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Kate Kasenow recommends

Southern Cross #1

In just one issue, Southern Cross has already established itself as a deeply engaging mystery on the precipice of the cosmic horror genre. Though the origins of the genre can be traced back hundreds of years, newer stories such as this take on its themes and reinvigorate them with an intriguing cast of characters as well as a fresh perspective on the nature of fear itself.

Writer Becky Cloonan (beckycloonan) sets up this issue much like a puzzle: the pieces are laid out before us and carefully examined through the lens of our protagonist Alex Braith; the edges of the story are constructed, leading us closer and closer to the mystery surrounding the death of Alex’s sister; by the end of the issue, we are given just a taste of the full picture. Already, the story starts to transform itself from the preconceived notions that readers might have developed as the issue began. If there is one thing I can say now for sure, it’s that this is going to be one fascinating ride. Much of the credit for the ominous tone of this issue is due to the art and color team of Andy Belanger and Lee Loughridge. In order to match the creeping subtlety of Cloonan’s work, Belanger has pushed forward the dark details in every scene while Loughridge’s desaturated palette sets the tone for the entire world this team has created.

Space may very well be the final frontier, but Southern Cross exposes the danger of its mysteries.

[Read Southern Cross #1 on comiXology]

Kate Kasenow is a comics artist from Indiana currently living in Manhattan. She works at ComiXology as a Lead Digital Editor and spends most of her spare time re-reading J. R. R. Tolkien.