite possibilities to explore a great many thematics moving forward! I don’t know where this book is going but I’m definitely on board for the ride.