Marassa’s Opening Issues Set Up a Promising Epic Black Space Opera

Writer: Greg Anderson Elysee / Artist: Antonello Cosentino / Evoluzione Publishing You see, for me, one of the most important parts of any sci-fi is the world-building and the characters. What does your vision of the far future look like? It’s got aliens? Cool, cool. Space pirates? Okay, dope. I’m digging that. A cast of mostly black and other characters of color, all unique from one another, embroiled in a mystery and the beginnings of an epic space adventure. Oh, yes. I’ll have some of that. Marassa by Greg Elysee and Antonello Cosentino sets up a universe full of badass space pirates, unique futuristic technology, and humans coexisting with all manner of aliens. It’s pretty much your standard affair when it comes to sci-fi tropes. However, what sets it apart is its cast of mostly POC characters and the tone it brings to the genre. From the characters to the setting and plot, everything just feels different.

The way characters talk, the crazy wooden technology, the worlds we see and even the designs of the aliens feel inspired by a touch of black culture. It’s not exactly revolutionary when it comes to sci-fi but there is enough style held together by a strong plot to keep us wanting more. If the opening issues are anything to go by, Marassa does everything right, making it the start of a great black space opera. Where the Journey Begins The story follows twins Mara and her brother, Sa. Mara is a former pirate, living the life of luxury in what I can only describe as futur…