Vessels – Comic Review
Vessels is the second series from Card Shark Comics and writer Dave Cook (Killtopia). It’s a dark fantasy set in a world that’s a peculiar mix of mediaeval and magic.
The story centres on Wake, a warrior who is being pursued a destructive force that she is inextricably linked with. When captured and brought to a city that worships the Eye-God she meets Marillon the thief and G’Dala, a Mind Keeper. Mind Keepers have the ability to exist in both the “real” world, and the world of the Veil, where dreams are reality.
Vessels is nothing if not a wild, mind-bending ride. As Wake, Marillon and G’Dala journey out from the city of Stratum to find a way to defeat the Eye-God they encounter The Vessels. These 5 warriors, based on the 5 senses, aim to stop Wake from achieving her goal.
Vessels
I feel like I discovered this series pretty late as it’s just released its 3rd issue (although it’s apparently set for 10 so not THAT late). What grabbed me was an image I saw on Twitter of the cover for #2. Marillon (who I am adamant should be played by Strike Back‘s Alin Sumarwata should this ever get made into a movie/tv show) astride a spectral wolf. I mean…
Urge to cosplay rising…
That alone piqued my interest enough to want to read the series and find out who she was. I quickly binged the first 2 on the Comichaus app and then snapped up #3.
I love the art of Vessels. The mix of what I’d say are fairly traditional fantasy elements – castles, swords and axes, burning torches – and the elements drawn from The Veil – mailboxes, contemporary clothing and even an electric guitar.
There has been a change of artist for #3, with Edward Bentley taking over from Rafael Desquitado Jr. I feel like the character design has become a little more streamlined, which is a change for the better. Particularly with Marillon and G’Dala.
Mind Keeping or Mind Bending?
One of the skills of the Mind Keepers, such as G’Dala, is the ability to see into, and interpret the Veil. When we first encounter him and his master Orall, they talk of the Jung that exist in that place between worlds. Now I’m guessing that this is a reference to Carl Jung, the psychiatrist, and his theory of the collective unconscious. I am really intrigued by this. Is that what allows Wake and others to bring forth things from a world totally unlike their own?
I have a feeling both the Vessels and the Jung are going to play important parts in the story to come.
If you want to check out Vessels for yourself you can buy #1&2 on the Card Shark Comics store or they are available via the Comichaus app. Issue #3 will be joining them soon.
