GEL #1 Review

Writer: Andrew Sebastian Kwan / Artist: Sebastian Kwan / A.K. Komix From the get go I was intrigued to buy this comic on the grounds of  1) possible badass female character on the cover in a non-hyper-sexualized pose, and 2) realizing that this story takes back in a post-apocalyptic future. The first page opens to this black page with these vaguely bleak words:

We’re treated to a beautiful headshot and gunbattle that introduces us to Sera, a young woman with great aim and a reckless but determined spirit that has more than likely helped her survive this far. She’s on her own and not afraid to be. I wonder what her story is: Who is she? Where are her people? Upon disposing of her pursuers, a map from one of them reveals that a settlement is somewhere nearby and she takes off to it. Whether it’s a paradise or a deathtrap, she doesn’t know but is willing to take a look as she’s surrounded by wasteland and dead bodies.

It’s here we meet the  other central character in the story, the proverbially unmovable rock to the unstoppable force that is Sera’s character. Lastly, we come back to The Rose, a place of refuge, perhaps a sanctuary of sorts, a town closely guarded with one man seemingly in charge. He is referred to with the utmost respect, sits diligently on watch with a unique mask covering his face. When he stands, he is tall, scarred, and menacing with an appearance instantly reminding me of a favorite comic book villain who takes pleasure in breaking backs. Yet he rises to …